For The Industry

Happy 2023 everyone!

See you all there!

Still here year after year.

We will be there!

Join ServiCase at the 2021 Texas TowXpo booth #710! Find out how

ServiCase connects carriers and fleet managers to roadside service

providers!

ServiCase Sponsors 2021 Survivor Fund Golf Classic-
We are proud to be the title sponsor of the Survivor Fund Golf Classic this year.

The tournament takes place April 8th at the Celebration Golf Club in conjunction with the Florida Tow Show. The Survivor Fund, founded in 2006 and managed by the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum (ITRHFM), was started to offer financial support to the families that have lost a loved one in the line of service within the industry.

https://survivor-fund-golf-classic.perfectgolfevent.com/

Ted's of Fayville is now listed on ServiCase!

ServiCase is a web-based breakdown management system that provides carriers and

small fleets the ability to electronically search for Providers, dispatch jobs and track events.

Register your company at https://www.servicase.com/Home/RegisterCompany

Media contact: Will Barnes

Email: wbarnes@sureecosystem.com

Phone: (615) 390-6928

FTI Groups Releases ServiCase^TM – A Platform for Self-Service Breakdown Management

ServiCase^TM allows drivers and fleet managers to locate towing and roadside mechanical service providers quickly and to establish electronic interactions.

KELLER, Texas, February 12, 2021 — FTI Groups is pleased to announce it has released the beta version of its new transportation breakdown case management system, ServiCase^TM.

Though the official launch will occur in early March, clients can begin using the system today. This innovative platform connects service providers to carriers, enabling them to more easily find someone to help get them back on the road. Carriers can also use ServiCase as a case management system – enabling them to better manage their equipment. There is no cost to carriers for the ServiCase tool, and service providers are receiving a free starter listing for 2021.

ServiCase allows carriers to track breakdowns, locate and dispatch service providers, and to track events through to completion including event status, photos, invoices, etc. In addition, ServiCase gives them access to over 60,000 service providers with the ability to store private notes and ratings with the providers or any others they add to the tool.

“We are proud to introduce ServiCase today,” stated Jeffrey Godwin, president of FTI Groups. “We want to provide carriers a self-serve solution while also supporting the service provider community we have partnered with for more than two decades.”

The ServiCase tool can be accessed by simply registering at servicase.com. Once setup, when a breakdown occurs, the carrier creates a new case by providing information about the vehicle, its location and the service type needed. ServiCase accesses the service provider database to identify the best matches for the job while factoring in information such as the carrier’s own ratings and/or preferred status for providers with whom they have experience.

ServiCase is different from other search services in that the provider is not charged for events or jobs they receive and there is no bidding for higher positions in the results listings. ServiCase does not charge variable fees for large markets and does not dictate rates, though many listed providers are extending their commercial account rates to carriers using ServiCase. Nothing is marked up because payment is made directly to the service provider.

ServiCase is powered by FTI’s sureEcosystem platform, which allows companies to connect directly to the service provider database and communications hub. These powerful tools can be connected to a wide variety of applications from shop maintenance systems to backend systems for third-party administrators. Leveraging the power of this proven system, FTI created ServiCase as a value-added offering to the sureEcosystem family of products.

“FTI Groups is committed to serving the market with quality solutions, and we intend to expand the capabilities of the ServiCase tool,” Godwin said.

For more information, visit www.servicase.com/home/media.

ABOUT FTI GROUPS

FTI Groups Inc. is a leading provider of benefits and software services in a variety of industries. FTI Groups improves vendor relationships and the bottom line at member companies through its FTI Benefits and towPartners programs. FTI Groups is the provider of software tools including the sureEcosystem platform offerings.  Learn more at sureecosystem.com.

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Rest in Peace Scooby

The industry has lost a hero.

FleetNet’s use of sureEcosystem facilitates quicker, more efficient service provider updates to improve customer experience

FleetNet America® is pleased to announce it has completed its 100,000th electronic dispatch through sureEcosystem®.

With customers’ expectations continuing to rise, FleetNet made investments to improve customer experience by using sureEcosystem, an electronic platform that allows service providers to connect and communicate directly with FleetNet. 

Jackson’s Diesel Service received and accepted FleetNet’s 100,000th electronic dispatch through sureEcosystem on Sept. 10, 2020.

By connecting electronically with FleetNet, service providers can deliver more real-time updates from the field to improve the data and information customers receive. The platform also allows service providers to upload event photos, invoices, and notes from a mobile device or desktop, as well as connect their dispatch software directly to sureEcosystem.

“FleetNet is proud to be leading the industry in electronic communication with our service providers. This tool is an incredible benefit to us, our service providers and, most importantly, our customers,” said Don Doty, vice president of Roadside Operations and Vendor Relations. “We are working to provide customers quicker visibility to their equipment status and give service providers better communication tools in the field.”

ABOUT FLEETNET AMERICA

FleetNet America® excels in vehicle maintenance and repair solutions for commercial and private fleets. We have the skill and the will to change the direction of fleet maintenance by reducing downtime, providing data to help reduce maintenance events and delivering best-in-class preventive maintenance compliance at the lowest total cost.

ABOUT SUREECOSYSTEM

sureEcosystem is a suite of connected software designed for the field services and transportation industries. These tools work together by sharing information in a centralized manner, improving data accuracy and ease of management.

ABOUT ARCBEST

ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a leading logistics company with creative problem solvers who deliver innovative solutions for our customers’ supply chain needs. We’ll find a way to deliver knowledge, expertise and a can-do attitude with every shipment and supply chain solution, household move or vehicle repair. At ArcBest, we’re More Than Logistics®. For more information, visit arcb.com.

Woo hoo! I won something!

PRESS RELEASE: 2020 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED BY ITRHFM

CHATTANOOGA, TN, June 9, 2020 — The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum today announced that it has completed the selection process for induction into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame as the Class of 2020.

Troy Barnett (Sierra Vista, AZ), Ron Bressler (Morgantown, PA), Stacey Tucker Canterbury (Bremerton, WA), Tom Griffin (Hixson, TN), Norman Horton (Newville, AL), Phil Howard (Kennesaw, GA), Luc Le Baron (Brunoy, France), Rodney Pellow (Isanti, MN), Antonio Re (Glen Iris, Victoria, Australia), and Sherry White (Fremont, CA) were nominated by members of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum for their many contributions to the towing and recovery industry, their families and communities.

“The towing Hall of Fame is the highest honor in the industry and celebrates those who have worked hard to support and grow the professionalism of towing and recovery around the world,” said Bill Gratzianna, President of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. “This year’s group of inductees is no exception in their work on behalf of the industry and their leadership inside and outside of the industry.”

The Class of 2020, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, in a ceremony to be held at 6pm on Saturday, October 10th, 2020 at the Westin Hotel in Chattanooga, TN. A full weekend of activities will be held to celebrate this year’s inductees. For more information on the induction ceremony, or to order event tickets and/or make hotel reservations, contact the museum at 423-267-3132 or visit them on the internet at towingmuseum.com.

About ITRHFM

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a tremendous gift shop. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.

Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.

Still here.  Mask and gloves at the ready.

ITRHFM Hall of Fame Selection Postponed

Chattanooga, TN – April 16, 2020 – Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the need for social distancing, the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum has been closed since March 16.  The museum’s winter board meeting was also postponed due to the health crisis and travel restrictions affecting our nation and the world.  As a result, the Hall of Fame selection committee has been unable to meet and select the inductees for the Class of 2020.

Museum leadership is continuing to closely monitor the unfolding situation.  The health and welfare of our staff and volunteers is our highest priority.  The decision to close before a shelter in place order was issued was a difficult one as was the postponement of the Hall of Fame selection process.  It is now quite clear that postponement and closure were the correct decision and re-opening and resumption of the process will continue as the virus concerns are mitigated and as we are permitted to return to business as usual.

“Our goal is to complete the selection process as soon as possible and practical once we are able to meet as a group,” commented Jeffrey Godwin, ITRHFM 1^st Vice President.  “The museum’s Hall of Fame induction is the highest honor in our industry and we look forward to announcing the Class of 2020.”

The towing museum’s annual weekend of events is planned for October 9-11, 2020 in conjunction with the Tennessee Tow Show.

“Speaking for all of our staff and volunteers, we look forward to seeing everyone at the events in October, providing the virus situation is resolved,” said Bill Gratzianna, ITRHFM President.  “As our museum team meets, we’ll determine what will be the best event for this year’s attendees.”

While the museum is closed to tours and other visitors, its online gift shop remains open at www.towingmuseum.com.  The museum appreciates the support of the industry and our community as we all work through this together.

About ITRHFM

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.

Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.

My condolences to the entire Herring family.

I do not have the accounting info here at home but we generally get requests on about half of the tragedies that occur in the industry.  Our committee reaches out proactively to the companies to try to serve as many families as possible but half is typically the outcome.  I am also not sure of the total paid out to date but having been doing this for more than a dozen years, it has been great to see the Fund grow and to help many families.  Our payouts have been in the nundreds of thousands of dollars and we have a financial position that will ensure the Fund is here for those that need it on a perpetual basis.  Unfortunately, the first $9,500 check under this new payout amount was written yesterday.  The good news is that the benefit has grown and we often hear about how helpful and impacting it is to these families at a critical time.

I do not have the exact figures but between some tremendous donations and other efforts that week we raised close to $100K for the Survivor Fund and the auction raised about $175K for the museum.  The events were great and I appreciate everyone's support.

Chattanooga, Tennessee: For Immediate Release 

Kapnick Insurance Group recently donated $10,000 to sponsor the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s new welcome video. The video highlights the history of towing and recovery and the various initiatives of ITRHFM. 

“The museum is excited about the new welcome video in our theater and the ability to keep it updated going forward,” said Jeffrey Godwin, First Vice President of the museum.  “Having the strong support of Kapnick Insurance has allowed us to modernize our approach and to tell more of the story of this industry whose heritage we preserve.  It is our honor to work with Kapnick to bring a fresh look at the industry to all of those who visit our museum each day.”

Established in 1995, the museum includes a theatre, a rotating collection of equipment and exhibits showing the history of towing and recovery, and a hall of fame honoring individuals who have significantly advanced the industry.

“Kapnick has been supporting various towing associations ever since we became involved in the industry over 30 years ago. Supporting ITRHFM’s mission is just one way we can show our towing clients how much we care,” Mark Arbaugh, Partner of Kapnick Insurance Group, said.

It is also home to the industry’s Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died while in the line of service, and organizes a Survivor Fund which assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss.

“At Kapnick, we know how important great employees are to the success of a company, and what a tragedy it is to lose someone in a work-related fatality,” said Jim Kapnick, CEO of Kapnick Insurance Group. “We’re proud to sponsor an organization which supports such a great cause.”

About ITRHFM:

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.  Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.

About Kapnick:

Founded in 1946, Kapnick Insurance Group is a third generation, privately held, Michigan based professional service firm. Their 160+ employees provide expert guidance pertaining to business insurance, risk solutions, employee benefits, corporate wellness, and personal insurance to a vast and diverse base of clients worldwide. For over 70 years, companies have looked to Kapnick Insurance Group as a trusted advisor, providing solutions that protect their operations and employees.

Chattanooga, TN – October 22, 2019 – At its annual general meeting, the board of directors of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum (ITRHFM), announced an increase in the death benefit available to families when industry tragedy occurs.  In recent months, the Survivor Fund has enjoyed some generous giving from many of its partners around the industry.  Having applied its financial stewardship formula, the board reset the death benefit paid to each approved application from $5,000 per incident to $7,000 per incident. If the deceased was employed by a company who was a member in good standing of the museum at the time of the incident, or if the deceased was a member in good standing, the benefit increases to $9,500, up from $7,500.

"We are blessed with a healthy financial position provided by the generosity of our industry,” said Jeffrey Godwin, Survivor Fund Committee Co-Chairman.  “With an eye toward long term support of the industry, we implemented a formula a few years ago to drive our giving.  The result is one where the support of the Survivor Fund by our industry has allowed us to make a significant increase to the amount we are able to provide families going forward.”

The Survivor Fund is supported by individual operators, towing and road service companies of all sizes, motor clubs, industry suppliers and many more.  The pledge program for the Survivor Fund works to replenish funds paid out at the time of industry tragedies and provides stability allowing increases to the benefit by gaining support from contributions as simple as those where individuals and companies pledge as little as $5 per death.

“It is our hope that all companies across our industry will become members of the museum to preserve our history and to provide this meaningful protection for the families of their employees,” said Lee Roberts, Survivor Fund Committee Co-Chairman.

The Survivor Fund, founded in 2006 and managed by the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, was started to offer financial support to the families that have lost a loved one in the line of service within industry. Since 2006 the Survivor Fund has approved and paid out hundreds of claims to support families in their time of need due to tragic accidents.  The ITRHFM is working to build a perpetual fund while also supporting families as the fund is built.  Increases in benefits to families are made based on the fundraising of the Survivor Fund and the increased security of the Fund based on its investment health.

About ITRHFM

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.  Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.

October 22, 2019 / CHATTANOOGA, TN – The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum added twenty-eight new names to the Wall of the Fallen during its recent annual ceremony honoring towing and road service operators who have died in the line of service.

The names include those from previous years as the details of fatalities become known. In all, the Wall of the Fallen now has over 450 names of men and women who have lost their lives while serving the motoring public in the towing and road service industry. (See below for complete list of towing operator names added in 2019.)

The Wall of the Fallen ceremony seeks to honor towing operators whose lives were cut short and the Survivor Fund provides a one-time gift to the families. Survivors’ families also receive a Certificate of Honor at the ceremony.

“It is with great sadness that we find ourselves in a position that requires the Wall of the Fallen,” stated Jeffrey Godwin, Wall of the Fallen and Survivor Fund co-chairman.  “Despite the tragedy represented, we do find comfort in honoring our fallen operators and in serving their families in their time of loss.”

The annual ceremony also aims to boost motorists’ awareness of Move Over laws in effect in all 50 states that require drivers to move over one lane and/or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle.

Annually, the motoring public’s failure to slow down or move over, in addition to drunken or negligent driving, unnecessarily claims many towers’ lives.

About ITRHFM

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.  Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.

2019 Wall of the Fallen

(in alphabetical order)

October 22, 2019 / CHATTANOOGA, TN – At its annual general membership meeting in Chattanooga, TN, held recently in conjunction with other museum weekend events, the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum announced the results of the election of its general board.  The new board will begin its term November 1, 2019, and is comprised of:

Bill Byers

Danny Horton

Jim Jennings

Bert King

Jon Kupchin

Mike Porter

Lee Roberts

Geoff Russell

John Weaver

The ITRHFM executive board remains unchanged until that election is held in 2020.  Those members are:

President: Bill Gratzianna

1^st Vice President: Jeffrey Godwin

2^nd Vice President: Kevin Fox

Treasurer: Tom Tedford

Secretary: Steve Welchel

Immediate Past President: Troy Barnett

About ITRHFM

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.  Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com.

SDMO Gear Launches New Site for Products

Haslet TX, September 12, 2019 - SDMO Gear, LLC announced today the initial launch of its new online store offering fresh designs in Slow Down Move Over branded items to consumers.  The business is about raising awareness of the issue from the inside of a for-profit business model while being tasteful and respectful of those professionals in the industries most impacted by the public’s lack of awareness or concern for those in harm’s way.  SDMO Gear also plans to help the families of those who tragedy befalls by supporting the non-profits who are dedicated to specific groups whose constituency is on the roadside taking the risks every day as they pursue their careers.

The company has chosen to focus on numerous public safety disciplines and to identify some specific groups who are highly impacted by the lack of compliance with the existing Slow Down Move Over laws in all 50 states.  Primary responders like Police, Fire, Towing, and EMS were the most obvious choices due to the on-demand nature of their response and the additional dangers of being on the roadside in situations where your presence is unplanned.  Additionally, SDMO Gear has specifically called out the Mobile Mechanic role, Road Construction workers, and Flaggers, all of whom face many different types of situations and deal with the same driving public as the others.  There are certainly more to be recognized but SDMO Gear is also working to setup the relationships with the best organizations offering support to the various groups.

Simply put, SDMO Gear aims to raise awareness, save lives, make money, and support those left behind when tragedy strikes.

Learn more at www.sdmogear.com.

About Us

SDMO Gear, LLC is dedicated to generating public awareness of the dangers faced by emergency responders and others on our nation’s roadways and to educating the audience about the existence of Slow Down Move Over laws.  Our for-profit venture sells SDMO branded gear to generate this awareness and we donate significant time as well as a portion of top line revenue to charitable causes and organizations supporting those left behind by these tragedies. We make it the customer’s choice as to which group receives the financial benefit of their transaction.  Through this approach we hope to support all disciplines and professions faced with the senseless tragedy of roadside deaths caused by the same motorists these men and women work to serve.

I will be there.

See you there!

I will be there