Tuesday, 7 October 2014

THE TRUE PASSION OF TOWING

THE TRUE PASSION OF TOWING
BY: SHAWN MICHAUD

What does it mean to be a tow truck operator? To most it is a job, a steady paycheck, a way to keep food on the table. Then for the rare few it is something so much more. It’s a passion, it’s a lifestyle. I am now an almost 3 year veteran to this amazing industry and have come to realize so much. Although most people may see us as nothing more than a dirty, sweaty, sometimes smelly man or woman, that comes out when they need a tire changed or forgot to stop at the last service station for fuel. We as an industry have come to show them that we are so much more than that. We are the rare breed that will pick up the phone no matter the time or weather conditions to head out and risk our lives walking a thin line to help a complete stranger in need, for very little reward. We do not do it for the thank you’s or the god bless’s. We do it to help a fellow human being when they have nowhere else to turn. That is what it means to be a true operator. When the risk is high and the reward is low we will still put it all on the line to help our fellow man no matter the circumstances.

Any of my TOW BROTHERS reading this can relate. How many times have you gotten up in the middle of the night in the rain or snow, fired up your truck and headed out to help a stranded motorist? Leaving behind your family, your warm bed, even your sanity. To wander out on that highway, praying and hoping that the next car to pass you will give you the courtesy, and respect to move over and slow down.  Can you honestly say that you did it for the money? If you answered no, Congratulations you are a TRUE OPERATOR and we in the brotherhood salute you.



There is no doubt in my mind that even true operators have moments of weakness. Moments where they question their decision  to keep on trucking, moments where the temptation of a nice Monday-Friday job would keep food on the table and leave us much more stress-free. To those of you feelings this way I ask you to remember these words “I chose this life”. You chose to help people in their time of need, you chose to risk it all to make someone’s day. You chose to be a TRUE OPERATOR!  

8 comments:

  1. well said its money but money is not everything,its nice to be able to assist your fellow men and woman in their time of need some do really appreciate it, some do not.As for myself being a tow truck operator i makes me proud to know i have helped someone out.God bless every tow truck operator out there,be safe go home to the ones you love and love you

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  2. I've been a tow operator for a little more than a year, after being a mortgage broker for 15yrs and this job is Not about the money.As much as I hate the late night calls, the drive home after makes the task worthwhile. The simple fact is, being the person responsible to aid another person during a vulnerable time, is rewarding. Bottom line.

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  3. I've been a tow operator for a little more than a year, after being a mortgage broker for 15yrs and this job is Not about the money.As much as I hate the late night calls, the drive home after makes the task worthwhile. The simple fact is, being the person responsible to aid another person during a vulnerable time, is rewarding. Bottom line.

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  4. Thank you both for your input on the subject. I'm glad to see there is so many great operators around.

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  5. That is great man I've been towing for 13+ years the last paragraph sums it up whole..... be safe out there brother.

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  6. That is great man I've been towing for 13+ years the last paragraph sums it up whole..... be safe out there brother.

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  7. For those of us on percentage when you do the math we generally make minimum wage or less with the hours we put in. I love meeting the people and making there day a little better.

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  8. For those of us on percentage when you do the math we generally make minimum wage or less with the hours we put in. I love meeting the people and making there day a little better.

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