Geri Roskopf's Blog - I Ain’t Got No

[TowTimes]

Geri Roskopf

 

I ain’t got no college degree. I ain’t no doctor or pro-athlete, but I still see myself as a professional in the towing and recovery industry and the work I do every day. Just because I don’t have a piece of paper saying I graduated with a degree in something, doesn’t mean I’m not qualified, trained, experienced, efficient, competent, skilled or resourceful at the many jobs I do.

 

My higher education has come with a lot of hard work, long hours, getting through many ups and downs and never-ending learning experiences.

 

I met some friends for coffee at a local McDonald’s and I was quite shocked with what I saw and how I was treated. I haven’t been inside a McDonald’s in a while, but I was always impressed with the staff. They wore uniforms, and were polite, fast and efficient. The restaurant and bathrooms were always very clean.

Not so much this time.

 

I stood at the counter for a bit. Not complaining about that, but two employees looked at me and turned away, not even offering an “I’ll be right with you,” or even acknowledging I was there.

 

I noticed that none of the employees wore uniforms. Their hair wasn’t tied back. One of them came around the corner commenting to another employee that they were both wearing the same Hug fashion boots. I noticed that tables needed to be cleaned, and garbage bins needed to be emptied.

 

Do I think the employees needed uniforms or smiles to make them be more professional at their jobs? No, not necessarily, but it would help.

 

It doesn’t matter if you work at McDonalds, are a tow operator or a pro-golfer, how you treat others is a big factor in being a professional.

 

View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

[TowForce]

The same can be said about the Towing & Recovery Industry. Even though we have made strides and for the most of the equipment looks much nicer. There are still Wrecker Drivers and Tow Truck Operators. Can you tell the difference?

 

Now, I can often be heard saying I do not care what they call me as long as they pay me. However, I do my best to present myself as a Tow Truck Operator and not just a Wrecker Driver.

 

Lest we forget them on the long road home

 

The tow operator stood and faced his Maker, which must always come to air.
He hoped his chains were left behind and he hadn't brought them on to bare.
"Step forward now, wrecker driver how shall I deal with you?"
Have you always rendered aid? To your Maker, have you been true?
The tower, with dirt on his hands, said "No sir, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who drive wreckers can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've taken people cars, because life is just that tough.
But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep.
Though I logged a lot of hours when the bills just got too deep.
And I never passed by a cry for help though at times I had little to gain,
and sometimes, please forgive me, I could do little more than feel their pain.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They only wanted me around in their worst of moments there.
But if you have a place for me here, well...it need not be too grand.
I never expected or had too much so if you don't...I'll understand."
There was silence all around the room where the saints respectfully stood.
As the tow operator waited quietly, for the judgment...bad or good.
"Step forward now, wrecker driver, you've borne your burdens well.
Come tow on heaven streets, You've done your time in hell."

 

I wrote this poem 20 years ago with the mindset that we are Tow Operators but we are seen as Wrecker Drivers.