Towing - It's a business, not a social service

I think some people in the industry are getting confused. Towing is a business, not a social service, and industry groups need to stay focused on business issues. A healthy bottom line would work wonders to solving almost all of the problems towers now face.

With the pressure of fuel prices some towers are starting to talk about starting a "movement". Motor clubs are "abusing" towers and not paying profitable rates. Municipalities are not adjusting their regulated rates. National action is needed to correct these injustices!

National action is needed. Towers need to start repairing their image as it has been altered by club interference (middlemen) in our relationship with our customers. Fast service is available just around the corner - but not via that 800 number and a dispatcher in India. Well paid towers can be clean and presentable, and they can be available to fully help a customer with their automotive problems.

Nationwide, education is available to help tow companies learn more about good business practices, but oddly, not through our industry. We need change our culture, or group consciousness, and move the industry discussion toward how can we be better business people. Return on investment, living wages, depreciation and other not so uncommon phrases need to become part of our discussions, and would have significant effects on concerns over safety and regulation. The discussion needs to move away from, "How little can I charge and still make a profit?" and move toward, "What is the most I can charge, so I can get the best return on my investments?"

Good service isn't cheap service, and towing definitely isn't a social service. We are businessmen (and women). Let's act businesslike, it would be good for us.