What if a single choice—choosing grace—could change the way we work the white line? We open with a raw reflection on public grief, forgiveness, and the quiet power of listening, then connect those values to the most practical lever we have: training that sticks under pressure. From youth engagement and more honest speech to concrete drills in brush-filled gravel pits, we explore how character and skill reinforce each other when the scene gets loud and the angles matter.

We welcome back owner-operator Michael Lard, who walks us through building an effective learning environment: partnering with a fire department for a professional classroom, then moving to field scenarios that mimic true recoveries—uneven ground, tall weeds, limited sightlines, and all. Michael explains why light-duty fundamentals scale to rotators and heavy-duty jobs, and why he often hires “green” talent to cultivate clean habits from day one. We get into the math beneath the muscle—rigging choices, load paths, and anchor strategies—while acknowledging the human side: humility beats bravado, and teachability can save a career.

There’s also a look at the ecosystem that makes operators better. Cross-training with fire teams tightens command handoffs and reduces chaos at scenes. Neighboring companies that cooperate during peak demand or holidays build resilience without sacrificing service. And yes—investing in classes and certifications for light, heavy, electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles pays off in fewer incidents, stronger retention, and a culture people want to join. We close with upcoming training dates and a reminder that your voice shapes this show: subscribe, share, and tell us who you want to hear next. If this conversation pushed you to rethink how you lead—or how you learn—drop a review and tag a teammate who should be in the next class.

What does it take to transform an entire industry through education? For Wes Wilburn, approaching his 1,000th towing and recovery training class, the answer lies in a philosophy borrowed from DJ Harrington C A N I – constant and never-ending improvement.

Since 1993, Wes has dedicated his life to elevating the towing profession through education that goes far beyond technical skills. As he shares his journey with hosts DJ Harrington and April Wilburn, we witness the evolution of an industry through the eyes of someone who has helped shape its modern practices. From the early days of basic recovery techniques to today's complex challenges with electric vehicles, Wes has adapted his teaching to ensure operators can safely handle whatever comes their way.

"My job in that classroom is not to tell people what to think," Wes explains. "My job is to give people things to think about they can take and apply in their own world." This approach has touched countless lives – many in ways that can never be measured. When operators apply proper techniques on dangerous roadways, they return home safely to their families, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.

The conversation also shines light on the industry's unsung heroes, particularly women leaders like Ruthie Landau and Gay Rochester who work tirelessly behind the scenes organizing events and fundraising. We learn about state associations that maintain injured drivers funds to support operators during times of need, highlighting the tight-knit community that defines this profession.

As Wes approaches his milestone 1,000th class, his mantra remains unchanged: "Develop from within so you never go without." Whether you're a seasoned recovery specialist or simply curious about the people who rescue you during roadside emergencies, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of an essential yet often overlooked industry. Subscribe now to join the over 20,000 listeners who make Towing News Now their trusted source for industry insights.

Discover the revolutionary approach that's transforming the towing industry as Megan Bruns, Marketing Director at Cardinal Legacy Towing Group, shares how putting people first has created an empire of 200+ vehicles and happy, committed employees.

The cornerstone of their success? Treating tow operators as the first responders they truly are. While many towing companies struggle with employee retention and satisfaction, Cardinal Legacy has implemented concrete, effective strategies that benefit everyone. By virtually eliminating on-call shifts, they've removed one of the industry's most challenging aspects, allowing drivers to maintain healthy work-life balance and plan family activities without interruption.

Every driver receives their own dedicated truck—a simple policy with profound effects on pride, maintenance, and operational efficiency. Clear career paths provide structured advancement from light duty to specialized recovery roles through comprehensive training programs. When consolidating with other towing operations, they maintain original company identities while enhancing employee benefits, preserving both business value and human connections.

"Teamwork makes the dream work" isn't just a catchphrase here; it's evident in their comprehensive benefits package, recognition programs, and community involvement. As Megan explains, drivers who might resist routine midnight calls will "throw their cape on" for significant incidents—enthusiasm that speaks volumes about their pride and ownership in their work.

The partnership between Cardinal Legacy and the American Towing Recovery Institute represents a shared vision for the industry's future: professional, people-centered, and progressive. For towing company owners seeking improved retention, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, this episode provides a masterclass in building an organization where both employees and customers thrive.

Ready to transform your towing operation? Listen now and discover how putting people first creates success for everyone involved.