Jade Fickert has been a pioneer in bringing AI technology into the towing industry, leading the way in developing practical tools tailored specifically to the challenges tow companies face. With over a decade of firsthand experience in the towing and recovery business, she saw early on how overloaded office staff and operational inefficiencies were holding companies back. She has taught companies nationwide best practices in billing and operations, working with hundreds of owners and managers to identify inefficiencies and improve processes. She is the founder of Towboss, a company dedicated to bringing solutions to the towing industry to cut overhead, streamline office tasks, and improve both employee and customer experiences. Jade has been published or featured in Tow Times and other industry publications and has spoken at Tow Shows across the country. With her unique combination of deep operational knowledge and AI, she is uniquely positioned to guide towers on how to adopt these tools safely, effectively, and profitably.

Bill Giorgis, a second-generation owner of Mike’s Wrecker Service in Saginaw, Michigan, stands out as a prominent advocate in the towing and recovery industry. His influence spans from local initiatives to national leadership roles, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing industry standards and safety.

As former president of the Michigan Towing Association, Bill forged robust connections in Lansing, advocating before legislators and negotiating with lobbyists on crucial issues. His impact extended nationally during his tenure as president of TRAA, whne he bolstered the organization’s credibility within the Washington, D.C. community.

Notably, Bill conceived and spearheaded the “Law Enforcement Vehicle Identification Guide,” a pivotal resource still utilized today. His dedication to industry safety has garnered numerous speaking engagements, both within and beyond towing circles.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bill is a certified rescue diver, lending his expertise to local emergency operations in Saginaw’s waterways. His civic contributions are equally impressive, earning recognition from the Saginaw County prosecutors’ office for his support of crime victims and extensive community service efforts.

In 2002, Bill Giorgis achieved another milestone as the youngest member ever inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact and leadership in the field.

Dr. Alex Leslie is a Senior Research Associate with the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). His research combines a variety of qualitative and data science techniques to analyze industry economics, performance measurement, and labor issues.

Alex serves as the primary author of ATRI’s annual Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking, and he has led recent reports including Issues and Opportunities with Driver-Facing Cameras and Causes and Countermeasures of Predatory Towing.  He is currently engaged in ATRI research on the costs of detention to the American supply chain.  He also contributes to general data collection, programming, and editing across ATRI projects in addition to collaborating with government and industry task forces.

Alex holds a B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, where he previously worked as an instructor of english and data science.

Michael McGovern’s career is deeply rooted in towing, beginning with his nights, weekends, and summers spent driving a tow truck for his family’s business while pursuing degrees at the University of Tennessee College of Business and later the UT College of Law, where he graduated with honors.

Over the span of 30 years, Michael has become a formidable figure in the legal landscape of the towing industry. He has represented numerous towing companies across the United States, handling high-profile cases from coast to coast. His litigation experience encompasses a wide array of issues including government regulations, discrimination in law enforcement towing, roadside injuries to tow truck operators, police towing contracts, storage lien disputes, rate regulations, and other critical matters affecting the towing profession.

Michael’s legal prowess extends to national prominence as a member of the bar in eight of the 12 federal circuit courts of appeal. His exceptional career includes two appearances before the United States Supreme Court on towing-related cases, where he achieved landmark victories such as shielding rotation towing companies from political reprisals in the O’Hare Truck Service case. Serving as general counsel of the national towing association for 12 years, he has been a pivotal voice in shaping industry policy and advocacy.

A distinguished author and columnist, Michael has contributed his insights to the “Legaleze” column in Tow Times magazine for over two decades. His authoritative 2011 book, “Towing and the Law” (available at www.towtimes.com), remains a definitive reference on legal issues within the towing industry. His contributions have been recognized with induction into the International Towing Hall of Fame, a testament to his unparalleled impact as the only attorney to receive this honor.

Beyond his towing industry achievements, Michael excels as a trial attorney handling criminal defense, civil litigation, business disputes, and personal injury cases through his firm, the McGovern Law Firm, based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Throughout his illustrious career, Michael McGovern has steadfastly advocated for the legal rights and professional integrity of towing companies, cementing his legacy as a leading authority and defender within the industry.

Mike Porter is the owner of TDR Way and Newhouse Towing, and a facilitator of Profitowable Tow Groups, where towing company owners build stronger operations through accountability, collaboration, and measurable execution. With deep, real-world experience in the towing industry, Mike is known for helping leaders turn daily chaos into consistent performance by focusing on practical systems, clear standards, and the habits that drive results.

Through TDR Way, Mike trains and coaches teams to improve communication, customer experience, and leadership effectiveness ­ especially in the high-pressure moments that define a towing company­’s reputation. He brings an owner­s perspective to every room: what works on paper matters far less than what gets implemented on a busy Monday.

Mike is also the published author of Open the Door to the Truth, and he speaks with a grounded, encouraging style that helps owners simplify priorities, build momentum, and lead with confidence.

Brian, the esteemed founder and president of Fleet Compliance Solutions LLC, has extensive knowledge rooted in over 30 years of hands-on experience “In the Ditch.” With a robust background that spans ownership of multiple towing and auto transport companies, Brian offers invaluable guidance and wisdom drawn directly from his deep industry expertise — ensuring he grasps your needs firsthand.

In addition to his pivotal role at FCS, Brian is a multifaceted industry leader. He hosts the highly acclaimed podcast, On The Road with Your D.O.T. Guy, recognized as a premier source of trucking insights. Moreover, Brian is a prolific writer and sought-after lecturer for towing industry publications, specializing in compliance issues.

Despite his packed schedule, Brian maintains a direct connection to the field with a valid Class A CDL. He eagerly seizes opportunities to operate tow trucks, car carriers, and other impressive rigs at trade shows and for clients whenever possible. His unwavering dedication and ongoing involvement underscore his commitment to delivering unmatched expertise and service across all facets of the towing and transportation industries.

Throughout his career, Brian has logged over 2 million miles in various commercial motor vehicles, encompassing light-duty and CDL-required auto transport equipment, tow trucks, school and coach buses, as well as traditional tractor-trailers with dry van, refrigerated, lowboy/flatbed, and tanker-trailers. He has also leveraged his expertise as an expert witness, focusing on standards of care and customer education requirements in small fleet operations across specialized markets. Brian’s areas of proficiency extend to hours of service (HOS) compliance, driver training, pre-hire qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and inspections for both traditional fleets and non-traditional operations like those of plumbers, electricians, construction companies, and mobile service providers.

Brian’s comprehensive industry experience and unwavering commitment to excellence make him an indispensable resource for navigating the complexities of towing and transportation regulations with confidence and success.