FLORIDA COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Stepp’s Towing and TransportationService is one of the finest examples of smallbusiness success in the towing industry. Thecompany’s widespread success, however,couldn’t have come about without smartbusiness moves, good service and customerloyalty. Owner Jim Stepp was able to succeedat these things.

But the road to get there was long andhard, and when Jim bought his first towtruck, a one-ton Chevy with a Holmes 500, atage 24 to help transport his customers backand forth from the service station he ownedand operated, he was just beginning to real-ize his dream.

“My dad was good friends with OscarWeeks from Weeks Equipment Corporation,and he bought that first truck from Oscar for$5,472,” says Todd Stepp, son of Jim andpresident of Stepp’s Towing. “He paid $572down and financed $4,900 for it at $165 permonth for 36 months.”

Eventually, Stepp’s Towing Service blos-somed from the service station work and thatfirst tow truck, and the first location openedits doors on June 15, 1960.

“Every time our customers grew, wewould grow with them,” says Todd. “As weneeded more trucks, we would keep buyingthem.”

Two years after Stepp’s opened, Jim metJudy. The two married and Todd was born in1969. For the first few years, Judy was ahomemaker while Jim continued to work atStepp’s Amoco Service, the station he owned.At the time, he had a manager runningStepp’s Towing Service.

In the late 70s, however, Jim developedthroat cancer, and because doctors said hecouldn’t be around the fumes anymore, hesold the station and put 100 percent of histime and money into the towing business.

Judy jumped in at that time, and to this dayshe continues to oversee accounts payable,accounts receivable and payroll.

Todd’s earliest memories are of that gasstation, where he would spend his time everyday after school and all summer long.

“Every day after school, my mom woulddrop me off at the station,” says Todd. “I wassmall, and I stuck to my dad like glue. As longas I can remember, I was riding with the guys.I thought I was the coolest kid at school whenthey would pick me up in a wrecker. I wouldspend all my time at the shop during sum-mers, too. I loved it, and I still do.”

As soon as Todd graduated from highschool, he went straight to driving a truck.But around 1989, Jim suffered a heart attack,so Todd hung up his driver’s cap and startedmanaging their Hillsborough county office tohelp out. He eventually became president ofthe company.

Although Todd doesn’t drive a truckoften anymore, he still has his favorite.

“The rotator is probably my favoritepiece of equipment because every time weget a call for it it’s always challenging, alwayssomething different,” says Todd.

Today, Jim is back at work, and he andson Todd share an office – although Todd’ssports a computer complete with big screen,and Jim’s desk does not.

“My dad’s old school,” Todd jokes. “Ibring the new technology into the business.”

But Todd says that he has learned every-thing he knows about the business from hisdad, making him the efficient leader of thecompany he is today.

“Now I oversee all the daily operationsof the company, oversee all of our managersand keep my dad alive,” laughs Todd. “I tryto take the headache off of him when I canso he can enjoy it, he’s 75 years old.”

Today the company has 10 locations infour counties: six locations in HillsboroughCounty, two in Pasco County, one in PolkCounty and one in Pinellas County. There arefour managers, who each oversee two orthree offices.

“Our managers have been with us a longtime, the longest being employed for some31 years now,” says Todd.

Treating and paying your employeeswell is one of the many smart businessmoves that makes Stepp’s such a success –and makes everyone feel like family. TheStepps also do a lot for their community.

“We donate to the Shriner’s, the local

Moffitt Cancer Center and Joshua House,”says Todd. “We help out the fire departmentby donating about 100 cars a year for themto use in their training, and we sponsor theirbanquets. We donate cars to the Monster Jamshows, we help raise awareness for breastcancer and we also help out the schools byparticipating in the S.A.D.D homecomingskit every year.”

The family is also involved in towing or-ganizations. Jim is one of the founding mem-bers of PWOF and TRAA, and Todd is pastarea chairman for PWOF. Judy is also afounding member of WTRAA.

As for Todd’s family life, he says he mixesit all together. Married for four years now towife Stephanie, who is the accounts receiv-able manager, Todd says his wife is very un-derstanding about the fast-paced andunexpected nature of his job.

“You never know who is going to call,”says Todd, who jokes that he has a blanketand pillow for his cell phone at night. “I’drather take a problem at 3 a.m. that I canhandle in two minutes, than put it off untilthe next day and waste half a day on it.”

Todd admits that he does have a greatmanagement staff, and a good office man-ager who handles most of the after-hourcalls.

For now though, the Stepps are wherethey want to be. After just celebrating 50years in service with a huge surprise partyat their main Tampa office on July 9 — aparty complete with a catered meal, liveband and tour of their state-of-the-artfacility — Todd and his family are focusingon their next big plan: the company isplanning to open a salvage yard at a brandnew location come January 1, 2011.

4718

Edg

ewat

er D

rive

Orla

ndo

FL

3280

440

7-29

6-33

16w

ww

.pw

of.o

rg

Oct

ob

er/N

ovem

ber

201

0

By: Mike Seamon

Seems like every day wehave a new rule. The federalgovernment just releasedthe final ruling on drug test-ing. Towing companies need

to be aware of the rules and, most impor-tantly, when the rules change. All compa-nies with vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVW andCDL-licensed drivers need to know therules for employers and employees.

Hours of Service, texting, FDOT over-weight permit and the Fair Labor StandardsAct are some of the major rules that PWOFdiscusses in Owner Only Meetings. Contactyour Regional Directors listed on the PWOFwebsite (www.pwof.org) for the location ofthe PWOF owner meetings in your sur-rounding area. These meetings are held indifferent areas across the state to allowowners to openly learn and discuss criticalrules and laws that need to be adhered to.

All towing companies in Florida needto know the rules to avoid lawyer’s fees andfines, but some only seek the informationafter it is too late.

The good news is that PWOF has the in-formation, forms and policies to help keepeveryone within the rules and out of court.

Check the PWOF website for informa-tion regarding DOT, legislation and industrynews. Some information will not be listedon the PWOF website but is available toowners upon request.

PWOF ELECTIONSThe elections for PWOF state Officers &

Directors (two-year terms) will take place atthe 2011 annual membership meeting inOrlando on January 22. These elections willbe held in conjunction with the quarterlyboard meeting.

The list of nominated PWOF memberswho wish to serve will be sent to all PWOFmembers in the form of a ballot to bemailed back to PWOF or presented in per-son at the annual meeting. The newly-elected officer terms begin April 18, 2011.

The process for elections of RegionalDirectors and Area Chairmen are as follows:The Regional Director will be nominatedand elected by fax. The Area Chairmen willbe elected at local meetings across the state.

Contact your Regional Director if youwould like to run for a position to serve onthe PWOF board and help make a differ-ence in Florida.

October/November 2010

By: Tara Young-McQuern

Owners: Jim and Judy SteppPresident:Todd SteppBusiness Started: June 15, 1960Locations: 10Employees: 180Fleet: over 165 trucksCompany Motto: “How much down

time can you afford?”Business Philosophy: “Hire good

people, pay them well, give good service, and people will stay with you.”

www.pwof.orgwww.floridatowshow.com

Not what we give, But what we share,For the gift without the giver is bare.

�

�

PROF

ESSION

AL W

RECK

ER OPE

RATO

RS OF FLOR

IDA

SERV

ING TH

E FLOR

IDA TO

WING INDU

STRY

SINCE

1977

SERV

ING TH

E FLOR

IDA TO

WING INDU

STRY

SINCE

1977

PROF

ESSION

AL W

RECK

ER OPE

RATO

RS OF FLOR

IDA

Join

your fe

llow

PW

OF m

ember

s

figh

ting fo

r Flo

rida’

s

towin

g in

dust

ry.

Bec

om

e a 36

5 Clu

b

mem

ber

today

.

We specialize in towing programs for all size fleets. • Call us today for a no-obligation quote.

At Gulf Coast Underwriters (GCU), we don’t want to be just your insurance agent. We want to be part ofyour team, taking the burdens and worries of insuring your company’s vehicles off your shoulders - givingyou more time to operate a successful towing company.

We offer several ways to save you time and money:• GCU represents many insurance companies therefore we provide several competitive quotesthrough one agent.

• We insure towers, body shops, service stations and provide workers comp programs• We review driver records and advise you accordingly.• We automatically cover newly-acquired vehicles.• We provide lightning fast issuance of certificates, ID cards and endorsements.• We offer safety programs to help you keep your drivers safe and your losses down.

Hook Up with Gulf Coast Underwriters Today.800.875.0154813.864.4428813.864.4429 Fax

Serving Florida towers since 1996.A proud member of PWOF since 1996.

Don’t buy your heavy-duty wreckers anywhere else.

We specialize in heavy-duty equipment. With our large selection

of NEW and USED heavy-duty wreckers, we have a unitfor every towing company in the Sunshine State, no matterwhat you’re towing or recovering.

Stop by and check outour wide range of equipment:

751 Jetstream Drive, Suite 104Orlando, Florida 32824

Or call and talk to any of our sales reps

407.438.4160or 800.628.5212

Financing Available. Low Rates. Best Heavy-Duty Selection in the State.Full Service Shop – Sales, Parts, Service, Installation. Full Line of Accessories.

Authorized SP Dealer. Large Selection of Auto Loaders.

MEET FLORIDA’SHEAVY-DUTY EXPERTS

www.crouchtowtrucks.com

• Commercial Property

• General Liability

• Garage Operations

• Auto Transporters(tractor trailers with cargo)

In ADDITION to theCOMPLETE TOWING PACKAGE, ATIG also offers:

Florida’s Choice for Towing Insurance

LET US OVERHAULYOUR COVERAGE

INSURING FLORIDA’STOWING, RECOVERYAND REPOSSESSION

INDUSTRIES

Ask for Chip Thompson, Jim Donato,Bob Roddenberry or Brian Hapney

CALL TOLL FREE: 877-933-2550LOCAL: 407-472-9600

1507 Park Center Drive, Unit 1C, Orlando FL 32835

The Stepp’s family poses with a tow truck cake,presented to them on June 15 to celebrate their50th year in business. Judy and Jim sit in front,while Todd stands in back with wife Stephanie andson Brock (left), and sister Tammy and her sonTanner (right).

Stepp’s Towing and Transportation ServiceTampa, Florida

Rules, Rules,Rules

MOTOR CLUB NEWS

October/November 2010 PWOFNEWS 32 October/November 2010 PWOFNEWS

2009-2010EXECUTIVE BOARD

PRESIDENTDREW ZUCCALA

ZUCCALA’S WRECKER SERVICE633 E. INDUSTRIAL AVENUEBOYNTON BEACH, FL 33426PHONE: 561-737-1212FAX: 561-737-6379

SECRETARY/TREASURERLYNDA M. WOODCOX CAR CARE

7018 U.S. HWY. 19NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652PHONE: 727-847-6655FAX: 727-841-7268

1ST VICE PRESIDENTGLENN LANDAU

FRYER’S TOWING SERVICE722 N. SEGRAVE STREETDAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114PHONE: 386-255-0481FAX: 386-238-0971

2ND VICE PRESIDENTRICK MOORE

UNIVERSITY TOWING & TRANSPORT2546 NW 74 PLACE

GAINESVILLE, FL 32653PHONE: 352-373-4671FAX: 352-377-2435

3RD VICE PRESIDENTJOEY SALADINO

PROMPT WRECKER SERVICE11139 TAMIAMI TRAILPUNTA GORDA, FL 33955PHONE: 941-639-4000FAX:: 941-639-2163

PAST PRESIDENTJOE DRISCOLL

DRISCOLL’S TOWING SERVICE1701 N. DIXIE HWY.

POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060PHONE: 954-946-4747FAX: 954-946-3616

PAST PRESIDENTJIM STEWART

TOP GUN TOWING & RECOVERY624 17TH AVE. WESTBRADENTON, FL 34205PHONE: 941-747-7809FAX: 941-747-6828

4718 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32804PHONE: (407) 296-3316 FAX: (407) 296-6335

E-MAIL: pwof@hotmail.comWEB SITE: www.pwof.org

THE PWOF NEWS IS THE OFFICIALPUBLICATION OF THE PROFESSIONALWRECKER OPERATORS OF FLORIDA INC.

Copyright© 2010 Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida

By Drew Zuccala

Dear Fellow Towers, I recently attended

the Tennessee Tow Show.During that weekend we

had one of our own, Jim Stewart, inductedinto the Hall of Fame, Class of 2010. This isa tremendous accomplishment for any-one in the towing and recovery industry.There were close to 30 people fromFlorida, family and friends, to celebrate inthis great event. Six other inductees fromaround the country also received thishonor. I had the opportunity to attend theceremonies for the Wall of the Fallen with150 fellow towers. Unfortunately, therewere many names added to this Wall andwe really need to remember that our job isone of the most dangerous of any industry.

Everyone needs to realize that the In-ternational Towing and Recovery Museumis the only one of its kind in the world. Weas towers need to support this museum byvisiting it with our family and friends andseeing all the changes in equipment andtechnology that our industry has gonethrough. I had the opportunity to take mydaughter Lindsey along with some otherfriends and they were truly amazed. I en-courage you to become a full time mem-ber with a contribution to support yourmuseum. Learn more about the museumat www.internationaltowingmuseum.org.

Another attraction at the TennesseeTow Show was the open house at theMiller Industries factory, Friday, Saturdayand Sunday. I attended both Friday andSaturday, it is hard to believe how muchtechnology goes into today’s towing andrecovery vehicles.

Next stop is Baltimore for the Ameri-can Towman Exhibition. This is anothergreat event that, if you are able to attend,will be a different experience because the

entire show is inside. Our raffle truck, do-nated by Hino and Miller Industries, willbe on display promoting our April showwhich will be held April 14 - 17, 2011. Youcan never buy too many raffle tickets. Allthe funds generated from this raffle di-rectly benefit the PWOF.

One more reminder: now is the timeto make your plans to attend the greatesttow show of the year, the 2011 Florida TowShow International Expo. Believe it or notit is just around the corner. Make yourreservations now so you don’t miss a thingthis great industry has to offer.

That is all for now,

More to Come,

Drew Zuccala

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK THE LEVY REPORT

By: Bob LevyRobert M. Levy & Associates

From my friend Colonel Charlie Price: “What have we learned in2,065 years? ‘The budget should be balanced, the treasury should berefilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdomshould be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands

should be curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt. People must again learn to work, in-stead of living on public assistance.’ Cicero - 55 BC. So, evidently nothing!”

Population Following its first decline in state population since World War II, Florida will see

21,000 additional residents in 2010, according to figures compiled by the University ofFlorida. Miami-Dade leads in population gains by adding an estimated 8,253 residents,followed by Hillsborough at 6,353 and Broward with 5,834. Lafayette County experi-enced the largest percentage gain at 5.2 percent, but the change was largely linked toan increase in state prison inmates. Seminole and Pinellas counties experienced thelargest population dips for the year, losing 3,659 and 3,119 residents respectively. Thesluggish rebound is blamed on the inability of many retirees to sell homes in otherparts of the country, a necessary step in the move south. Foreclosures in Florida fell inAugust for the fifth straight month, but the state still ranks among those with the highestforeclosure rates in the nation.

The BudgetFlorida’s budget picture is improving but remains very shaky, with unemployment

expected to climb through the autumn and foreclosures still outpacing home sales.Analysts reduced next year’s anticipated budget shortfall to $2.5 billion — down

from the $5.5 billion gap for 2011-12 projected last year. But the red ink will continueto course through Florida’s spending plans for the next three years as federal stimulusdollars dry up, Medicaid costs climb and the economy remains fragile.

The financial impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is not included in theseprojections. Other potential high-impact events include the possibility of a spate ofcommercial real estate defaults triggering bank failures. Thirty-seven Florida bankshave collapsed in the past 18 months. Hurricanes and the prospect of a double dip re-cession also are on the watch list.

State lawmakers will be forced to earmark $2.1 billion again next year to cover thestate’s record-setting debt levels. Florida’s $26.4 billion in outstanding debt has climbed57 percent in the last decade, with another $10.2 billion’s worth of borrowing expectedto be issued over the next 10 years to meet the state’s current need. Debt service as apercentage of state revenues was about 5 percent when Jeb took office. By 2008, underGovernor Crist, that level rose to an unprecedented 7.9 percent — although last year itslid backward to 7.4 percent due to new dollars available for the state transportationbond program. The annual $2.1 billion set-aside is expected to fall to $1.8 billion by2014.

Florida’s 11.5 percent unemployment rate — two percentage points above the na-tional average — is expected to move upward in coming months, based on formerlydiscouraged workers returning to the job markets, which are showing some signs ofimprovement.

Allstate Roadside Services Training & Certification ClassApril 14 – 17 at the Florida Tow Show

Current ARS Service Providers can access our complete BMW towing proceduresand more using your Login ID at www.training.arsnetwork.allstate.com or by calling 800-582-6626, Option #3. If you would like to join the Allstate Roadside Services Towing Net-work, please call 800-582-6626 today.

Geico Claim Service Surveys

Geico ERS wants to thank all of our contracted providers in Florida for your serviceto our customers. Your professionalism and hard work is very much appreciated by allGeico associates as well as our customers.

We are always trying to improve our Customer Service Survey Results. Many of youhave already received our training slides from your local ERS Field Rep. Please take thetime to review this information and implement this training to all of your drivers anddispatchers. If you have not received this information or have any concerns with youraccount, please contact your field rep.

In the near future, we will be implementing a 45 min. ETA. We feel confident thatthis as well as the training slides will help improve our Customer Service Survey Results.

Once again, thanks to all of you.

Tim Ferro, Geico ERS Field Rep(813) 891-6925tferro@geico.com

What Have We Learnedin 2,065 Years?

CLUB MEMBERS

A SUPERIOR TOWING COMPANY

ADVANTAGE TRANSPORT

ARC TOWING SERVICE

ARNOLD’S TOWING

AVON TOWING

BABBSCO TOWING

BEACH TOWING SERVICE

BOLTON’S TOWING SERVICE

C&L TOWING AND TRANSPORT

CORTES TOWING SERVICE

COX CAR CARE

DIRECT TOWING

ELVIS TOWING SERVICE

ELVIS TRANSPORT

EMERALD TOWING SERVICE

EXCALIBUR TOWING SERVICE

FRYER’S TOWING SERVICE

HERB DANIEL TRUCK & AUTO

DAVE JONES - PAST PRESIDENT

KOTAKIS AUTO & TOWING

MIDWAY AUTO SALVAGE & WRECKER SERVICE

HAROLD MURPHY - PAST PRESIDENT

SAM’S WRECKER SERVICE

SCALLY’S LUBE & GO

SHELBY’S TOWING

THE TRUCK SHOP, INC.

TOP GUN TOWING

UNIVERSITY TOWING & TRANSPORT

UPMAN’S TOWING SERVICE

ZUCCALA’S WRECKER SERVICE

PWOF recently introduced our 365 Club.This club provides members a means of offeringadditional support to our industry throughoutthe year by paying $1 a day for their dues in lieuof the regular $250 annual dues. The followingmembers have already joined our new club. Toadd your company name to this list, call Stevieat the PWOF office, 407-296-3316.

The following IFR provides instructions to employers, collectors, laboratories,and Medical Review Officers (MROs) for use of the new Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS) Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (CCF), and it offersa technical amendment to laboratories regarding mandatory reporting of confirmed

positive drug / drug metabolite quantitations to MROs. 

The effective date of the IFR is October 1, 2010.

Regarding Use of the CCF:1.  DOT- regulated employers and their service agents are authorized

to begin using the new CCF on October 1, 2010

A copy of the new CCF can be found through the HHS web site at:http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/DownloadDocument?documentID=189034&version=1

Source: Federal Register

October/November 2010 PWOFNEWS 54 October/November 2010 PWOFNEWS

2009-2011BMW 7 Series

As the exclusive roadside assistance provider for BMW,Allstate Roadside Services is pleased to provide you withour approved methods for transport of the BMW 7 Series.

In model year 2009, the park override procedure was relocated from the driver’s side ofthe vehicle to under the cup holder.

If the 7 Series is stuck in park, you may override it by following these steps:

1. Open cup holder cover and remove plastic frame by pulling upwards.2. Remove rubber cover from bottom of cup holder cavity.3. Insert tool, turn it 90 degrees clockwise, and then push it down. To release, pull upwardand remove tool.

PARK OVERRIDE

1

3

2

PARK OVERRIDE Should the vehicle stuck in park be a 2002-2008 model, remove the key cover from the

ignition key and insert the key under the driver’s side dash board. Once the lid is unlocked,pull the red strap toward you. This will put the vehicle in neutral. Note: Use caution to ensurethe vehicle does not roll.

LOADING AND TRANSPORTING

BMW’s approved method for transporting a 7 series begins by using a tow eye hook.The tow eye hook can be found in the vehicle tool kit, located underneath the first aid kit inthe trunk.

To remove the tow eye cover, do not use a screw driver. Simply press the arrow of thetow eye cover with your thumb.

Use care when removing the tow eye cover to avoid any damage to the vehicle’s paint.Store the tow eye cover in the cup holder of the vehicle to avoid loss.

Once you screw in the tow eye and attach the wire rope, it is recommended to use extracribbing if needed to obtain proper clearance for the front and rear bumpers.

Always use 8-point over-the-wheel nylon tie down straps to secure the vehicle to theflatbed. Do not use J-Hooks or mini J-Hooks, as either could result in suspension damage.

l

3 Series pictured

October/November 2010 PWOFNEWS 76 October/November 2010 PWOFNEWS

BUSINESS

AAG ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. ...................................................................... 800-472-9251ACCESS TOOLS & EQUIPMENT ................................................................... 800-323-8324AKINS BODY & CARRIER SALES .................................................................. 800-282-7872ALLSTATE ROADSIDE SERVICES .................................................................. 508-867-2400AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION INSURANCE GROUP, INC. ..................................... 877-933-2550AMSOIL INDEPENDENT DEALER .................................................................. 407-421-5584ASHFORD RECOVERY (ENGLAND) .......................................................... 011441233 655999AUTO DATA DIRECT, INC. .......................................................................... 850-877-8804AW DIRECT, INC. ................................................................................... 800-270-3975B & B PROTECTOR PLANS, INC. .................................................................. 800-338-1935BEACON SOFTWARE, LLC ......................................................................... 866-437-6653BLACKADAR INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. ........................................................ 407-831-3832CARTER’S TRUCK, PAINT & FABRICATION ...................................................... 813-985-5589CBIP MANAGEMENT, INC. ........................................................................ 800-691-0053CHASE INSURANCE AGENCY INC. ................................................................ 954-792-4300CROUCH’S WRECKER & EQUIPMENT SALES .................................................... 800-628-5212CUSTER PRODUCTS LTD ........................................................................... 800-490-3158DIVERSIFIED LEASING SOLUTIONS, INC. ........................................................ 813-282-0357DUAL-TECH, INC. ................................................................................... 800-852-0345EMPLOYEE LEASING MARKETPLACE, INC. ..................................................... 866-392-5501FLEETMATICS USA, INC. .......................................................................... 866-844-2235FLORIDA STATE TITLE SERVICE .................................................................. 800-272-2712FLORIDA UTILITY TRAILERS, INC. ............................................................... 800-404-6021FLORIDA WIRE & RIGGING SUPPLY, INC. ........................................................ 800-432-2269FLORIDA WRECKER SALES, INC. ................................................................. 813-626-2144G.V.S. ENTERPRISES, INC. ........................................................................ 800-541-0460GREENLEAF AUTO RECYCLERS ................................................................... 888-849-7887GULF COAST UNDERWRITERS .................................................................... 813-864-4428HAMRICK INSURANCE ASSOCIATES ............................................................. 850-877-3108HOOKS TOWING & RECOVERY SUPPLY .......................................................... 800-876-8963INDIANAPOLIS INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC. .................................................. 800-827-3755INSURANCE AUTO AUCTIONS ..................................................................... 407-438-7191INSURANCE WORLD OF GAINESVILLE ............................................................ 352-375-7283INTEK TRUCK & EQUIPMENT LEASING .......................................................... 973-403-7788INTERGIS, LLC ...................................................................................... 877-483-7426JERR-DAN CORPORATION ......................................................................... 800-926-9666KAUFF'S KUSTOM LETTERING & SIGNS ......................................................... 561-775-3278LIFT AND TOW, LLC ................................................................................ 866-494-6500LIFTING SOLUTIONS, INC. ......................................................................... 954-647-3231M & S SIGNS ........................................................................................ 407-855-9162MATRIX EMPLOYER SERVICES ................................................................... 866-453-2722MGA INSURANCE GROUP .......................................................................... 941-907-3828MILLER INDUSTRIES TOWING EQUIPMENT ..................................................... 800-292-0330NATION SAFE DRIVERS MOTOR CLUB ........................................................... 800-338-2680PEO EXPERTS, INC. ................................................................................ 561-455-5222PHOENIX USA, INC. ................................................................................ 800-786-8785RADIO ONE, INC. ................................................................................... 407-296-9488RECOVERY SOLUTIONS ............................................................................ 888-396-5297REGIONS BANK ..................................................................................... 352-338-3557RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF FLORIDA ............................................................. 813-361-1199SIMPLY EASIER PAYMENTS ....................................................................... 800-768-0907SOUTHEAST PERSONNEL LEASING, INC. ........................................................ 727-919-0199SOVEREIGN BANK .................................................................................. 631-531-0627SPRINT/NEXTEL ..................................................................................... 813-386-8271STOVER SALES, INC. ............................................................................... 904-696-3496T & S TITLE AND LIEN SERVICES ................................................................. 941-812-3172T.A.S. PARTS AND SERVICE ...................................................................... 904-291-0377TECHNOGRAPHICS ................................................................................. 352-989-4377TELETRAC, INC. .................................................................................... 877-528-4434THE INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS ............................................................... 800-266-4446TIM HALPIN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION ........................................................ 305-591-3164TOWPARTNERS ..................................................................................... 877-401-2345TRAIL-EZE TRAILERS ............................................................................... 800-232-5682TRAVIS BARLOW COMPANY ...................................................................... 800-537-7152TRI COUNTY TRUCK & EQUIPMENT OF FORT MYERS ......................................... 866-690-4902TRUCKMAX INC. .................................................................................... 305-592-3800UNITED STATES AUTO CLUB - MOTOR DIV. ..................................................... 888-300-8722U-PULL-AND-PAY - ORLANDO ..................................................................... 407-816-9696U-PULL-AND-PAY - WEST PALM BEACH ......................................................... 561-846-1597WHITE FORD COMPANY, INC. .................................................................... 352-225-1466WRECKERS LTD ..................................................................................... 305-888-0111

Please Support YourAssociate Members

NEW MEMBERS

REGION 5C & L TOWING AND TRANSPORT, LLCCJ CHASE600 ORANGE STREET, TITUSVILLE, FL 32796321-385-3077 • FAX: 321-385-3078

RICE’S BODY SHOP, INC.BILLY RICE380 ELAINE DRIVE, TITUSVILLE, FL 32796321-267-3570 • FAX: SAME AS PHONE

REGION 6SUNPOINT AUTOMOTIVE, INC.LOU RENDINA2212 E.COLLEGE AVENUE, RUSKIN, FL 33570813-645-7653 • FAX: 813-645-2964

By Christine Corelli

It’s football season. Mosttowing and recovery profes-sionals absolutely love the

game. If you think about it, there are manysimilarities in the game of football and thegame of business.

On CompetitionWe must battle fierce competitors each

and every day without a break. In the past,some of used to think of competition as ifwe’re playing for the SuperBowl champi-onship. We want to play hard for the season,win that big game, and sit around during theoff-season and gloat about how great weare. But the competitors we face in today’sworld don’t want to wait until next year for arematch. They want to keep playing againand again until they finally win. Competitionhas always been tough, but today, competi-tion is fierce!

Like a great football team, a great busi-ness team needs to round out their defensewith ferocious competitiveness, a smartgame plan, a commitment to stay in thegame, and the determination to play to win.All of these are critical to the success of yourtowing business.

On Sales and TeamworkYou, and any person in your company in-

volved in sales, need to have the mentality ofa professional athlete and the fighting spiritof a SuperBowl Star. Just like in the world ofsports, they, and your entire team, need topull together to win the game, and create rav-ing fans who cheer about the service you pro-vide.

On Facing Your ChallengesHEAD ON

Think of the coach who lists their poten-tial plays in certain situations. He selects hisoptions and sends his choice to the quarter-back. The quarterback relays the play to histeammates in the huddle. Sometimes the callis to be fancy and throw the ball. Other times,it’s to get down and dirty and run down theiropponent.

Just like in business and life. When you’reconfronted with pressure and challenges youhave a choice: You can either run aroundthem, or face them head on.

Face your challenges by being a betterbusinessperson, create a stronger team withtrained and certified drivers and deliverWorld Class Customer Service! Caution withthe down and dirty part: Don’t ever compro-mise your ethics and integrity. If you do, youwon’t be in the game for the long run.

On AttitudeAt the peak of his career, Ron Jaworski,

former Youngstown quarterback, stated,

“Positive thinking is the key to success inbusiness, in pro football... in anything youcan mention. I go out there thinking I’mgoing to complete every pass.” On the phone,or in front of customers, complete the pass.Then score a big touchdown.

On ExecutionFootball great Peyton Manning made

this statement after a big win, “We had greatexecution today. We had a real mindset to ex-ecute down in the red zone because last weekpeople were making a big deal that in the redzone we had to settle for three points a coupleof times. That was the mindset, to finishdrives into the end zone. We did that todayand that really was the difference.”

Food for ThoughtHow’s your competitive spirit? Don’t let

the economy steal your enthusiasm. Get inthere with a strong free kick of confidenceevery day.

With the changes we’re facing, there arechallenges, and you have a choice – sit on thebench or face them head on.

How’s your attitude? Get in the red-zone, and stay in the no-whine zone. Applygrit, determination and persistence.

How well do you execute? Knowing whatyou should do and doing it are two very dif-ferent things. Learn more about business ex-cellence, boost your marketing and updateyour advertising. Train your drivers and yourteam. Make sure they play the game from thesame playbook.

Play the game to win, and enjoy it! I’ll becheering for you.

Christine Corelli has authored four booksincluding the popular Wake Up and Smell theCompetition and The ART of InfluencingCustomers to BUY from YOU. Visit her websiteto learn more, www.christinespeaks.com.

©Copyright 2010 – Christine Corelli &Associates Inc. – www.christinespeaks.com

PWOF Past PresidentJim Stewart InductedInto Towing and RecoveryHall of Fame

Jim Stewart, PWOF Past President, was one of eightindustry leaders inducted into the International Towingand Recovery Hall of Fame in a ceremony held Saturday,September 18, 2010, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

James A. Stewart (Top Gun Towing and Recovery inBradenton, FL) was inducted along with the followingtowing professionals: Ronald F. Bauman (Riverside, CA),Steve M. Bowman (Burlington, NC), Charles J. CeccarelliIII (Mountain Home, ID), Edwin J. Kingsmill (Metairie,LA), Jimmy A. Schlier (Tannersville, PA), Gordon Sim-mons (Clinton, WA) and James Williams (Gastonia, NC).

“Each year, the inductees share common strengthswhich have led to their nomination into this prestigiousgroup,” says Rolfe Johnson, president of the Interna-tional Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum.

“This year’s inductees share a dedication to theirstate and local towing organizations as well as the na-tional towing and recovery community.”

Ferocious Competition,Football, and Playingthe Game to WIN