The STO Board Election is Over, So what’s Next?

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The STO Board Election is Over, So what’s Next?

The ballots have been counted and the new board has been chosen. Congratulations to all that participated, as that is what makes our association strong indeed. This was the most active elections we have had since the association began. Welcome all of them aboard and thank them for serving!

With the elections completed, once again, it’s time for business.

Recognitions

I would like to note that along with our elected Board of Directors, we also have three other members that have permanent full voting rights on the Board that do not hold any particular current title, as they are chartered Founders of Southwest Tow Operators. Those three members are Dan Messina, past President; Rick Garrison, past Vice President; and Ramiro Sanchez, past Vice President.  

Review and Communication

During the first meeting of the new board of directors, many items will be reviewed, including existing business, financials and any immediate issues or future business for the association.  It’s also important to take advantage of the momentum of the election and begin communicating with members.  Members should get to know their STO Board members as they represent the wishes and demands of the industry.   

One of the most important aspects of serving on a board is the opportunity to communicate. When an association has communication, rumors and complaints are few. Newsletters, websites, emails, faxes, tow shows, Regional and Annual Meetings, small get-togethers and other events are all ways to dramatically increase communication.

Serving on a board of directors in an association is a volunteer position, a selfless task.  They can either be treated as royalty or as an employee, but either way each person has accepted a fiduciary responsibility to protect the association, ensure wise spending, and maintain the integrity of this association and the trust placed in them by their peers.

 What it Takes

I am so very fortunate to be surrounded by so many of my brothers and sisters of the towing industry that care for our industry and have given their precious time and energy to make our industry better. The past Board of Directors of Southwest Tow Operators have been strong, and each election I have seen it only grow stronger. I believe that this new Board of Directors will push us into the next year with great enthusiasm and with the confidence that has taken years for this association to finally reach. As STO becomes a common name of recognition in the Texas Congress, TDLR, and all across Texas, we are able to make those once immoveable mountains move much easier as we forge a brighter future.

I want to remind everyone that there is a TDLR Towing, Storage and Booting Advisory Board will be meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 1:30PM at TDLR's North Campus, located at 1106 Clayton Lane, Austin, TX 78723. This is a perfect time to voice your concerns and desires at these meetings, as well as learn the daunting process that the Advisory Board must go through to make it better for our industry. I invite you to meet me there!

Southwest Tow Operators 2nd Vice President and owner of Mission Towing

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Southwest Tow Operators  2^nd Vice President and owner of Mission Towing

What a humbling moment. I was at HEB earlier getting some things for the house when this gentleman walks up to me to ask me if I worked or was from Mission Towing. I must admit, I hesitated because I had no idea who this man was or why he was asking. I replied that I surely was and that if there was something I could assist him with. He responded by immediately sticking his hand out to shake mine and then proceeded to give me a hug. He simply stated to me that he recognized me from last years event that we put together and sponsored. We had gone to a low income community and bought Thanksgiving dinners for everyone in the community. He went on to say that he had never had the chance to say how much he was thankful for being able to give his kids a Thanksgiving dinner because he could not afford one. He then said that he would see our trucks all over town but hadn't had the chance to see myself in person to thank me in person. This brought so much joy to hear somebody say those words of gratitude. To some people small things might not seem like much but to other people they might make a huge difference. I simply told him that it was my pleasure to have helped his family out and asked him to pay it forward in one shape or form to someone else he might see in need one day. Many times we forget how fortunate we are to have the things we do that we need to take a step back and just say thanks for the many blessings we do have. I wish everyone a great day and may God Bless you all.

TRAIN AT THE SHOW WITH STO

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6percent are jerks

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6% Are Jerks

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With your blood pressure swiftly rising, you slam down the telephone and say, “Jerk!” 6% of the callers you talk to each day are jerks or idiots. The fact is that 6% of the calls generated into a place of business or any auto-related center are delivered by idiots, people who were weaned on a dill pickle and hated their mothers since age 3. Code for this is I D T E N T - that spells IDIOT.

But what happens in a place of business after you have talked with a jerk over the telephone? Do you kiss the top of the receiver or the end of the desk? Maybe you slam it down with the impact of a hammer driving a nail. Sadly enough, in most cases, we get off the telephone and go to the closest employee or friend and tell them all about the “the idiot” that we have just spoken with on the phone.

In turn, the other employee sits there saying, “Well that’s nothing, DJ. You ought to hear the one that I had earlier today!” And now the wallowing process begins because of the idiots that we have to deal with on a regular basis. Remember 6% of the callers are idiots; it is part of the work place. It cannot be changed, but don’t let it effect you and ruin your day. It’s not worth it.

Read more: 6percent are jerks

Tom Luciano

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Tom Luciano & DJ Harrington

Everyone knows Tom Luciano, the training specialist from Miller Industries and DJ Harrington, better known as the “Tow Doctor” in the towing industry. When I am the Tow Doctor, I wear a doctor’s coat with EMS inscribed on it. EMS stands for EDUCATE, MOTIVATE, and HAVE A SOLUTION.

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Over 10 years ago, Tom Luciano shared with me what he and his friends do for young boys and girls who have no dad so they can still go fishing. When I heard about his passion for giving boys and girls a day of fishing, I just had to write about it. The article was published in the Power Source magazine, a trade publication for the auto recycling industry.

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This article explained about Luciano’s desire to help young kids and what a great guy he was that he took in fishing equipment of all kinds. Here’s how Luciano gets that fishing equipment. I mentioned everyone should be checking the back of trucks and trunk of cars for any used fishing equipment. Furthermore, I asked if any was found that it be saved and shipped to my Georgia home. The week after the article ran, I received tackle boxes and assorted floaters. Tom and his friends went to work restoring the equipment. They take kids on the water to fish….sometimes it’s for the very first time.

Read more: Tom Luciano