The Tow Trend Podcast

In episode 5 of The Tow Trend Podcast our hosts Shelli Hawkins and Dennis McGowan bask in the warmth and wisdom radiating from a towing, recovery, and podcast legend Jeff Poquette –former co-producer and co-star of the beloved Tow Business Podcast.In this lively conversation, they talk podcasting shop, share stories from the field, and dig into where towing is headed next. While Jeff’s podcasting talent and advice is certainly highlighted, Dennis and Shelli also coax from him insightful nuggets for audience members on practical towing industry use cases for AI, the transition from inside the truck to inside the business of towing, and what future technology may be next on our industry’s horizon.Tune in for: The inspiration for the Tow Business podcastJeff’s podcasting progression – from kitchen-mounted boom-arm to in-home recording studio💡Jeff’s 5 rules on successful podcasting:Pre-set schedule breaks👉 this keeps content fresh and interesting vs. forcedPrioritize sound quality 👉 record in a closet or a carpeted roomDon’t try to do too much 👉 keep it fun and relevantMinimize editing 👉 simplicity and authenticity winsAsk your peers 👉 share a proof-of-concept recording and ask for honest feedback🚩 SPOILER ALERT: Jeff shares details about his new towing industry podcast – coming soon!An introduction to Jeff’s alter ego 👤Whether you’re on the road, in the office, or somewhere in between, crank up the volume and enjoy real talk, practical insight, and a whole lot of towing‑community love. Learn more: https://autura.com

Welcome to episode four of The Tow Trend Podcast! Hosts Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins are joined by Konner Kelly of Unlimited Recovery & Integrity Towing Solutions and Kevin Leigh, VP of Autura Marketplace. Together, the gang discuss real-world challenges of running a compliant, efficient, and profitable impound or unclaimed vehicle operation.With decades of combined experience across towing, impound, vehicle disposition, and auction operations, Konner and Kevin share practical insights every lot manager should hear.What You’ll Get:What data to use for better impound lot forecastingLegal requirement and compliance insightsWhat Konner does on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis Game-changing tip (SPOILER ALERT! It has to do with stickers)👻Phantom vehicle storiesTow company and impound stigma and advice on handling upset customers. 💡Tip: don’t give this task to Dennis!Retention strategies Konner uses to hire and hold onto quality team membersWhether you run a large impound facility, manage unclaimed vehicle lots, or just want a clearer picture of how this side of the business works, this episode is packed with real talk, operational advice, and stories from the field.Learn more: https://autura.com

In episode three of The Tow Trend Podcast, Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins host Mike Porter, founder of TDR Way — a leading dispatch training program — to share insights on how dispatch strategy can make or break towing business success. How should you think about dispatch and customer service? What role does (and should) technology play? What’s one change you can make today to enhance your dispatching approach. Hit play to find out! What You’ll Get: A mind shift to change how you think about dispatch and customer service What 3 questions you should be asking your dispatchers every day A million-dollar takeaway you can use today  (Short on time? Jump to the 11:30 minute mark in the podcast!) Science-backed ways to help dispatchers manage stress And, Mike and our hosts gaze into their crystal ball and share what the future of dispatch might look like Tune in for insights, stories, predictions, and hot takes from towing and recovery experts, educators, influencers, and community members from America's most essential industry. Learn more: https://autura.com 

In episode two of The Tow Trend Podcast, our hosts, Dennis McGowan and Shelli Hawkins, chat with towing industry experts and special guests Shane Coleman (ERSCA) and Bear Godfrey (WreckMaster), for a dynamic discussion on the evolving importance of safety and training. Catching these four busy professionals for a sit-down conversation wasn’t easy, but we’ve seized the opportunity to capture their perspectives on one of the industry’s hottest topics. With Shelli’s sharp wit and Dennis’ signature broadcaster voice guiding the conversation, our hosts draw out juicy nuggets of insight about what a strong safety culture looks like, overlooked safety blind spots, and more. What You'll Get: Changes in training over the last 30 yearsThe difference between how trained vs. untrained operators handle towing and recovery situationsCommon, avoidable training mistakesThe one action every owner should take right now🍕Everyone’s favorite pizza chain Enjoy this rare opportunity to “not just listen, but listen to understand” how towers, fleet managers, and other industry experts can benefit from making training and safety a priority for America’s most essential industry. Resources: ERSCAtraining.org | WreckMaster.com | Autura.com

Finally, a towing podcast by people who've actually run the trucks, built the tech, and lived in the trenches! Hosts Shelli Hawkins and Dennis McGowan bring decades of street-level experience and insider knowledge to launch The Tow Trend Podcast.Dennis shares wild stories from his days running 70+ trucks in NYC (including his first call - a car crashed INSIDE a laundromat), while Shelli reveals how she became the industry's secret weapon for implementing game-changing technology.But this isn't just war stories. They're breaking down Autura's explosive State of Towing Report: 72% of towers are jacking up prices in 2025. Insurance costs are crushing operators. Good employees are impossible to find and even harder to keep.What You'll Get:Raw industry intel from the front linesProven strategies to combat rising costsWhy losing cheap customers makes you moneyInsider preview of upcoming industry webinarsFor towers, fleet managers, and anyone who wants the real story behind America's most essential industry.Learn more: https://autura.com