Want to Start a Tow Truck Business? Watch This First
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- Опубліковано 18 чер 2024
- Kenneth Orme started K.O. Towing in 2019 with a single truck. In the 3 years since, he’s grown to 4 trucks and a total monthly revenue of $40,000. We’ll find out how he did it in today’s interview.
This video is sponsored by TailorBrands. Use code "upflip40" for 40% off at check out! Click here tailorbrands.go2cloud.org/SH6B to get your business started today!
Before starting K.O. Towing, Kenneth worked as a Journeyman Machinist and welder. When the shop he’d worked for went out of business, he took the opportunity to become his own boss and bought his first tow truck. He added the second just before the start of the pandemic, and has continued to grow over the past 2 years despite those added challenges.
Today, Kenneth shares his advice for how to start a tow truck business from the ground up. We’ll find out how much it costs to start a tow truck company and what kind of equipment you need before you start. Along with towing, his company offers roadside assistance and transportation services for customers, and Kenneth will share why it helps a tow truck business to include these options, and what systems and supplies you need to do so.
Rather than start with a business loan, Kenneth leveraged his personal credit to get started with a lease-to-own truck. We’ll hear why that was the best option for him, and other tips for starting a towing business with little to no money. He’ll also share how he connected with his first customers and established his reputation for quality service in the Tacoma area. As a 24/7 business, K.O. Towing needs reliable employees to function smoothly. We’ll find out how he hires and manages his staff to maintain consistent service quality.
Anyone interested in a towing business will learn a ton from this video! And make sure to check out some of our other interviews with business owners in the automotive sector:
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Resources
www.kotowoing-tacoma.com - KO Towing’s website
www.upflip.com/academy - Launch and scale your business with our expert-led Academy
www.upflip.com/blog - Insights and tips to start and run a successful business
www.zips.com - Top site for affordable tow trucks, parts, and gear
www.towmate.com - Excellent resource for roadside safety and towing accessories
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:58 Meeting the Owner of KO Towing
2:01 Tips on Finding Your First Customer
2:58 How To Break Even in This Business
3:48 Public Clients vs Private Clients
4:52 Most Profitable Towing Services
5:54 The Must-Haves To Get Started
7:29 Scaling into the Hundred Thousands
9:21 Required Expenses To Know About
10:26 Tips on Starting a Business with No Money
11:30 Successful Advertising Strategies
13:05 System and Processes
13:44 The Tool Every Towing Company Needs
14:20 What Makes KO Towing Unique
15:18 The Trick To Avoid Failure
15:53 How To Make a Presence Online
17:16 How To Solve Common Business Problems
18:20 Blitz Time with Ken!
19:09 The Key Pieces You Need On Your Truck
20:34 The Average Work Day
21:43 Advice on Finding Perfect Employees
22:43 What Ken Earns Per Tow
23:32 What It’s Like to Operate 24/7
24:32 How To Motivate Yourself
25:12 Financial Tips for Starting a Business
26:14 How To Double Your Revenue
27:00 The Key To Keeping Customers Loyal
27:32 How Ken Got Through The Pandemic
28:38 Where Ken Got His Experience and Knowledge
29:24 The Busiest Time for Towing
30:47 Tips on Reputation
31:22 Choosing The Perfect Service Area
31:52 Ken’s Advice for Beginners
#towing #towtruck #towtruckbusiness
Big thanks to @tailorbrands, your one-stop business startup shop!
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I have tow truck 2012 hino 268 with 200,000 mils on it for sale if anyone interested please contacted me
Taylor brands is a scam
I love that code
"If I can't find a job I'll make a job".
This code prevents one from ever being jobless red horse. 😀We like it too. We're so happy that you liked the video. Are you new to the channel??
@@UpFlip I've been watching the channel for 4 months. You guys are my favorite UA-cam channel
I'll never forget it
Can’t get a job ? Make a job! This is America!!! Love this!!
I live by those rules
He is spot on when he talks about rain and snow! We had a blizzard on Valentines day 1990. The only time I had to stop that day was to get fuel! That truck ran for 36 hours straight between two drivers. We couldnt keep up with the calls coming in. On top of the 4 trucks we had we started calling friends body shops and asking for their trucks to help.
Man this guy is so cool. He knows what he's doing and very humble about it
Kenneth seems like a very knowledgeable guy. My step dad has owned his own wrecker service for over 50 years. I just started helping him alil over a year ago. I have learned alot
Can't help but like this guy.
Doesn't want to make the customer pay more than the price of the tow.
Put's money he makes back into the business.
Is willing to teach new drivers what is needed to do the job.
I wish him every success.
Actually, I wouldn't even mind coming and driving for him :)
What a Rock Star comment Ulbre. 😀👍🏽⭐We really appreciate you providing such kind and detailed feedback. This is a great business. Are you in the same industry?
Charges 1:2 fir the services
does 90% copart
Expects you to take the damn truck home and have a place to park it
And expects you to work on it !
Idk bout that
Oh damn and 500 a month in google ! If you have 4 trucks you better be spending 500 a day on google
@@rapidroadsode8789 Hes a towing company dude, not a repair company.
One of the best interviews ive ever seen. you touched all areas of the towing business.
Excellent piece! Great questions and a good honest principled American salty to amswer them. The world is a better place because of people like Ken. Definite inspiration.
Great Interview. Ken is one of the coolest guys I’ve ever seen. He’s down to earth and straight to the point. God bless him and his business.
Thank you for watching and provide such great feedback Max. 😀😀We're so happy you enjoyed the interview. Would you like us to stay in the auto industry with our next video?
@@UpFlip Great video.😂 I would love to see a video on heavy duty towing which is when they taught 18 winners. I alway to get in a business towing semi trucks I have class A and I always wonder how to get started on that type of business
Copart is a lot of trouble
im' systems Engineer and found my side hustle, i love everything about towing from light duty to heavy duty. He is an inspiration for me, great work!
Awesome Adolfo. 😀 We're so happy that the information was beneficial to you. 👍How long have you been in the industry?
God bless this man , he is the epitome of a hard working and honest man. I wish him all the health in the world !
Ken is my kind of guy. His personality is rare and genuine
He’s right. You need good drivers, who will take care of the truck. I started as a driver at night about 7 months ago & I’m a pretty good damn driver. I used to be a mechanic for a limo & party bus company. The other tow truck drivers abuse the trucks & just don’t care. Whatever truck I’m driving that night, I’m fixing or doing maintenance on it when I have a chance. The other drivers don’t understand that the tow truck is making their money, if it’s down, they’re not making money. Too bad that I’m not in Washington, I’d apply for a job with you if I was.
I've been fortunate to know and work alongside Ken. He's a helluva guy.
Another great interview. That’s the kind of basic, recession proof business people are looking for. When I was first getting started I worked at a gas station back when someone pumped your gas. The owner had a hook style tow truck. He would send me out to get broken down or wrecked cars. It was a good job for a young guy still in high school.
We really appreciate you tuning in Dave. We want to try and explore as many different types of businesses as we can to help someone that may need it. We can remember the days when someone would come and pump the gas. There are still a few gas stations like this. 😀Are you still in the same type of industry?
@@UpFlip that was a lifetime ago for me. I was a teenager working summers and after school. From there I worked as a logger then a rigger. I managed to get injured and decided I wanted to do something else so I got a degree in computer science and spent the next 35 years doing that as an independent consultant then 15 years with IBM working all over the world. I’m retired now with prostate cancer and several other ailments. Your channel is on my short list of favorites. There are several you’ve done that get me thinking “what if”. I think that what you’re doing is going to be a tremendous help for people with the drive to to pursue whatever their passion might be. Good luck and I look forward to more content in the future.
I've been in the tow industry/ roadside assistance for about 9 years
Ken seems like a good boss to work for
Lol, driving junk trucks that you have to fix for free 🤷♂️
How did you get started with doing road side assistants
@RustyZipper sound like his guys are paid by the hour so don't think they fixing work trucks for free if they are on the clock.
Excellent video. Great probing questions. Good work.
I like Mr Ken. He's got the old school grit AND old school business sense that the transportation industry needs. The questions the interviewer were asking was so over elaborated and Ken kept it so honest. Keep it simple and you will make money. One customer, awesome reliability, reinvesting in the business...it's so simple.
We appreciate you tuning in! Thank you! ☺️
I’m on the same track as this gentleman. I worked with copart and IAA as a driver through a small towing company for about 2 years. Bought a used 4 car carrier and will be running it for copart myself
What type of truck did you buy and how much did you it?
Right behind ya!🤞🏽💪🏽🙏🏽
How’s it going now ?
good money in them 4 haulers
@@hilarynwakor740 they like 200k for a decent one
Thank you so much, this has helped me tons, I'm doing it, I'm going for it
Trust me buddy at this kinda time it’s hard in the tow industry I own my own company myself I’m really surprised of this gentleman pricing n what he makes a month especially towing for iaa auction. Iaa auction and copart auction r the most cheap places to tow for i I’ve done it all
Damn good interview, the right questions were asked, and the owner answered them thoroughly. I gain some great info from this thanks brother, I’m now a fan of the channel keep doing your thing bro.
Thanks Ken for all the good tips
I really liked this episode! Mr. Orme seems like a guy that's going to tell you how things really are. No BS!
We appreciate you watching David. 😀He's definitely about his business. Have you checked out some of our other videos in the automotive industry?
@@UpFlip I have seen a few UpFlip videos and have enjoyed all of them. However, I don't recall viewing any other automotive related videos.
I like this guy he gives it to you straight.
Ken kept it all the way 💯 great transparency
I appreciate you asking real life questions for potential O/O
i live in Seattle and guys like this with this work ethic is truly a dying breed, my hats off to guys like this, it a pleasure having a guy give you service the way that he does.. in the next 20 yrs roadside service will fail do to the lack of care and genuineness...enjoy this type of service while it lasts
20 years seems quite abrupt. I’m planning to get into the tow game within 2 to 5 years
Men like this are so attractive 😂❤️Go old timer
I’m a finally starting a towing biz, buying my first truck next week✊🏼
This was very educational, I honestly can’t find the words to express how meaningful this video helped!!
Wow Jordnaboy21. This is wonderful to hear. We're so happy the videos is so meaningful to you and this is one of the main reasons we create this type of content. 😀Are you looking to start a towing business as well?
I been on a tow truck for over a year I taught myself how to do everything but I drive a 2006 international 4300 which can’t run in Cali where I am so I only move junk cars for myself and cars for friends and family here and there. I consider myself to be more into the junk car business than a tow truck driver but scrap price has went down and car values have shot up. So I am currently being co-pilot in a semi truck and about to get my cdl but I do see myself starting a legal tow truck company in the future but I am only 18 I need to get my money up to get a decent truck
“Can’t find a job? I’ll make a job…this is America!” Love this guy 🔥👏🏾🇺🇸
perfect questions bro!! you didn't miss anything
We appreciate that Maliek. We try to be as thorough as possible when doing our interviews and we love getting great feedback.😀Please let us know what other types of businesses you'd like to see featured on the channel?!
This was inspiring being I just started my LLC a week ago and will be making my purchase first of the year I’m soaking up all this free game
Do not focus on IAA and copart, AAA, Agero, they pay next to nothing after expenses
@@RustyZipperthen who
@@ryanlechel4327 - talk to local repair shops / parts stores, AAMCO, have them refer you when their customers cars needs towing. Start throwing around a dozen donuts with your card on them. Don’t be a cheapskate when it comes to getting your foot in the door and making an impression.
I'm about to get into the towing industry. This was very informative. I loved every minute.
Super Cool Datdudejt123! Congrats to you. 😀We're so happy the video was informative. Please let us know any other questions you have along the way and we wish you the best of luck!
I'm still in the research phase, how much did you spend to get started? and what do you need to get started? If you can answer me I would be very grateful! the video did not understand very well!😮🫣
Making $300 a day he can go be a driver and make $600 a day
charge more
Ken seems cool. Stated pretty much what I saw when I was running a tow truck starting out. So many guys like ken told me to get my own truck. Told me they all pull 100k + a year
is that right bro? 100k a year
❤great video working on my truck right now getting ready
The 3rd thing you need is a side arm. I like how he open carries it.
Good guy , good interview , thanks
You guys make great videos you guys should make a video about owning a body shop or a collision center
Thank you so much for uploading this video so many i have a 2013 vulcan wrecker and it’s been sitting for a year because I don’t. Know where to start as far as insurance and where to get work … I really appreciate the fact u came on here with this video a lot of us get so discouraged because we don’t know where to start man keep doing what you doing God will stay blessing you 🙏🏾
We love to hear this Kesderson. 😀We want to motivate others with our videos and show there's more than one way to become success. We appreciate you supporting the channel. Have you start working on your business plan as well?
Not trying to scalp but watch my 2 videos. I did it to help people wanting to get into towing.
Guardian thanks king I really appreciate it 🙏🏾
I operate a 2018 V100 3 winch unit and our company has 4 heavy wreckers and 8-10 light duty. We run a lot on NTTS for our heavy duty side and run a lot of agreo for light duty. The biggest thing that makes us successful is we pick up the phone day and night. I work night shift it’s hard to have only day shift and use them on call at night. Find a night guy and pay him a little better. The IAA and COPART will lowball and beat trucks to death but if you can negotiate good rates IAA and copart also transit-pro are great to keep for training new drivers so they ain’t working on the side of the highway.
You mentioned that one thing that nobody seems to, though I'm not far into the video or comments. My fiance owns his own tow truck. His insurance is almost as much as our fuel bills. We pay average $1200 a month. We purchased the tow truck a year ago and he has been in the towing industry for 12 years. He has one minor accident on record 5 years ago. For reference, he pays $30 on his personal car insurance. If you are going to tow make sure you have contracts. Our business costs for one truck is probably 50 grand or more. All drivers I know work at least 12 hours a day, at least the ones who have continually stayed in the industry. There are people who lie about insurance but that could screw you over in the long run.
The world needs a lot more Ken’s!👍🏻✌🏻
Thanks for the information it was very helpful. My wife is starting a towing company.
No problem Henry. This is so exciting to hear. Congrats!! 😁👍🎈Please keep us updated with how things are going and let up know if you have any questions!
Thank you very much
Very uplifting vid
Your story is an inspiration.
Great video learned a lot from this video. Keep making more content like this. Roadside Genius is watching.
We really appreciate that Roadside Genius. 😀We're so glad the video was helpful. Thank you for supporting the channel. We have some great content coming up. Please let us know what other type of businesses you'd like to see featured?!
What a great video… very very informative and wow what amazing questions you had… one of the best videos I ever watched…
Thank you so much! Hearing that it's one of the best videos you've watched really means a lot to us! 🙏
Ken is a smart, disciplined and hard working man. This is a tough, tough business. I have a friend with such a business and the hours are demanding to be profitable.
Yes, it definitely takes discipline to run a successful business Sally. 😀We appreciate you watching and commenting. How long has your friend been in the industry?
@@UpFlip A long, long, long, LONG time :)
Cool video, very informative.
I luv this video , ken you are awesome 🤩 I was considering a tow truck company or trucking company but this video inspired me to go full force to tow truck 👍😎I would be homered if I could talk to ken ,.
Fascinating interview
GREAT SHOW ,,, ALWAYS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE THANKS FOR YOUR TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have some great shows in the works for you 8power0.😀👍🏽 We're so happy you're enjoying the content and we really appreciate the support. Is there any industry you'd like to see more of?
THANK YOU FOR THE REPLY, YES I AM ALWAYS INTERESTED IN THE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR INDUSTRY, AND THANKS AGAIN.
Love how straight to the point and compassionate Ken is for customers, very cool guy. I wish him all the success in the world!
Glad you love this video! Hope you also watch our other content and find value in them. Any business you want to see next? ☺️
@@UpFlip Wow thank you for the response; yes I find a lot of value in many of these videos, having watched several already!
Next, I would love to see either 1) a business where somebody is successful at installing Smart Devices (home security systems, wearable technology, wifi speakers, car dashcams, etc) or 2) more on UA-cam channels!
I love Ken!
Stay awesome Mr👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍👍
damn found this vid randomly and saw he's from tacoma WA. Where i did my bachelor like 5 years ago. Good stuff
Great interview! Love it! Thanks.
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Seems like a good man good luck buddy
I'm getting into the business myself. I already had a big truck that i pay for personally, so i figured id get one of those things that you have in the back installed, and start from there. I feel like I'll have a leg up since i dont need to buy a truck to start
That's a great start! How's it going to far?
I love this video guy looks cool n real it's not that fun which I am happy but the people but always hearing about people making 10000k daily or crazy numbers makes anyone not wanna watch the videos but this makes us normall and realistic people wanna watch anytime
I'm pretty sure I've seen your trucks around. I drive for Paulson's towing in Lynnwood but we're in Tacoma almost ever day
$300 a day is good pay, but you have to love the job. The good thing is, he is working to improve things. You have to work hard to get to the point where you can improve things.
Informative thanks
Ma boy, real entrepreneur 👏👏
Very helpful and nice thank
Very informative
License requirement vary from state to state. In NY you need a CDL at least class B with Tow Endorsement and a DCA Tow ID in order to tow.
Good to know! Thanks for sharing!
Ken is a good dude!
Seems like a great hard working guy - doesn't strike me as a business owner but seems to be making it work! Fair play to him and hope it all works out!
why doesn't he strike you as a business owner? because he's doing the work himself too?
lol passive agressive comment "doesnt strike me as a business owner"
What are you a sychiatrist
Psychiatrist *
Buy the truck , do your own work or hire a guy . Boom! business owner .
I climbed into the trucking business when fuel was 98 cents per gallon and was doing pretty good when 911 happened and that day fuel jumped to around 5.00 dollars a gallon I filled up and drove home and said I would just park my trucks if that was going to be the price.
I don’t know how the truckers make it today.
But that’s why bread is 5.00 per loaf
If you got it a truck brought it.
That’s what I did when I started mortuary transport business. I have three vans now and everything is paid for. I understand what he means about the work ethics
Absolutely! Work ethic truly makes all the difference!
More stuff like this!!! Simple everyday jobs that are also small business’
We got you Mondo. 😀😀Thanks for tuning in. Should we stay in the same industry?
Good and helpful video. I hope you can do dump trucks as well.
This is a great video. Mr Ken is a great person and I would work for him. I didn’t know how complicated this could be. Was thinking of trying to start a small towing business because of the scarcity of towing where I am at
You should start a towing business Pan. We think you'd do great! 😀😀Thanks for leaving such a great comment. Have you started a business plan?
@@UpFlip not yet but this was a great eye opening video to get my mindset right
" If i cant find a job ill make a Job this is america !" Man i love my country so much dawg 🙌🏼🙌🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸 this country has a bright future ! yeah we have are problems but no body is perfect ! atleast my country strives to be better everyday!
Nice video! i want to star my tow truck bussiness in El Salvador, but i dont have any idea, just know i gonna be the best companie in this country in a few years and now this video give hope and strenght to do reallity all my dreams !!
If you want to learn the nitty gritty of starting any business, please head on over to our blog and listen to our podcast for more detailed information. Best of luck to your new biz! 👊
that would be sweet to be in a position not to draw a paycheck ! Thanks for sharing
This is going to be an interesting one recession proof business in my opinion
Thanks for supporting the channel Alfonso. 😀It's definitely interesting. Let us know what you think once you watch.!?
I have made over 100k a year just being a driver for a relocation/ trespassing company. no over head. I'm good on all the liability. I know not everybody has the same opportunities and every market is different.
What does this involve?
@@Sainte-adresse he’s saying he’s a driver for a company and makes good money with really no risk
My thoughts exactly. I work 4 12s as a driver home fri-sun. Pick an extra shift once a month or so. Made same money this dude does last year. No liability on me. If I can't find a job okay but for now I'll pass.
Seam's mostly like he's just taking crap rates from the insurance companies though. Like drivers that work for low pay or haul cheap freight. Just say no. IAA might be an account to be sure you get that truck paid while you get yer feet under you but before getting 4 trucks he probably should have learned how o make more for turning em on.
Tell us more how to get into it?
Yea that good for you bro but for you to get that 100+ a year someone at your Company was like him every one start at the bottom.... some are bosses and some are employee and you my friend is a employee
This guy isn’t charging enough. You don’t start a business to barely break even.
He’s talking out his ass, he’s charging the fair cost that most other companies would also charge. Additionally he doesn’t even decide the payouts on most jobs as you can see he takes assignments from the insurance companies for most of his jobs right now.
@@adam_bh das rite
A wise man told me that is not about how much but how many .
@@humblesociety4949 nah , Yu babe to be competitive and beat your comp with good customer service . Not by undercutting and making the services cheap !!! I’m
He says he doesnt charge a hook up fee but he just builds it in his price.
I’m really happy this man has the work ethic and heart to support the fact that he’s holding prices low to help the customers.
I wish him the best. I wouldn’t run my company this way but I can admire that he does it this way to help others that’s noble.
thanks for your support! What strategies would you implement in your company? We'd love to hear your insights!
Ken should talk about his shoulder holster
My hero
“I Can’t find a job, I’ll make a job. This is America.” True 💯
You will go broke towing for copart and IAA , business is tougher than towing auction vehicles. I won’t leave in my truck for less than $80 hook and $4 a mile, or $60 for non towing. No insurance companies will contract at that rate, probably about half that and with costs of fuel, trucks, insurance, etc you won’t make it
was all about this interview until he made it clear he only does salvage
My company gets 175 for the hookup and 7.25 a mile
Insane southern California is $85-95 hook up $8-10 mile and there is no issue with business
Dose it matter what state you live in weather it's a good idea to start yo business doing auction towing ???
Iaa out here is under $1 per mile and no hook up fee they call us trying to start a contract but I’d rather go out of business normal rates are $85 hook and $6 a mile
Ken is a really good guy ❤
dont want to be a bummer but 100k per truck revenue is not enough by the time you pay for insurance repairs and truck fuel wages and benefits for employees
And also, taxes
I'll say my trucks are much nicer and more expensive but are making probably 3 times that per truck and that still isn't quite where I want to be. That being said my trucks are nicer and more expensive but only barely with his shitty lease deal as he quite literally is paying 100k for a 50k truck where most of our brand new trucks are running around 100-150.
The winch does not count as a point of contact because it moves. Therefore you technically need 2 straps in front and rear or chains.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Are you in the same business? ☺️
This man is the definition of WORKAHOLIC damn, sleep is one thing i wont give up.. lol i gotta get my 8 or ill be the crankiest person at work
Good bless you
What's a good place to look for a used tow truck?
Great video. This guy is prior Navy, I can tell.
Thank you Ryan. 😀We appreciate you watching. Do you feel that he's a prior Navy because of his management techniques?
@@UpFlip wow you respond fast! I am guessing he is Navy because of his terminology that usually only Sailors use. For example he calls the back of the truck, "the deck."
Real cool interview.
Glad you love this video! Your appreciation means a lot to us and motivates us to continue producing content like this. Do you have a business topic you want to see next on the channel? 🤔
@@UpFlip No I don’t.
I like this guy. I would work for him.
If you are in the Tacoma/Seattle area give me a call
Very interesting content. Dude is a class act.
thanks for your kind words! what did you like the most about this video?
@UpFlip That a decent businessman was presented and that, despite my not having much to do with tow operations, it was insightful.
That's our goal! 😄 What industry are you in?
@@UpFlip Criminal Justice
I wish Ken all the best in life!✌🏻
Keep doing good job you tubes
That was the best into I ever heard for free in my life💯❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
In Michigan our winch does not count as a point of contact. We gotta have two straps/chains on the front and two on the back.
Texas tooú
Hey how’s the market in Michigan today?
Question about KO towing did he suggest any good leasing companies to deal with to get a tow truck
Damn. Wrapping metal 3/8 logging chain around trees for a snatch block