Tow Professional Podcast
Tow Professional Podcast
Celebration of Life and Industry at the Regional Tow Show
Curious about the impact of trade shows on the towing and recovery industry? Join DJ Harrington, the Tow Doctor, and Darren Weaver, president and publisher of Tow Professional Magazine, as they uncover the significance of the Midwest Regional Tow Show. Discover why this family-friendly and affordable event is a cornerstone for industry professionals, generating essential revenue for associations that bolster training and legislative initiatives. With the show set for September 12th to 15th at a new location, this episode is a call to action for vendors and attendees to support and elevate the industry.
In a heartfelt segment, we explore the celebration of life event sponsored by INA Towing, honoring the memory of poets and tow professionals with a parade, hog roast, and games like cornhole. From the camaraderie fostered at the candlelight vigil to the excitement of the TRAO Injured Drivers Fund auction, this episode paints a vivid picture of the community spirit at the Midwest Regional Tow Show. Expect highlights of key attractions, including Ralph's Grill, the Saturday night Chaos Party, and the spectacular "Light It Up" light show, affirming the show's commitment to a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Welcome one and all to the Tow Professional Podcast. Remember, this is your podcast. As I always say, it's for the pros that have a need to know, that are on the go. It's truly the voice of the touring recovery industry. I'm DJ Harrington, your co-host, better known as the Toe Doctor, and the real man. The real host of this show is the president and publisher of Toe Professional Magazine, a good friend of the industry, a dear friend of mine, darren Weaver. As usual, darren, it's a beautiful day in Atlanta. How's it in?
Speaker 2:Alabama man, it is fantastic, dj, as always, you know me, I am happy with this weather. We get different seasons throughout the day. Right now we're in the devil's armpit part of summer, much like yourself, about a breezy, 94 degrees today. So, man, thank God for air conditioning.
Speaker 1:Yes, but we got a lot of our listeners that are in that hurricane down south Florida. So the Clearwater, tampa Bay area they're going to get hit. Treasure Island, where my daughter has a second house they got hit. So we got to think about those guys in our prayer when we're done at the end of this thing. Island, where my daughter has a second house there they got hit. So it's we got to think about those guys in our prayer when we're done at the end of this thing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, certainly, dj. Not only all the homeowners down there that are uh the risking the hit from the hurricane, but also every one of our first responders that are going to be uh called and there'll be the first ones down there to try and help those homeowners and try and help get the situation cleared out. So, uh, good, good, call you got it.
Speaker 1:Now, this is going to be one of my favorite ones, because this is about the Midwest regional tow show, isn't it?
Speaker 2:Man, I'll tell you this, as I've always said, the Midwest regional tow show is one of my favorite shows of the year. Um, it's, I was, I was welcome to it 13 years ago, uh, when, when donna was handling things and working the show and was just blown away by the family thing. And uh, dj, I tell you that is something that has not changed from from day one is it's a family show and it's when you take your kids to and really allow them to see the pride of this industry.
Speaker 1:Yes, and and this is the only one I want to tell all our listeners the only show where, if you have an RV, you have a tent, you have any kind of camping equipment and you want to have one super family weekend, this is where you go. Somebody cannot say it's expensive to go to this show or expensive to go to that show. The midwest regional toe show is the most inexpensive event of the year, so you don't have to buy a hotel room. You got a pup tent or you got an RV. Bring the baby. They got plenty of room at the Roberts Center here, that's for sure.
Speaker 2:Matt, I tell you, well, DJ, I want to start out this podcast. We're going to do a little bit different, but this is just going to be one that's just very informative. Gotcha, we're going to do a little bit different, but this is just going to be one that's just very informative. Listeners, I tell you, you know the key to our trade shows in the industry. Trade shows, it's real simple. They're moneymakers.
Speaker 2:Goes behind the association that allows them to reach the goals they need when it comes to promoting and stopping legislation that could help or hurt the industry. It helps with training. It helps those first responders, those toe professionals, get the training they need so that they can get out there and do their job effectively, safely and get home. They can get out there and do their job effectively, safely and get home. So this is a show that means a lot to me because the revenue streams what it funds. It doesn't go into, as we say, lake houses, private jets or any property there. It gets poured straight back into the industry. Nothing here for your old Christmas fun. This goes straight back into the industry. Oh, boy.
Speaker 2:I'll tell you, that's the key. You know me, I'm going to tell it, just like it is.
Speaker 1:Tell it like it is brother.
Speaker 2:Man. Hey, let me tell you, my trade show gave back to the industry. It was one where we did the Thames event, we did other things, where the association meeting, where we're able to pour back to the industry. But, dj, don't kid anyone, it put a brand-new exhaust on the Mercedes as well. So unless it's an association show, hey, you don't know where the funds are going and where the associations. I'll tell you when it goes to the tremendous folks at TRAO or even another great group we've talked about with Carrie Fogg and her group at the Tolling Recovery Professionals of North Carolina. They're taking these funds and investing it right back into this industry so we can not only train the RTO professionals that are out there now, but also so we can train those future responders that are going to be out there serving in the industry as well.
Speaker 2:Key thing here is for our listeners, this is going to be September, the 12th through the 15th. This is a new location and, as you know, anytime you start anything new, every one of you listeners, every one of the owners out there know how hard it is when you change directions or change steps in your business. It takes a little while to build up. We need every one of you vendors, you loyal vendors that have been there before, to step back up, because we know where these funds go. They go right back in the association.
Speaker 2:So this is going to be September the 12th through the 15th, and by the time you hear this podcast, I'm going to tell you I've already dropped a special e-blast out to 30,000 owners nationwide. Gives you the ability to have your employees go ahead and register, sign up, get their names and everything down. So all they got to do is walk by, grab their credentials, go right in the show. And also it's got a thing on there where you can click. You can get your exhibitor packet, you can go straight to and click on and get your hotel information and get your stuff taken care of. So if you haven't already responded, let's get to moving. So if you haven't already responded, let's get to moving. If you're going to be at the North Carolina show, make sure you're at the Ohio show as well. And guys, men and women, let me tell you, if you're going to be showcased at the Midwest regional show, make sure you follow up the week before and be at that North Carolina show. It can only strengthen our industry, see, jack.
Speaker 1:You got it and one of the things is, you know they have that driver fund that has the auction. So I'm bringing items with me that we will actually put on display and the proceeds of the auction go to the driver's fund, go to the driver's fund. And every year people don't realize how important this show is for the drivers in our own industry. And I know they're going to have that as a Thursday, they're going to have the celebration of life parade. That's sponsored. It's sponsored by INA towing. So what, you and I both will be there and participate in the celebration of life.
Speaker 2:Yeah, without a doubt, that's going to be something unbelievable. Hey, I tell you what. Let's take a quick break for our sponsors. When we come back, let's dive in and let's talk about the celebration of life. I'll let our listeners know all about it. Listeners, hang in there, We'll be right back.
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Speaker 1:You have been listening, of course, to the Toe Professional On the Go podcast Every week. Dan and I do our best to bring you new, informative episodes. Make sure you download and listen. We're available on Spotify, itunes, pandora, stitcher and I heard today on the radio iHeartMedia, the number one podcast company. We're on it, amazon or wherever you get your podcast Now. Darren, right before our break, we were talking about the celebration of life sponsored by INA Towing. Tell our listeners a little bit more about this.
Speaker 2:Well, first off, dj, I'll start out with telling everybody about INA Towing, with Gay Rochester, who is a phenomenal woman and a tremendous friend of this industry and has a passion for this industry and for the tow professionals in it. He has stepped up and wanted to support this and the celebration of life is something right from Bruce Bender's heart. It's a parade and a hog roast and let me tell you, this event is to celebrate the lives of poets who have passed on before us and anyone that's passed of natural causes or in the line of duty. We will have a parade for them, causes or in the line of duty. We will have a parade for them. Food and games to celebrate their lives and the time they invested in our great industry. And we encourage Bruce encourages everybody that's participating in this parade, with tow trucks leading the way, personal vehicles to follow, and he's asking to make up poster boards, banners, with the names of those that you won't remember. And he's asking to make up poster boards, banners, with the names of those that you won't remember and that gives us the opportunity to pray those names from the Roberts Center through the town of Wilmington and back. They'll be reaching out to police and fire and EMS, as well as the news media, will be there. They will be supporting the event as well.
Speaker 2:And guess what? When you get back, there's going to be, like I said, a hog roast. So that's certainly something you don't want to miss. And when DJ said we'll be there, you'll see me right out there by the fire. But when they get back to Robbins Center, there'll be pork sides, grease and games such as cornhole and other things.
Speaker 2:So this will be, as I say, a family event. It's a great opportunity to bring the kids out there that evening and let them see. I tell you, like I said, I've walked around many times out in the parking lot at the TRAO show and said if this doesn't make you feel proud to be a tow professional and be in this industry, nothing will, because it's just the families walking around. This doesn't make you feel proud to be a tow professional and be in this industry, nothing will, um, because it's just the families walking around, the music plan, everybody talking and cutting up and and just enjoying the camaraderie, uh, amongst each other. So it's a, it's a tremendous event and make sure everyone that you go to uh the site today Midwest showorg and sign up, get your exhibitor pass, get your exhibitor packet, get your spot Before they go. Some good spots left. A couple good spots left, but you'll have to hurry. And also you can go ahead and get your attendee registration, everything taken care of, so when you walk in you're good to go.
Speaker 1:Yes, and I want to remind all our listeners, since some of you adults out there are saying well, can I bring BYOB? Bring your own beverage at this location, at this parade. You can have a pork slider and you can bring your own with you, so you bring your own beverage, adult beverage with you if you wish. So all of a sudden somebody will say you got to be kidding. No, this is the most family friendly event of the year. It doesn't happen anywhere else but at the Midwest Regional Toe Show.
Speaker 2:That's right. Hey, bring your code. Stella, as DJ would say I'm sure I know who asked that question and some milk and cookies for the kids, man. It's a great time.
Speaker 1:And Kevin Fox. If you're listening, bring the Stella.
Speaker 2:Yes, sir, bring it on. Hey, and I tell you, dj, that is now for all our listeners, the celebration of life in that hog roast is going to be the parade, and hog roast is going to be 530. And, as Bruce says, question mark, question mark, question mark until so you can enjoy yourself at that. Then, friday, it's going to be exhibitor setup. Everybody comes in, gets set up, must be set up by 1030 on Friday. You also have exhibitor set up on Thursday. Registration opens at 2, and then everything gets started. Exhibits will open on Friday, 1030 to 530. And then on Saturday, your hours. Djj are also going to be for the show. They're going to be um 10 to 6 o'clock on saturday. So we got a good day there to get all the events in.
Speaker 2:And on friday you don't want to miss this. I've heard everybody bragging about it is the wine and design. It's three to five. It's for the women. Come paint with us. They say the tickets are only $40. You get a vase with flowers to paint, with a professional instructor, a glass of wine or apple cider, water, appetizers. It's a good time and I've heard the women bragging on this over and over.
Speaker 2:And then also that night, something that's really touching they do is the candlelight vigil, and that's 530 to 6 o'clock, and then there will be a TRAO Injured Drivers Fund auction. Dj just talked about this a minute ago. They hold this from 6 o'clock to 9 o'clock on Friday night. You can catch up with everyone. There's drinks, there's music, there's food. It's a great time and all of the proceeds goes to helping the injured drivers fund. And what better way? There's so many ways we spend dollars today. We don't know what it helps. Here's one that you can spend some dollars in and you'll know exactly who it helps. And unfortunately, I know a lot of folks in this industry have been touched by that. So you know it's going to a great cause.
Speaker 1:Yes, and I promise I wouldn't tell the family the name and I won't. But here's a driver who had a broken leg that I know personally and he was unable to drive. He had to do dispatch work but he was normally out driving, making a good living driving. This fund is for those kind of things. It's for that person who needs that 90-day carryover till he gets back in the saddle again, and it's for the injured driver fund and it's really needed. So this is a good cause.
Speaker 2:Without a doubt, dj Things like this do not need to stop in the industry. This is something we need to continue to push. We've seen other associations pick this up and run with it as well, because it's a great idea and let me tell you, folks, you're going to have a great time at this show. Also, something I forgot to mention that went over like wildfire this past year was Friday night karaoke night and a live auction that follows with the karaoke and poker and food and festivities. It's a great time and, listeners, september the 12th through the 15th and this is again at the Roberts Center in Wilmington Ohio. It's a gorgeous facility, tremendous space inside, air-conditioned. You can walk around in there, look at all the different products and not even break a sweat. So it's a great show and we certainly hope to see you all there.
Speaker 1:I hope so too, my friend. Now, before we take another commercial break, can you tell our listeners a little bit about the woman of T R a O that invites you to this luncheon, the annual luncheon where you could get a ticket? It's only $20. And this is where they and I know personally all about it. They had me as one of their models and I modeled a jacket. So, darren, tell our listeners a little bit about the Saturday Women's Luncheon.
Speaker 2:Well, let me tell you this bit about the Saturday Women's Luncheon. Well, let me tell you this First off. Not only is it the this is the most talked about event from the Ohio Toast Show. If you want to see, you're going to see some great-looking iron at the show, You're going to see some tremendous products. But if you want to see something where you can get some dirt on somebody for 10, 15 years, peek your head in there with a camera and take a picture, because I saw Bruce dancing for dollars in there oh yes and others showing off the latest product to the ladies there during the women's luncheon. And women, let me tell you, it's only $20, and you'll wish you could give them another $20 for the event, because it's well worth it. Tremendous lunch they put out and, like I said, the entertainment that you'll see during the modeling show there is unbelievable and it's a do not miss. Take some pictures, because that way you'll have great blackmail information in the future.
Speaker 1:I'm dying to see if you're going to mention Jeremy's name, your buddy Jeremy, who did the dance. I thought he did better than Bruce and he said to me I was never a gold dancer. I said, oh yeah, I bet you were oh my goodness.
Speaker 2:But yeah, between Jeremy Bruce, I've seen Justin Schaefer get out there and model some of the clothes and let me tell you, ladies, wow but wow. I can't paint the picture, but you don't want to miss this one. I took some photos and the guys followed me out and told me to erase them. Do not put them in the publication. So unfortunately I did not get approval to get them out, but we'll try again this year. So, yeah, that's something you don't want to miss. It's only $20. You get lunch, there's door prizes.
Speaker 2:It's a fantastic time. And also, don't forget listeners. This is like I said, it's a family show, so there's registration for the kids' activities, different things throughout this weekend. There will be all types of events and kids' activities there, and last year they even had a lot of the things right there on the show floor so the kids could participate in the different things while you're on the show floor walking around talking with your favorite vendors. So it's a great time. Let's step away, take another break for our sponsors, and we'll be right back. Step away, take another break for our sponsors and we'll be right back.
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Speaker 1:This is a special edition of tow Professional on the Go podcast, all about the Midwest Regional Tow Show. I want to remind all of you, please remember to like, review and share everywhere. We can't thank you enough for telling fellow towers about this podcast and helping it grow like it has. We can't thank you enough. If you want to hear a professional, somebody from our industry, on the podcast, just leave their name and information. If you're an association and you want information on your association put on the podcast, just dial 706-409-5603. Leave a message and Darren and I will get right back to you. 7 0 6, 4 0 9, 5 6 0 3. That rings right here in the podcast center. So, darren, before I break, we started talking about Saturday, so how about Saturday? And tell our listeners this restaurant that's there? Ralph's is called. It is phenomenal.
Speaker 2:Man. Let me tell you, dj, when I rounded the corner and saw a NHRA dragster engine sitting in a case, I was like all right, first off, we're at the right place. Next thing you see is a moving truck that the whole side opens up to make a buffet. And might I say they had a prime rib all-you-can-eat buffet there on the Saturday before the show ended. Dj, I thought they were going to be lining cattle up out back. It was absolutely phenomenal. And then they've got one of the an unbelievable wall of whiskey in the bar. I mean, it'll blow you away.
Speaker 2:So I was shocked by Ralph's Grill. They have something they did every day when we were there where they had a full salad buffet and soup for like $10. A full salad buffet and soup for like $10. So it might not be a. I heard somebody say well, there's not a whole lot of places around there. But let me tell you something You're there for three days and it's some of the best food I had in, some of the best. It is the best process I've seen at any show when it when it, when it comes to pricing, and they had fun things.
Speaker 2:I mean we sat down and had what a bowl of lug nuts. That were these tater tots with bacon bits and everything else. That were phenomenal. So they were really good for bringing back some of those themes that the old site Mason Ohio just let go. So they brought back these fun themes to the show with some great food and great stuff. And that leads up to me.
Speaker 2:I want to remind everybody that Saturday night they're going to have right there outside of the grill, ralph's Grill, they're going to have a Ralph's Chaos Party. It's a band night cash bar. There's going to be a sponsored taco bar. For everyone who doesn't love a taco bar, this big kid does. I told you, dj, I'm going to be out there shaking hands, kissing babies, and right in in front of the line of the taco bar. And if you love the people watch, get out there, watch the band and enjoy the sponsored tacos. Let me tell you it's a great time.
Speaker 2:And then, right after that, that's six to ten o'clock, that that's six to ten o'clock, right after that. Well, I'm sorry, in between that nine o'clock they're going to do uh, something I've always enjoyed at the trao show. Is they the light it up light show? Um, and they'll light that whole parking lot up and, uh, the lighting will be judged and while that's going on, the band will be getting some cold drinks and getting ready to get right back up there and get fired up and everybody get right back to that taco bar I've already hit. So it's good, it's going to be a good time and it's going to be something that our folks do not want to miss. I'm telling you, folks from the TRAOs injured drivers fund auction you don't want to miss that.
Speaker 2:From the candlelight vigil On Friday night that honors the fallen Tollers. From the Friday night Women's campaign with us, the wine and design, to the Well known and proclaimed WTRAO Ladies luncheon. That is phenomenal. You don't want to miss getting your tickets for that Only $20. There's lunch, there's door prizes and photos that you'll have forever. That'll speak volumes, let me tell you. And then we'll follow that up that night with Ralph's Chaos Party, the taco bar for everyone and then lighting up the parking lot with a light. So, from the pig roast and celebration of life to the last day, let me tell you, trao Midwest Regional Show DJ. They pull out all the stops to make sure that their attendees enjoy being there at the show, as well as their exhibitors, and that everything's covered, and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it with them.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I agree with you. This is the most family-friendly show of the year and all of us got to really participate. When you say this is a place where you can bring your RV, you can bring your camper. It's a BYOB location. There's a lot of like the taco bar. It's wide open to everybody that comes. If you're there, the taco bar is for you. You bring your own drinks there. It's really a laid-back environment that helps the driver tour fund, which I really believe in. But this is they do real serious karaoke there.
Speaker 2:I mean, this is they're serious about it you'll be surprised, uh, if you're watching that night. And dj I also want to say that somebody mentioned is in these campgrounds. You can give Bruce Connie a call today ask them about it. But in the campgrounds there's a place like, just like DJ just said, whether you've got a full-size RV, whether you've got a tent or whether you've got a truck with a blow-up mattress in the back, there is a spot for you there.
Speaker 2:So if you want to do it the cost-effective way also, they've thought of everything. There's even showers there. So if you're camping out in the tent, you can slide right over and have you a shower every evening, every morning of one shower, and head right back to it and you can bring the kids camp out, have a campfire under the stars. And let me tell you, september, end of September in Ohio, oh my goodness, it's a good time. It's a good time to be outside. So, whether you've got a camper or whether you've got a Bronco with a blow-up mattress in the back, come on out and enjoy the show, because there will be many ways that you can fit in, whether it's a hotel or a primitive camping spot, to an RV spot. That got you covered.
Speaker 1:Yeah, this is Darren, I agree with you. I think this is one of the finest family-friendly shows and with over 30 campsites that are under $50, just bring your RV and you're right, Darren, hit it right on the head. There's showers there for everybody, you know, right there on the campground and the campground is you walk over. It's less than a football field. You walk right over to all the events and the Indoor Roberts Center and Ralph's Grill is all there, so you don't have to keep moving your car back and forth and you get a chance to socialize with the very best in the industry your fellow towers and recovery professionals. It's great for the family. I can't not brag about this place enough, and Sunday morning they have that buffet so everybody can have a buffet on the way home. It's really something. September 12th through the 15th is really the weekend of fun for everyone at the Midwest Regional Toe Show.
Speaker 2:DJ. I couldn't agree enough. Well, listeners, again, another phenomenal podcast, more great information about the things that are happening right around you. If you're anywhere close 6, 8, 10, 12 state radius, it's going to be worth it. Make sure you get out there and support the industry with the Midwest Regional Toe Show. Be there, you'll certainly see me and DJ there. We'll have a big friendly smile there. You'll certainly see me and DJ. There We'll be a smile. We'll have a big friendly smile on. We'll be at the booth.
Speaker 2:You can come by and say you heard us on the podcast and, believe me, that's what we want to hear from you.
Speaker 2:We thank you for making this one of the top podcasts, number one in industry. And, as always, father, I want to reach out to you, god, and just ask that you not only protect our nation, protect our loved ones, our friends and families down there in Florida that are subject to the hurricane coming through. We ask that you bless and grow the knowledge and wealth of knowledge for our vendors and industry, lord, so that they can continue to bring things to the industry that will impact our first responders with more safety and efficiency on the road. And, dear Heavenly Father, we ask that you bring every one of our tow professionals home out there to do their task and bring them home to their families' sake on a daily basis. We ask that, father, keep your hand of protection over our nation, over our tow professionals, over our podcast, our editors and our family of tow professionals. We ask this in your precious name. Amen. Until next time, listeners keep listening Tow Professional on the go podcast. We'll be back with more great information and industry professionals next time.