Revamping Towing Efficiency and Safety: Insights with Chris Anderson from TowMate

Discover the future of towing safety and efficiency as we sit down with Chris Anderson from TowMate to unravel the advancements in towing equipment like never before. With the spotlight on their TM-22 wireless towlight system and the robust TM-22XR version, we're talking game-changing updates and a DIY kit that redefines battery life. Chris's insights into TowMate's innovative process not only reveal how they stay steps ahead in product development, but also demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the needs of the tow professional community. 

Our conversation takes a turn into the realm of safety and the accolades that TowMate's products have secured, with a nod to the T-Box MDW and TM 36 MDW light bar for their industry recognition. These aren't just any tools; they're engineered for compatibility with common power tool batteries, simplifying life on the road for tow operators. And let's not forget the lifesaver safety combated system—a standout solution that's making a significant impact on roadside operations, underscoring the essential nature of high-quality, reliable tools in this field.

Ending on a heartfelt note, we send out a prayer for the wellbeing of our nation's service members, aware that the prosperity of those on the front lines is paramount. These words bear a reminder of the importance of staying informed with resources like our podcast, where industry trailblazers such as Chris Anderson from TowMate provide a beacon of knowledge on towing and recovery advancements. It's not just about keeping up—it's about leading the charge for innovation and safety.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:04

Welcome one and all to the Toe Professional On the Go podcast. This is for pros that have a need to know, that are on the go, the truly voice of the towing industry. I'm DJ Harrington, your co-host, better known as the Toe Doctor, and the guy with me who is the co-host but is the president and publisher of Toe Professional Magazine, a great guy for the industry and a dear friend of mine, darren Weaver. Darren, how are you today?

Speaker 2: 0:38

DJ, I am fantastic, as always. It's a beautiful day in Birmingham, a balmy 36 degrees, so it's a great day to be in the office doing a podcast, and couldn't thank anyone better than Chris Anderson with Toe Mate. Let me tell you, man, some fantastic products and let me tell you a company that's ahead of the curve when it comes to safety. They're always thinking of the next thing. So, dj, this is going to be a good one, man, I'm excited?

Speaker 1: 1:08

Well, definitely. I saw Chris up at the Baltimore Toe Show and his booth was packed and he was so kind to take a minute. I was trying to negotiate an insurance company and Chris came over and helped me close the guy and then went back to his booth that was packed with people, so it was nice.

Speaker 2: 1:30

Hey the guy. He's a man of many talents, so that's why I'm happy to have him on the team. Well, we'll start this off.

Speaker 1: 1:39

We're glad, chris, that you're our guest for today. I know our listeners are going to look forward to this one.

Speaker 4: 1:46

Well, what can I say, guys, thank you for having me. It's always a pleasure.

Speaker 2: 1:50

Awesome, awesome man. Well, I'll start out DJ with this one. Next one I had was the TM-22. We know is the limelight it's renowned as one of the best selling wireless toelight systems globally and the lithium version, the TM-22XR. We were just talking about this off mic. The extended runtime line feature has been a really significant addition to their line. But for countless users of the TM-22, there's an opportunity for them to upgrade their units to enjoy the same extended runtime benefits as the TM-22XR. Chris, can you share any exciting developments Tomate might have in store for these loyal customers?

Speaker 4: 2:36

Well, yeah, I mean that's a question. We've gotten a lot since we released the TM-22XR. I mean, who wouldn't want to go from a 15 hour runtime to 60 plus hours on a charge? These guys are out using the lights on a daily basis and once that battery is done, it takes six to eight hours to get a charge. Not to mention with the traditional lead acid batteries that are in the standard TM-22, the limelight.

Speaker 4: 3:04

Those only last about one to two years between replacements, and while they've been a workhorse the lead acid, it's tried and true over the years, but these days there's a better way, and that's kind of what we're all about. So with the 22XR series, you're not only getting longer runtimes in a lighter weight unit, but you're also getting a battery that can theoretically last up to 10 years. All that to say yes, we do have a do it yourself upgrade kit coming very soon. That will be just as simple as taking the old battery and end cap out, plugging in the new assembly and inserting it into the unit. Once you've done that, you're going to have the 60 plus hours of runtime and all the benefits that come along with it, and I think that kit's going to land right about $100 or so, versus $30 plus shipping, every one to two years for battery replacements. So yeah, I mean there's definitely going to be opportunity to upgrade those units.

Speaker 4: 4:06

Lord knows there's a lot of them out there and I mean, hey, let's face it. Guys get frustrated having to change the batteries every year, or even, especially when they've got five, 10, 20 units in their fleet. It seems like every day they're changing the battery. So we've got a better way coming. It's going to be available very soon.

Speaker 2: 4:27

Man. Chris, I think that's remarkable In a land where most companies would say, hey, just sell them another light and it's time for them to get another light or something. And knowing the climate that's out there right now and how hard funds are to come by, you really engineered something here that's going to help all the owners and towers out in the long run by giving them a cost-effective way to have that better light, the longer run time. So that's phenomenal.

Speaker 4: 4:57

Just to say we like to say your tome eight light will always have value, be it where it's upgradable. I mean they're pretty well always serviceable short of being smashed into pieces if you run over it. So yeah, I mean that's the idea, is you know a product that's going to last and be there for these guys when they need it?

Speaker 2: 5:20

That's so awesome and we certainly appreciate it here for the industry, without a doubt.

Speaker 1: 5:25

Well, my dear friend Chris, I know that Toemate listens to the people all the time in the towing industry, every day. So what I want to ask you how do you guys at Toemate keep up with what their needs are and make sure that the gear hits the market at the right time, right time? You know, how do you keep track of all this stuff?

Speaker 4: 5:48

Well, you know it's no simple task, you know, but you know it does kind of come naturally when you know our company. It's at our core. Our ethos is, you know, listening to the customers and you know, not doing what we feel like doing, but doing what is needed and has real world applications. So you know, staying tuned in with the towing community is key for us. You know we're always out there, we're talking to, to operators on a daily basis. You know, dropping in on forums and attending trade shows, and that direct feedback is it's like gold. You know it drives our design process. So we're not just making lights, you know we're solving real world headaches these guys in gal space every day.

Speaker 1: 6:35

Well, here's what I want to do, darren. I want to tell all the listeners to hang tight. We're going to take a fast break and when we come back we're going to ask Chris about some of the top products that are coming out and a little bit about what's happening in the future. So hang with us. We'll be right back with Chris Anderson from ToeMate.

Speaker 5: 6:58

Attention. Toe Heroes Level up with ToeMate's new XR series wireless toe lights, now supercharged with long lasting lithium technology. Adjust your truck's visibility with power. Link to wire light bars and strobes. Maximize impact while minimizing installation. They utilize your existing wiring. And don't miss our lifesaver. Cone mounted warning lights your first line of defense on the roadside. Illuminate your path at wwwtoematecom, slash dealers or dial 800-680-4455. Toemate Dependable, durable, dynamic.

Speaker 6: 7:49

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Speaker 1: 8:50

Welcome back listeners. You're listening to Toe Professional on the Go podcast. Each and every week we try to do our best, darren and I, to bring you informative episodes like this one with Chris Anderson from ToeMate. Make sure you download and listen. We're available on Spotify, itunes, pandora, google Play, stitcher, iheart Media, amazon or wherever you get your podcast Without further ado, my dear friend Darren Weaver.

Speaker 2: 9:22

Well, I've got one I know I know the answer to, but I won't, chris, tell our listeners. Man, you know I know safety is huge in ToeMate, right, right, chris, how do you guys make sure your lights are not just super safe, but also on the right side of the law with all the various roles that are out there in every state? I mean, you guys do a phenomenal job of that. I want you to tell our listeners about it.

Speaker 4: 9:47

Yeah, well, thank you for the kudos there. Safety is non-negotiable right, so we rigorously test our products to meet and exceed safety standards. When it comes to the legal side, we try to stay ahead of the game and keep an eye on regulations. So far as we can. We operate to ensure our lights aren't just keeping Toe operators safe, but they're keeping them compliant too. It's all about peace of mind, and we may have touched on this previously, but I've been doing work with FMCSA over the years to ensure that the antiquated letter of the law talking about you have to have a wire to power the lights that are your Toe lights. We were at the forefront, I mean, we got the exemption published to allow for wireless Toe lights. I mean, it is the 21st century after all. So, yeah, we're always. If there's a major snafu somewhere, we do the best we can to keep on top of that sort of thing and do our part to ensure that Toe operators have access to used products that help make their lives easier, safer, and ensure that they can do so legally.

Speaker 2: 11:21

Amen, that's, that's the way, Chris, that's what I've always seen. You've taken the feedback from the shows and if somebody tells you they've got a hurdle, you you make it to where it's laid down and it's easy for them. You guys go out and and make sure those eyes are dotted and tears are crossed. So that's important for DJ Next ones to you, sir.

Speaker 1: 11:40

This one came from a listener, so, chris, let me just share it and then you tell me, chris, would you be kind enough to talk about some of the top products that were picked by the industry leading magazine told professional as A must-have item for 2024? Now here's what they asked tell us more about the reason behind the integration of the t-box MDW and the new edition of the TM 36 MDW light bar.

Speaker 4: 12:10

Yeah well, first off, you know it's great to see those two products that the t-box MDW and TM 36 MDW Light bar recognized by told professional. You know anytime we're included in. You know a top products or you know must buy type. You know publications and lists. You know it's a little feather in the cap but you know the idea behind both of those products was to simplify life for tow operators. You know the t-box Specifically. You know instead of having the the hassle of hanging a light bar on the back of a disabled semi trailer, this unit plugs into the trailer and Wireless we operates all the trailer lights, so all the clearance lights, marker lights, and then your stop till turn is wireless and that operates just off the same transmitter that that would operate the wireless light bar. But what's really cool is that what the MDW stands for is Milwaukee DeWalp.

Speaker 4: 13:15

These, both of those units are Compatible with both brands of batteries. So a lot of these guys already carry these batteries around, so it makes it super simple, convenient and cost-effective for them to. You know, have other tools Beyond just their power tools that that run off of those batteries. As far as you know the 36 MDW light bar, we just wanted to make it more user-friendly. It's robust, bright and runs on the same drill batteries. So that means tow operators can easily switch batteries between the t-box, when Applicable, and the light bar, you know, which streamlines their equipment and saves time. So you know, it's all about safety, efficiency and using what you already have more effectively. So we're very pleased to be making that sort of positive impact in the towing community.

Speaker 1: 14:09

Yeah, and there's a lot of people that read tow professional magazine and having it picked as an industry Product of the year that was, that was a great idea, all right down. How about you do the next one, then we'll take a break after that one.

Speaker 2: 14:23

Sounds good. Well, I was gonna comment on that last one and say if you don't have a Milwaukee Milwaukee battery laying around, rechargeable battery, can you even call yourself a grown man? I mean, that's, that's what you're right in the wheelhouse. Everybody should have that way and that makes it easy for everyone. So that's a that's an awesome addition. But let me go on to the next question for our ruffle anymore.

Speaker 2: 14:52

Well, chris, this is one that I can't talk about enough, because I remember coming to you Almost three years ago when we were talking about different things and talking about Blue lights and how you could use police lights on the truck and so on, and and I was like, man, there's, there's gotta be a way. And you just kind of smiled, was like, yeah, sure, there is, it's coming, and and so the lifesaver safety combated system. It was a top product of 22 hands down and it's a key product still to the day when it comes to safety. So tell our listeners a little bit more about this product. It's success in the industry, with owners and their people using on a daily basis. There are many women carrying it out there in their trucks and why it's a must have for all co-professionals.

Speaker 4: 15:40

Well, yeah, I mean, in my opinion it should be a top product. You know forever more Because you know the lifesaver. It's been a real game changer in roadside safety. We're thrilled with the response that's received.

Speaker 4: 15:53

At its core, lifesaver is all about visibility and safety. It's a traffic cone mounted system that features these high-intensity red and blue strobing lights. It also has amber and white integrated into it, but what makes it stand out is its effectiveness in alerting motorists of a tow operators presence during a roadside stop. You know, the amber lights are standard, but when you add the lifesavers red and blue strobes to the scene, it just takes that visibility to a whole new level. And in the beauty of it is that it's not considered vehicle lighting and it's not to be used in motion, so it's federally legal to use on roadways. This is and that's a huge thing for so professionals to be able to deploy a safety system that's more noticeable than just the amber lights alone, without worrying about the you know federal legal restrictions.

Speaker 4: 16:47

You know, and since it's launched, the feedback has been rather phenomenal. You know, tow professionals tell us how the lifesaver has made their roadside operations much safer. It's not just a product, you know, it's a vital safety tool. So we all know that motorists tend to slow down and pay more attention when they see those red and blue flashing lights. Yeah, it's kind of an immediate signal that there's an emergency or roadside situation that needs caution. So you know, for any tow professional I would say this you know, the lifesaver is an essential piece of equipment.

Speaker 4: 17:23

It's compact, easy to set up and significantly enhances safety for both the operator and the motorist. You know, in this line of work, anything that makes roadside state, the roadside environment, safer. I mean, it's not just an investment, it's kind of a necessity. So we're proud that the lifesaver is contributing to a safer work environment.

Speaker 2: 17:46

Yeah, I was gonna say, if you were gonna go out and buy floor mats for a vehicle or a product that could save a life, I'm gonna tell you, before you put ceramic coating on a truck, put a lifesaver in the toolbox because it's gonna do a lot more. Chris, I've had a teller here locally send me a video of amber and white lights being used behind a truck and me counting 20 vehicles that did not move over in a line of just say, a minute's time. They turned around, put the lifesaver out. Every vehicle that went past, going on for the next minute moved over, yeah, and what do I know?

Speaker 2: 18:28

I'm just a publisher. But just in seeing that I was like, listen, if I was a tow, if I was a tow owner, every truck's gonna have that, I mean, without a doubt. So again, just we'll give you a handle on that product because it really I've heard the feedback on it, on what it's done for people in the industry, and it's been a godsend.

Speaker 4: 18:52

So one thing I also wanted to say about that product, the lifesaver, is that, you know, not only is it good for the industry, but we also give a portion of the proceeds from every sale of every lifesaver to the survivor fund. You know, through the, through the towing museum, they got the survivor fund set up. So every so often, once the numbers hit a certain threshold, we may look, check out to the survivor fund and give back, and I think that's only appropriate for a product like the lifesaver.

Speaker 2: 19:28

That is so awesome, chris. I tell you I appreciate it and that's something I've always said. Man, we're going to be in this industry and we're going to dip from it. We got it poured back in. And I just said the last podcast, we were talking about our different companies that we've done business with. I mentioned you guys and said the first time I met you and your father was at the towing museum and your passion and your father's passion for the industry and safety stood out right there. And, as I told DJ, I said I think the guy saw my passion for the industry as well. That's lined up.

Speaker 2: 20:03

And here we are, 13 years later, and it's been a blessing to see the growth of everybody I've been able to do business with. And I tell you, when you see Brian and Chris at the shows, dj, you can tell it's like they've come home for a family reunion. Man, they're just, they're out amongst friends, they enjoy it, have a good time and you won't catch one up without a smile on her face. They absolutely enjoy it. But, listeners, we got more coming back from with Chris Anderson, with Toe Mate, about more of these fantastic products. Hang in there, it'll be well worth it. We'll be back in just a moment.

Speaker 6: 21:07

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Speaker 1: 21:57

Welcome back listeners and thank you. I want to thank each and every one of you for listening to Toe Professional on the Go Pike, guest Darren, and I cannot thank you here. It's the new year, 2024, and this is one of the fastest growing podcasts in the towing and recovery industry. So I want to remind all of you to like, review and share everywhere, and if you want to hear an industry expert, like a Chris Anderson or his dad, brian, by all means all you do. We have a hotline number here at the podcast center 706-409-5603, and let us know who do you like to hear in the industry and what you'd like to hear more of.

Speaker 1: 22:37

Just like when Chris was talking about life saver safety cone, I think about every six days we lose one of our brothers or sisters on the white line. If they had a life saver safety cone, we would save more lives. So that's the reason why podcasts like this and companies like ToeMate are such an interest for us at Toe Professional Magazine. So, without further ado, chris, if I can, I appreciate you and your dad, but where do you think the towing industry is in the next few years and what's ToeMate's role in the future? Any big trends. You and your dad see that you're gearing up for.

Speaker 4: 23:23

You know, when I think about where towing is headed, it's definitely towards more efficiency and, you know, maybe, believe it or not a little bit of style With the new wave of electric vehicles and other vehicles that are made with materials like fiberglass and aluminum. You know, traditional tow light setups aren't always going to work, so that's where our design team has stepped up once again. You know we're innovating new ways to attach the lights. You know we came out with a mount that we call the illuminators, and it's like a hook system. It like hooks over the edge of the hood or trunk and then it has a metal plate where the magnets would then fasten to, and it has anti-scratch pad and all that you know. So that's one way.

Speaker 4: 24:17

You know, certainly we're seeing a lot more of alternative materials being used on vehicles. You know, as far as the aesthetics go, you know we've always kind of especially in the last few years, you know had a nicer aesthetic with the units. You know you want to look professional when you're out there doing the job, and with our tow lights, you know they give that a professional aesthetic. But we do have some new things coming, that you know. We've always worked with the highest quality LEDs. And so, you know, coming down the line, we've got the Swiss Army knife of tow lights that will be released this year and you know it's not only going to be functional in many different facets but it's going to also look really cool, you know, and be with the times, you know the other thing that we're doing to kind of keep with the future is, you know, naturally we're always looking at new technologies that become available as it pertains to you know how we can integrate them into safety systems and safety lighting for the industry.

Speaker 4: 25:35

I'm actually just now working on a press release and getting the word out that there's a new version of the lifesaver that's coming out, and it's not just the lifesaver you know, it's a cone mounted warning light system, but it's also a light head that can fasten to the vehicle body itself. And I'll get this it is actually non-visible light. So you know why would you want that? Why would you want a light on your truck that you can't even see? Well, it uses a special wavelength where, when it hits the vest of a tow operator, you've got your you know reflective vest on. It doesn't light up the reflective striping, it makes the that fluorescent, yellow or green light up like it's electric, and so you're, instead of making the vehicle visible, it's actually making the body of the tow operator highly visible, like a warning light itself.

Speaker 4: 26:33

So it's not just a little wearable light that you clip to your shoulder, you know this is something that your body is now lit up as though you are a light. And so that's. The TM-LS UVA and the SS470 UVA, respectively, are the two initial product offerings that will have that technology integrated into it. You know, so I see the future in this industry of, you know, just honing in on more safety solutions because, like you said, every six days it would seem, you know, we're losing someone on the roadside and you know that seems to be, you know, one of, if not the largest issue that we're seeing today.

Speaker 1: 27:22

Chris, now that you explained the future and some of the, a light without that's not a light, that really is something. So let's do this, Darren, if I can ask you to do the final one, because I think all of our listeners are wanting to know what shows they're going to be at, so let me ask you to do that one.

Speaker 2: 27:41

Yeah, definitely. Yeah, chris, I know they're biting at the bit to know which shows you're going to be at for 2024. What's the best way our listeners can get more information on the great products from Tomate and other offers? So I want to let you give you an opportunity to put all that out there.

Speaker 4: 27:58

Sure. Well, you know we enjoy seeing them as much as they enjoy seeing us. So you know we try to make it to at least you know some of the main ones and some of the main tow truck. You know tow industry trade shares. So of course Tomate will have a presence in Florida. You know we do have a Tomate booth in Florida, but a lot of times we work with our dealers that are at the shows too, or both, and it's actually typically the approach. But I know that we'll be in Las Vegas, the Texas show, tennessee and, of course, baltimore as well. So, yeah, stop by see us.

Speaker 4: 28:43

And you know, in the meantime, if you go to our website, wwwtomatecom forward slash dealers, you can see a list of all of our dealers that end a map as well. So kind of find who's closest to you. And you know they should have a pretty good working knowledge of most of this stuff and, if not, go ahead and ask them about it and then they will after they call and ask us. So you know that seems to be one of the challenges is, you know you can send emails out with information to dealers and of course, you know total operators as well, but sometimes it takes a little more than that to you know, to get the information out there. So, you know, by all means, get in touch with your local dealer. Or if you, you know, don't have access to the web or having trouble, you know, locating one, you can always call us. Our number is 800-680-4455. And we'll be glad, to you know, get you set up with someone.

Speaker 2: 29:50

Awesome, man. Awesome, we appreciate it. Chris, dj, any thing you wanna say before we part here, before I close it now?

Speaker 1: 29:56

This has been a great. Chris and his dad, Brian, are wonderful people. They do a lot for the industry and they keep a lot of us, especially our brothers and sisters working a white line. They keep them safe. So that's the reason why we enjoy having Chris on periodically, just to enhance what's happening with the product line.

Speaker 4: 30:19

I can't appreciate it About it now All right, buddy yeah thank you guys so much for having me. You know I'm sure we'll do it again down the road, and we've got a bucket list of projects our engineers are working on round the clock nearly and so, and we've got some new manufacturing capabilities. So I think we're just really scratching the surface on some of the exciting things to come.

Speaker 2: 30:46

Just starting to hit your stride.

Speaker 4: 30:47

Huh, that's where you're going Plus years down the line.

Speaker 2: 30:51

Hey, I love it, man, I love it. Well, I will say listeners, make sure you pick up the latest issue of TOEPE Professional. It's our top products and services of 2023. If you wanna look at the customers, I've got everyone put the clients on the front cover. You can see the customers we talked about this in the last episode that have been with me since day one, that have trusted products in the industry, that have been loyal to the industry and that's main service I've seen is safety and providing tremendous products so that the men and women out there that serve on the white line can get their jobs done.

Speaker 2: 31:28

So with that again, we heard the date of this podcast of us taping that there's been another school shooting. I wanna start, I wanna end this podcast with firstly, at Heavenly Father, I ask you to be with those folks there, with the family members that possibly have someone that could be in harm's way at the time. I ask you to be with the police officers, the EMS, the folks that are there to take care of it. Heavenly Father, I ask you to put your hand on our nation, be with us through this, and I ask you to bless and bring prosperity and more knowledge to our vendors that are in the industry. Help them continue to bring tremendous products to the industry that will promote safety for our men and women. Bless them for that, lord, and I also ask that you bless our men and women that are out there. Take them from their family to serve others and bring them back home, lord. Keep them safe and increase their life for their servants hard that they have.

Speaker 2: 32:21

Until next time, everyone, keep listening to Toe Professional on the Go podcast. We'll be here with the latest and greatest experts in the industry, like Chris Anderson with Toe Mate, talking about the latest products and how you can get them. Until next time, keep listening and God bless.