A T • I G C • F A
L
O l • a u o PROFESSIONAL WRECKER OPERATORS OF FLORIDA I C G n M r t O l • o i a s d
G
r A
A P a T o a e C ’ ( r D g s C n L
t a r
o e e o E n C
L D a
A
r c m f Y s T O h a I t f p o T L l o p E m e
L 1 r o L i e I
c r
5 t r e O O T i r
r e : t a r a a
0 s e L
N O c b
T i t f l r
7 o i e : i i s o
4 a W
l U r r
i t s E l
n t
P O
T y
SERVING THE FLORIDA TOWING INDUSTRY SINCE 1977 o SERVING THE FLORIDA TOWING INDUSTRY SINCE 1977 P s w I o
0
a N r
w i R T
r t o t
L h
k G i h p 7 n
c
e g
October/November 2012 C e a
L
P r
4718 Edgewater Drive r - I
e t g U n C y A
o
n
4 Orlando FL 32804 s ) C
t u F
e r S K 7
407-296-3316 O a
r
R
n A
www.pwof.org D c
2 G
e V
r
E
i E O
v
- A ,
e E
9 E
, N
V T
U :
6 R
n I O D I N
i 8 E
0
PWOF is working t N
A W
1 S R R
0 7 D for you. C G
, U E I
U
7 O H N P R
r E We can accomplish S l G
-
a A O I
n T 9 N ,
s more, and have d S
k
A R U
o
G 3 R f
o S
F I a stronger voice, r
L E L
E
3
C E F
h
3 C with more members. S
i S L
p
2
-
O
8
T O
2 S
h
3
o
Recruit one towing V
5 R
m I
5 O
p E
s company to become I
o D 5 N R
n
,
A
a member – if we Y
0 ’
each do that, we’ll be S twice as strong. I O n O w N M D a L e S C N F r D s a o r v a r n d e i c c P M B e o o t i F o e s F u l c d e e l e a a m w i u r t a a r l l d r
s a e a s y i r d c a o F a R l S N o t w
l l i
r o a i h t r o o
f
f l l l i n h b N n
h N e o i E u i o o
i a
w i t t n ’ t g a n
B m I g M D n c s u i r v q
s n
s n n n r o h
o
s
a r u u o d t
R W a q h s : u a
v
b g a d a i t e
n o 2 i w a i - u
e v u a
F i u k
d r - r
i R c c - r i n
i i t p n 0 a e F n t i i n v r
o u D s
r n c d y r E i i i n E l r r a c l m i n
d
l e t o 1 t u n a i c n t
e k g
b e e O e
, y d f
a r l e . y . c M
i e ? e e e 2 , n
l i a i a r e
k
G t S r S
t e
x
d r n P
t
c n n B L o h d T l
a
W E , r
w S
b s s a f n & o i
i e a t e
e a
e o g a e ’ d r o h e s b o C
e a n n m
n
r
o n r
r c G i n e
G •
u E l t S d L
u r a e r
u n o t n a m m d n y i q z y
a
e y a e a o o o d u f u n e l a o U o , u
e a c d t f
o n r m
u o ,
u s o
g u e
r
v F i
g r
r s i p l t D h p w s s r F O d r B c e . d
e b e t h e
t .
a t
m B e l h u P l a a l R , R o
r s e . e z e r d o
e o k o e h h n
’ e
M a i W
t i d r
a w s
a M r r
a p P l d n
a c e i E a
n s t s t F d a
c a t c
o q i W t t s O
a a e
u h
H a t 3 i e
h b E E
u
a l
l n F w 3 a i F c F 9 0 t r h l e a p p r r i , - l h i 0 t
n r p
5 5 m e L c i
e o m m
e t t o l 5 l t M m o i 4 - c
y A h
A n e t
n o 3 - o k a e o e - b f i e e 2 e ,
9 2 a
r . e m
o P n l e 1
o 1 3 n C l r r r r t W 6
e b
T 5 - m T t
o t C & a i 9 i • - e i w
- 1 u n n O d 1 1
C d r R P 2
d
n 4 5 ,
o
F o E a
8
9 5 O t
a u a S E t r o r f 9 i S Q S 2
t q o n e t r a s U O r . u O r
a s t
7 p
U 8
a i i A : 5 U n L L L e p O C p F u E e E n 4 O 1 0 y u N I v r
m R r
s d
E l P J H o r o 0 a o c e 0 o e :
D
e c Q n W v i t S r c R f R s 7 M . d e n ’
t y a c e 6 e S c r o U o C S e . t k I , l r
, d D D T 4 a u D
2
l n I H v E F A
A S
m O a P a r a l i i W e 3 n V E i o 8 V
E s s a
N c
s M
n r D s w P o
e F 8 i C t t F l . a R d d r t t e 5 n
r r i u E a T u R .
v . l K B •
A s i - i i i e v
4 e t 2 N l 3 l b b
c
m
, I a I Y
l o s E l o N e F
2 w S 1 O - S 1 - u u T
l i 8 h e r u k l C n l G C o : C 6 2 t t i A e i i 2 U n i i n m t
a l n c 4 n e o o t p l E 0 K
T l n
o e 1 b L e e r r s p m s c s 0 E e E E E a i 4 n r y S . R g
October/November 2012
www.pwof.org www.floridatowshow.com
THE LEVY REPORT MY WORD By: Mike Seamon Executive Director Election Results Legislative leaders Voters also rejected Amendment 4, Think Inside the Box clogged up the ballot with which reduced the cap on tax assessment lengthy constitutional ini - increases for non-residential property from tiatives, and they changed 10 percent to 5 percent while providing ad - voting laws to make it ditional exemptions for first-time home - The election is over and the slate is set for the next four years. harder for Democrats to buyers and all homeowners if the market Now is the time to make things happen. The country has been register voters on a mass value of their property drops. The Florida on hold for the past year waiting for the magic day in November. scale or bank as many in- Association of Realtors spent millions trying The day has come and the outcome may not be what some busi - person, early votes. Ulti - to pass this Amendment. nesses wanted, but the majority of voters chose to keep the Pres - mately, the party lost its super majorities in Critics said expanding the “Save our the Legislature, saw Senator Bill Nelson and Homes” protections to second homes and ident in office. President Barack Obama win Florida, while other commercial property would make it What happens now depends on we the people. The economy is slowly creep - inconveniencing and antagonizing thou - even more difficult to pay for schools, roads ing up and vehicle sales are improving. As the economy grows, so will the need sands of Floridians. What's more, those bal - and other local infrastructure financed to service and tow vehicles that will be on the road. Hopefully the U.S. will explore lot initiatives represented much of the GOP through property taxes. more oil options and drive down fuel prices. Some towers are finding that the agenda, from expanding vouchers to re - A slate of three less dramatic property stricting abortions to restricting revenues — tax proposals, Amendment 2, Amendment new gas engine tow trucks are a wiser choice when their fleet needs a new unit and Floridians rejected them. 9 and Amendment 11, were the only pro - with a lower operation cost. Florida voters shot down legislatively posals to meet the 60 percent threshold. The Florida elections will not change much in Tallahassee as the Republicans proposed constitutional changes dealing Amendment 2 would allow combat dis - are still in charge. PWOF has good relations with the Senate and House members with abortion, local government tax caps abled veterans to be eligible for an addi - who kept their seats - we have some old friends returning and a few new mem - and a ceremonial shrug at Obamacare as tional homestead exemption while they rejected eight of 11 proposals put be - Amendment 9 would provide a break to the bers who we supported in their election efforts. fore them by Republican lawmakers. spouses of deceased veterans and emer - Now is the time to send a welcome note to your Senator and your State While rejecting most of the proposals, gency responders. House Representative congratulating them on their win and to let them know voters did approve a handful of modest Likewise, low-income seniors would be you are a small business in their district that needs Florida’s economy to grow. property tax breaks for military veterans, given an additional homestead tax break PWOF will once again be in Tallahassee to make sure the towing industry is rep - first responders and low-income seniors. under Amendment 11, which garnered just Those tax breaks were not generally op - under 61 percent of the vote. resented and the needs of our industry are heard. We will keep members up-to- posed by local government groups and will Among other amendments that went date as things develop. not have significant impact on already cash- down to defeat Tuesday were: Now is a good time to make your reservation for the Florida Tow Show. The strapped cities and counties. AMENDMENT 1: A ceremonial slap at 2013 show will be even larger with expanded space and events. But overall, Florida voters rebuffed leg - the federal Patient Protection Act, which islative efforts to make significant constitu - would have barred the state from requiring tional changes, with most measures failing citizens to carry health insurance. The pro - to gain the 60 percent approval rating posal was largely moot as federal law would To have big success, you must have big needed to pass. In many cases, a majority of preempt state law on the health care issue. voters opposed the proposals. AMENDMENT 5: The proposal would dreams, and be willing to take a chance. One of the most controversial meas - have required Senate confirmation for state ures, Amendment 6, would have prohibited Supreme Court justices appointed by the state funds from being spent on abortions, governor, making it easier for lawmakers to unless the health of the mother was in dan - influence court procedural rules. ger. The proposal also whittled away at pri - AMENDMENT 10: The proposal would Remember To Vote vacy protections in Florida’s constitution have increased the exemption on tangible that have been used to overturn abortion re - personal property from $25,000 to $50,000. The state election ballots for PWOF have been mailed. Please take a minute strictions in recent years including a AMENDMENT 12: The proposal would parental consent requirement for minors have changed the way the student member to vote and mail back in the pre-stamped envelope. The ballots will be counted seeking an abortion. of the State University System's Board of at the Annual PWOF meeting in Orlando on January 19, 2013 at the Hilton Down - When the votes were counted, 55 per - Governors is chosen. town Disney. As we just witnessed, every vote counts. cent of voters rejected the amendment out - Before Tuesday, Florida Republicans right. had the wind at their back — record Another closely watched amendment amounts of special interest money, a veto- also went down as voters rejected Amend - proof majority in the Legislature and unbri - ment 8, which would have made it clear that dled power all over the state. But the muscle government money is free to be spent on re - flexing appeared to backfire and the special PRESIDENT: 3RD VICE PRESIDENT: ligious groups. interest money, this time, did not translate Drew Zuccala, Boynton Beach Ray Crego, Jr., Miami The proposal was backed by religious into landslide victories. Voters delivered a Sean Loscalzo, Davie groups including the Catholic Church and series of election night losses for Florida's was seen as a precursor to allowing state ed - power party. The GOP drive to remake the SECRETARY/TREASURER: ucation funds to finance religious backed Supreme Court failed, and the Republicans Greg Gaylord, Jacksonville DIRECTORS AT LARGE: schools. Voters rejected the amendment by lost their supermajority in the House and Lynda Wood, New Port Richey Joe Bolton, Winter Haven a 56-44 percent margin. Senate. Stan Forron, Gainesville Local governments also flexed their Even the projected future speaker of 1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Stephanie Johnson, St. Petersburg muscle defeating a handful of amendments, the House — one of the most moneyed and including one that would have limited the powerful Republicans in the state — lost Marson Johnson, Jr., St. Petersburg Joe Kolodziej Sr., Largo increase in local revenue to inflation and his seat to an under-funded political neo - Glenn Landau, Daytona Beach Greg Margolf, Boca Raton population growth. phyte. The defeat of Chris Dorworth is the Joe Saladino, Punta Gorda The Florida Association of Counties led most significant win in a legislative race by 2ND VICE PRESIDENT: efforts to scuttle Amendment 3, saying it a Democrat since the mid l990s. The defeat Rick Moore, Gainesville would hamstring already cash-strapped of Chris Dorworth, the defacto leader of the local officials by limiting the ability of cities and counties to raise necessary revenue. SEE LEVY REPORT PAGE 4
At Gulf Coast Underwriters (GCU), we don’t want to be just your insurance agent. We want to be part of your team, taking the burdens and worries of insuring your company’s vehicles off your shoulders - giving you more time to operate a successful towing company. We offer several ways to save you time and money: • GCU represents many insurance companies therefore we provide several competitive quotes through one agent. • We insure towers, body shops, service stations and provide workers comp programs. • We review driver records and advise you accordingly. • We automatically cover newly-acquired vehicles. • We provide lightning fast issuance of certificates, ID cards and endorsements. • We offer safety programs to help you keep your drivers safe and your losses down. Hook Up with Gulf Coast Underwriters Today. 800.875.0154 Serving Florida towers since 1996. 813.864.4428 A proud member of PWOF since 1996. 813.864.4429 Fax
We specialize in towing programs for all size fleets. • Call us today for a no-obligation quote. 2 October/November 2012 PWOF NEWS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
By: Drew Zuccala
Dear Fellow Towers,
We are nearing the end of 2012. Since Florida is a swing state, we have been bombarded with more than our fair share of cam - paign ads. I hope you voted because this Country’s future depends on the right vote. In early October, the PWOF held its last board meeting of the year in Daytona where we held nominations for our Executive Board and Directors at Large. There is a run off for several positions: 1st Vice President, 3rd Vice President and all of the Di - rectors at Large. You will receive a ballot from the PWOF office. Please read the ballot carefully, fill it out and send it back to the PWOF office. Do not put it in an “I’ll get to it later” pile or return it to anyone but the PWOF office. Again your vote counts. During the later part of the year, I have or will attend three tow shows. The Ten - nessee Tow Show is now indoors. This year it was small but very nice. I also attended the “Wall of the Fallen” ceremony at the International Towing Museum held the same weekend. It was a huge event with standing room only. The ceremony, held once a year, is very moving. We had two names of our own from Florida placed on that wall this year. This organization, if you qualify, sends out emergency funds to the families of the tow operator in the event of a fatality in the line of duty. This is a very worthy cause and deserves your consideration. So please, if you can, send a donation check. I also attended the California show. It too was an indoor/outdoor exhibition. Miller Industries put on a huge demonstration. Mike and Joe were there to promote the PWOF show in April 2013. Frank and Lisa were also there with a borrowed local Hino truck to sell tickets for our raffle truck, which will be raffled off during the PWOF show in April 2013. The last show of the year will be November 16 at the Baltimore Convention Center. In closing, I wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. Try to spend it with your family and friends.
May God bless you and the United States. Drew Zuccala
365 CLUB MEMBERS 2012-2013
Last year, PWOF introduced our 365 Club. This club pro - vides members a means of offering additional support to our industry throughout the year by paying $1 a day for their dues in lieu of the regular $250 annual dues. The following members have already joined our new club. To add your company name to this list, call the PWOF office at 407-296-3316.
1ST CLASS TRANSPORT SERVICES FRYER’S TOWING SERVICE Win This Patriotic A SUPERIOR TOWING COMPANY HAROLD MURPHY - PAST PRESIDENT ACTION TOWING IMPERIAL TOWING ADKISON TOWING JOE’S TOWING & RECOVERY ADVANTAGE TRANSPORT MAGIC TOWS Salute to the ARNOLD’S TOWING MIKE’S ELITE TOWING AUTO RESCUE PROMPT WRECKER SERVICE AVON TOWING REVIS TOWING & RECOVERY OF OCALA Towing Industry BABBSCO TOWING RUSSELL’S R & S AUTO REPAIR BALD EAGLE TOWING SAM’S WRECKER SERVICE BEACH TOWING SERVICE SARGENT’S TOWING & RECOVERY Buy a $10 raffle ticket, or buy two or three, for a chance BECK’S TOWING & TRANSPORT SCALLY’S LUBE & GO BOLTON’S TOWING SERVICE SHEFFIELD’S WRECKER SERVICE to drive home the PWOF 2013 Raffle Truck - a fully loaded C & L TOWING & TRANSPORT SHELBY’S TOWING Hino 258 chassis with air brakes, air ride suspension and CLEARWATER TOWING SERVICE SILVERMOON’S TOWING & RECOVERY CLIFFORD’S 66 TOWING SOUTHLAND THE TOWING COMPANY aluminum wheels on a Miller Industries Century 12-Series CORTES TOWING SERVICE SPECIALIZED TOWING COX CAR CARE STEPP’S TOWING SERVICE - TAMPA LCG steel carrier with independent wheel-lift, removable DAVE JONES - PAST PRESIDENT TOP GUN TOWING rails, diamond plate bed and LED light bar and lighting. DAVE’S TOWING & RECOVERY UNIVERSITY TOWING & TRANSPORT DIRECT TOWING UPMAN’S TOWING SERVICE DOUG’S TOWING ZUCCALA’S WRECKER SERVICE D.P. CLIFFORD TOWING & STORAGE EXCALIBUR TOWING SERVICE FIREHOUSE GARAGE
2011-2013 EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT 3RD VICE PRESIDENT DREW ZUCCALA RAY CREGO, JR. ZUCCALA’S WRECKER SERVICE EXCALIBUR TOWING SERVICE 633 E. INDUSTRIAL AVE., BOYNTON BEACH, FL 33426 14294 SW 142ND AVE., MIAMI, FL 33186 PHONE: 561-737-1212 • FAX: 561-737-6379 PHONE : 305-235-3055 • FAX: 305-378-4527 SECRETARY/TREASURER PAST PRESIDENT GREG GAYLORD JOE DRISCOLL SOUTHERN WRECKER & RECOVERY DRISCOLL’S TOWING SERVICE 5169A W. 12TH ST., JACKSONVILLE, FL 32254 1701 N. DIXIE HWY., POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060 PHONE : 904-378-8000 • FAX: 904-781-9669 PHONE : 954-946-4747 • FAX: 954-946-3616 1ST VICE PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT GLENN LANDAU JIM STEWART FRYER’S TOWING SERVICE TOP GUN TOWING & RECOVERY 722 N. SEGRAVE ST., DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114 624 17TH AVE. WEST, BRADENTON, FL 34205 PHONE : 386-255-0481 • FAX: 386-238-0971 PHONE : 941-747-7809 • FAX: 941-747-6828
2ND VICE PRESIDENT RICK MOORE UNIVERSITY TOWING & TRANSPORT 2546 NW 74 PL., GAINESVILLE, FL 32653 PHONE : 352-373-4671• FAX: 352-377-2435
4718 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32804 PHONE: (407) 296-3316 • FAX: (407) 296-6335 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • WEB SITE: www.pwof.org THE PWOF NEWS IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL WRECKER OPERATORS OF FLORIDA INC. Copyright© 2012 Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida October/November 2012 PWOF NEWS 3 In the Long Road Ahead – Who Will Come Out a Winner? By Christine Corelli, Author, Conference Speaker
Considering today’s challenging business climate, volatile economic con - ditions, more cost-conscious customers and intense competition, you can’t help but wonder: “In the long road ahead, who will come out a winner?” When the dust settles, there will be ten characteristics that identify busi - nesses and organizations that stand the test of time. These companies employ sound business practices that create and sustain success and ensure business development even in the most challenging business climate. Several years from now, the following is what will be said of them: 1. They slowed down in order to speed up. Their top executives were true visionaries. They knew they had to create a realistic but strong vision for the future. They took the time to conduct strategic planning sessions where their visions were communicated with confidence. Large com - panies had the smartest people in their company participate in these sessions, regardless of title or rank. Small companies included all of their employees. Teams were instructed to look at every aspect of their business as if they were unbiased outside consultants. Together, they acknowledged the harsh realities their companies faced. Emphasis was placed on the fact that “revenue is really nice, but profit is what matters.” They identified actions that would help drive business growth and ensure long-term profitability. They rejected “business as usual,” fully realizing they would likely have to shift gears along the way. Ways to cut costs were identified, but not to the extent that cost cutting would lower the level of service they needed to provide. The teams addressed their organization’s strengths and weaknesses, and identified critical action steps along the way to achieving their goals. They devised and implemented relationship strategies aimed at maintaining the highest levels of customer loyalty. They decided that they would need to diversify their offerings if they were to remain competitive. They agreed that the sales staff would need to position themselves as indispensable business partners to customers. They knew that they needed to be far more knowledgeable than their competitors and give their customers far more help if the company was to survive and prosper. Professionalism and the high - est levels of communication throughout the company were key to success. The importance of accountability was addressed at these meetings. To ensure the highest levels of productivity and service excellence, teams identified how, specifically, every individual was to demonstrate accountability. “Guiding principles” were established on how they would op - erate as a team, and how they would serve customers. Most importantly, the companies developed a clear competitive strategy and made a group commitment to meet their challenges head on. They vowed to accept the harsh realities they were facing, to not get stuck in the past, and to stay positive about the future. To ensure regular com - mitment to the mission at hand, these companies held periodic meetings that were informal and not tedious. Quarterly management retreats were held to evaluate progress. 2. Complacency was their enemy. The successful companies challenged the Status Quo and took risks – not frivolously, but supported by rational decision-making. They conducted research on what top performing towing companies were doing as well as a competitive analysis of their top three competitors. Small companies made every effort to com - pete with larger ones. Employee involvement and idea sharing among employees was key to their success. They adopted even bolder marketing and advertising strategies, branded their customer service, and competitively funded their communications campaigns. They reinvented their entire business to become more nimble, more flexible, and more customer-focused. While other organ - izations failed to add the Green Movement to their “must-do ASAP list,” the winners recognized the Green momentum was not about to subside. They created a green program, promoted it in their marketing and public relations campaigns, and gave their sales people something more to talk about. 3. They consistently sought and implemented new ways to add value for their customers. They realized and exploited the fact that much of the value they provided to customers was the superior knowledge they had to offer. It was not only the sales team who had the most knowledge – it was the entire staff. They became value-added organizations, knowing how important their expertise was to their bottom line. They helped their customers far more than any competitor, knowing that in tough times, customers appreciate it. They asked customers: “How can we provide more value?” and reached agreement on priorities, actions, and outcomes. They established a VIP program for loyal customers that emphasized increased value to make these select customers feel special. 4. They got serious about customer service. Every single aspect of the customer experience was analyzed. Service flaws were identified and eliminated. Proactive complaint prevention was practiced and part of the guiding principles for accountability. Systems and procedures were streamlined to make it easy for customers to do business with them. Support staff knew their performance was critical to the success and profitability of their or - ganizations. All staff was held to the highest standards for customer service excellence in every aspect of the customer experience. Sales, management, and customer service staff made sure they understood their customers’ business in order to anticipate their needs. They consistently brainstormed and implemented ways to improve their customers’ experience and “up” the Wow Factor, keeping in mind that no detail was too small. Teams were put into place to assist in these areas and in the establishment of a “Sales-Service Excellence Culture”— one in which every person is dedicated to driving busi - ness growth through service excellence and giving their full support to sales. Large companies made sure that sales, marketing, customer service departments, and HR worked hand-in-hand to ensure great service. Human resources hired only the very best. Small companies worked together as highly effective teams – all working toward the same goal. In com - panies of all sizes, innovation and creativity were key priorities, and were connected to all aspects of the business. Together, the company and its people developed an obsession to deliver their best performance — with every customer, every day. They developed a reputation for consistently exceptional service. Customer confidence increased, business increased, and customers became loyal advocates who helped spread the word. 5. Technology helped them become faster than their competitors and closer to customers. State of the art technology was implemented. Social media was not ignored as a passing fad. While many companies were too focused on the bottom line and didn’t want to think about social media, forward-thinking companies were early adopters and consistently utilized it for selling, marketing and advertising their organization. Creativity was applied with each and every tweet, blog, Face - book post and You-Tube video. Their websites were far superior to their competitors and opti - mized for search engine placement. Video clips were on their main page and throughout their site, and additional sites were created in different languages if and when applicable. No stone was left unturned. 6. These smart companies became “learning” organizations and learned faster than their competitors. They were constantly striving to improve their skills. Their sales teams studied and mastered every single aspect of “Sales 101”. They were masters at building relationships with po - tential and existing customers. In large companies, leadership training was provided to ensure
SEE LONG ROAD AHEAD PAGE 5 4 October/November 2012 PWOF NEWS
LEVY REPORT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
House Republicans and the next in line for the Speakership is a shot heard around the state. Rep. Dorworth outspent his opponent, Democrat Mike Clelland 7 to 1. Lawyer and retired firefighter Clelland led Chris Dorwoth by 37 votes and his lead expanded when the provisional ballots were counted to 123. Voters threw out five GOP incumbents from the Legislature and swung several open seats to Democrats. However, Republicans still came out far ahead, with more than 100 of the 160 legislative seats. But Democrats, marginalized in Florida state politics since the late 1990s, spent the night rejoicing over their modest gains in the Legislature, as well as congressional upsets and the re- election of Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson and President Obama. In some ways, the results were a pivot toward equilibrium. No other state in the country has such a massive chasm between the party makeup of its electorate and its Legislature. Registered Democrats in Florida outnumber Republicans by more than 400,000, but the GOP dominates the state Capitol, occupying 100 percent of the Cabinet and a veto-proof 68 percent of the Legislature before Tuesday. A huge money advantage and the power to shape the state's legislative districts has favored the Republicans, who have controlled the governor's office and the state Legislature for nearly 15 years. Donors poured more than $75 million into the Republican Party and GOP lawmakers' per - sonal committees this cycle, easily tripling what Democrats raised. Republican leaders say the Democrats' gains were, in part, a result of once-a-decade redistricting that had to be done with - out bias toward a particular party. In recent years, the Legislature has tried to force drug testing for welfare recipients, penalties for doctors who ask patients about guns, higher tuition for U.S. citizens with undocumented parents and other measures — only to see judges rule them unconstitutional. This year, Republican leaders sought to extend their sphere of influence to the judicial branch, which has at times stood as a sole impediment for GOP-backed measures. In September, the Republican Party of Florida took the unprecedented move of opposing the retention of three Supreme Court justices it deemed too liberal. Voters did not agree. They voted to retain all three justices by overwhelming margins, blocking Scott from an opportunity to reshape Florida's highest court. Floridians also rejected Amendment 5, which would have given the Legislature a greater say over the affairs of the judicial branch. Democrats Gain Ground The gains in the House and Senate mean Republicans no longer have a veto-proof super - majority in either chamber. While legislative power still rests firmly in the hands of the GOP, the Democratic gains may hinder some laws from moving forward. Controversial measures like privatizing state prisons and flipping public schools into char - ter schools failed last year in razor-thin votes in the 40-seat Senate. With more Democrats now in that chamber, these proposals could face more hurdles next year. Democrats also picked up four Congressional seats - and two state Senate seats (along with five House seats). In the Senate, Republicans still hold a 26-14 advantage, even with the two additional Democratic Senators. Democrats had a voter registration edge in five more Districts but still lost those races. The parties split what were probably the two marquee Senate races of the year. Republican Rep. Dorothy Hukill beat Democrat Frank Bruno in Senate District 8 in parts of Volusia, Marion and Lake counties. Meanwhile Democratic Sen. Maria Sachs beat Republican Sen. Ellyn Bog - danoff in District 34 in Palm Beach and Broward counties. Mark Danish (D) beat Rep. Shawn Harrison(R) in Hillsborough County and in his third try Carl Zimmerman (D) beat Rep. Peter Nehr (R) in Pinellas County. Maitland teacher Karen Cas - tor-Dentel (D) defeated Scott Plakon (R) of Longwood. Joe Saunders (D) beat Marco Pena (R) in an upset sending the second openly gay legislator to Tallahassee. Linda Stewart (D), former county commissioner, beat Dr. Rob Brooks (R) who was trying to return to Tallahassee after serving as a legislator and as Surgeon General for the Department of Health. Eric Fresen (R) had a tight race all night against Ross Hancock (D) and Michael Bileca (R) the same against Dr. Jeff Solomon (D). It appears that Holly Raschein (R) had lost to Ian Whitney (D) - in fact the Herald reported the same, but she won when you combined the Dade count with Monroe County since District 120 begins in Key West and ends somewhere in Kendall. Republicans won two formerly Democratic seats when Monticello Republican Halsey Beshears won in a North Florida District and when Holly Raschein (R) won in Monroe County in the state's southernmost district. October/November 2012 PWOF NEWS 5
LONG ROAD AHEAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 every executive and manager would lead under the same guiding principles the company es - tablished. Sales managers learned how to manage and motivate their teams. Training was pro - vided on how to conduct business across generations. Unlike many companies, both large and smaller businesses did not take for granted that front-line employees knew how to serve customers; they trained them in all critical areas of customer service. In some of these winning companies, role-playing was conducted during slow hours, and by making it “fun,” employees in these successful organizations actually looked forward to it. Cross-training was also a part of their strategy. 7. Every person in the company lived and breathed its core values. All leaders and em - ployees consistently demonstrated and operated from the core values of honesty, integrity, teamwork, respect, excellence, accountability, social and environmental consciousness, health, safety, family, and other values intrinsic to the company’s culture. Leaders recognized that employees observed their actions and behaviors during challenging times. They led by example, spoke with confidence, consistently “talked up” customer service excellence and teamwork. Most important, they set the tone for their employees to follow. 8. Executives and managers treated their staff the same way they treated their best cus - tomers. Setting a good example as a servant leader was a strong key to their success. They fully realized that businesses don’t do business. People do business. They knew it was the people in their company who would carry their organization into a successful future and it was their job to keep employees motivated. Dynamic leadership, teamwork, organizational leadership and employee involvement became organizational cornerstones. Reward and recognition became part of their culture. They realized that having great bosses and creating a great place to come to work each day was the best way to keep people motivated and performing at their best. To make sure their employees were happy, they conducted annual employee satisfaction surveys. After analyzing the survey results, the winning firms identified three areas for im - provement, shared them with their staff and made a commitment to make the improvements needed. 9. Execution was a strong part of their competitive strategy. The strong companies rep - resented recognized that knowing what should be done and actually doing it are two very dif - ferent things. They mastered the art of execution – especially in implementing new ideas, diversifying their offerings, and taking action on methods to improve in every aspect of business. 10. They did not stop believing in themselves, their business, their people and a better future. They kept their eye on the prize. They had only one goal – to emerge from the fray as the winner, with their business stronger, more vibrant and more prosperous than before, and with solid prospects for continued future growth and success. You’ve Seen the Future — So What Will You Do? The question you should be asking now is, “In the long road ahead, will my business come out as a winner — gaining market share, growing and prospering? Am I, as a leader, doing the things that will translate into business success?” Success in business doesn’t just happen by itself. It takes the creativity and willpower of an entire organization to succeed and that starts at the top.
©Copyright, 2012 Christine Corelli & Associates, Inc. Christine Corelli is the author of five business books including the best selling Wake Up and Smell the Competition . Her newest book release, Capture Your Competitors’ Customers and KEEP Them sold out the first print run in the first two weeks and is still selling strong. In 2013, she will release The Road to Success , with co-authors Deepak Chopra and Ken Blanchard. To learn more about Christine’s services contact (847) 581-9968.
PWOF Supports Candidates PWOF Member Lynda Wood of Cox Car Care in New Port Richey, enjoyed an evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine and art - all in the name of politics. The fundraiser, Painting with a Twist, was held in early September for Kathryn Starkey (R), a candidate for Pasco County Commission District 3. According to Wood, 30 - 35 people at - tended the fundraiser. Mike Seamon sent the invitation to PWOF members in that area. Wood says, “On a personal note, I highly recommend this. Fun was had by all.” 6 October/November 2012 PWOF NEWS PWOF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AIR BAGS / CUSHIONS INDIANAPOLIS INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC...... 800-827-3755 AUTO AUCTION INSURANCE AUTO AUCTIONS ...... 407-438-7191 BUYING GROUP DISCOUNTS TOWPARTNERS ...... 877-401-2345 COMPUTER / SOFTWARE AUTO DATA DIRECT, INC...... 850-877-8804 BEACON SOFTWARE, LLC ...... 866-437-6653 NOBEL SYSTEMS, INC...... 888-950-9550 DRUG & ALCOHOL SCREENING ARCPOINT LABS OF ALTAMONTE SPRINGS ...... 407-951-7575 EMPLOYER SERVICES EMPLOYEE LEASING STRATEGIES ...... 855-321-2667 SIGNATURE STAFFING, INC...... 561-743-0065 SOUTHEAST PERSONNEL LEASING, INC...... 727-919-0199 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AAG ENVIRONMENTAL, INC...... 800-472-9251 EQUIPMENT ACCESS TOOLS & EQUIPMENT ...... 800-323-8324 AW DIRECT, INC...... 800-270-3975 CUSTER PRODUCTS LTD ...... 800-490-3158 GULF ATLANTIC SUPPLY ...... 205-669-2393 G.V.S. ENTERPRISES, INC...... 800-541-0460 HOOKS TOWING & RECOVERY SUPPLY ...... 800-876-8963 LIFT AND TOW, LLC ...... 866-494-6500 PHOENIX USA, INC...... 800-786-8785 TIM HALPIN EQUIPMENT CORPORATION ...... 305-591-3164 INSURANCE AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION INSURANCE GROUP, INC...... 877-933-2550 BB&T - J. ROLFE DAVIS INSURANCE ...... 800-896-0554 BLACKADAR INSURANCE AGENCY, INC...... 407-831-3832 CHASE INSURANCE AGENCY INC...... 954-792-4300 FIRST CHOICE INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, INC...... 954-923-0906 FOX EVERETT INSURANCE ...... 228-897-6758 GULF COAST UNDERWRITERS ...... 813-864-4428 MGA INSURANCE GROUP ...... 941-907-3828 S.H. SMITH & COMPANY, INC...... 800-356-0168 THE INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS ...... 800-266-4446 TNT INSURANCE AGENCY ...... 800-691-0053 TRAVIS BARLOW COMPANY ...... 800-537-7152 WILLIAMS & STAZZONE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC...... 800-868-1235 ZURICH INSURANCE ...... 407-375-4110 LEASING ADVANTAGE FUNDING COMMERCIAL CAPITAL CORP...... 866-392-1300 EXT 719 DIVERSIFIED LEASING SOLUTIONS, INC...... 813-282-0357 INTEK TRUCK & EQUIPMENT LEASING ...... 973-403-7788 SOVEREIGN BANK ...... 631-531-0627 SPECIALTY VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT FUNDING GROUP ...... 631-753-6611 LEGAL BERNARDO PROTANO, ESQUIRE, P.A...... 954-927-6714 JUPITER LEGAL ADVOCATES ...... 561-748-8000 ROBERT T. MAGILL, ATTORNEY ...... 407-614-4509 LUBRICANTS AMSOIL INDEPENDENT DEALER ...... 407-421-5584 MOTOR CLUBS ALLSTATE ROADSIDE SERVICES ...... 508-867-2400 NATION SAFE DRIVERS MOTOR CLUB ...... 800-338-2680 UNITED STATES AUTO CLUB - MOTOR DIV...... 888-300-8722 MUSEUM INTERNATIONAL TOWING & RECOVERY MUSEUM ...... 423-267-3132 PAYMENT PROCESSING ALIANT PAYMENT SYSTEMS ...... 866-502-4831 PHONE # COMPANIES 1-800 RESCUE 911 ...... 800-373-1145 PRINTING & PROMOTIONAL ITEMS TECHNOGRAPHICS ...... 352-989-4377 RADIOS RADIO ONE, INC...... 407-296-9488 SIGNS KAUFF’S KUSTOM LETTERING & SIGNS ...... 561-775-3278 M & S SIGNS ...... 407-855-9162 TITLE & LIEN SERVICE AFFORDABLE TITLE & LIEN, INC...... 855-239-3412 TOWING SERVICE ASHFORD RECOVERY (ENGLAND) ...... 011 44 01233 655999 TRAILERS FLORIDA UTILITY TRAILERS, INC...... 800-404-6021 TRAIL-EZE TRAILERS ...... 800-232-5682 VEHICLE RECYCLING / SALVAGE DEALERS BUDGET AUTO PARTS ...... 800-282-5581 BUDGET U PULL IT ...... 888-656-4307 U-PULL-AND-PAY - WEST PALM BEACH ...... 561-846-1597 VEMARK, LLC ...... 877-392-6276 WRECKER SALES CROUCH’S WRECKER & EQUIPMENT SALES ...... 800-628-5212 DAVIS SALES, INC...... 954-347-9795 DUAL-TECH, INC...... 800-852-0345 FLORIDA WRECKER SALES ...... 813-626-2144 JERR-DAN CORPORATION ...... 800-926-9666 MILLER INDUSTRIES ...... 800-292-0330 PALMETTO FORD TRUCK SALES ...... 800-432-3317 EXT 334 RUSH TRUCK CENTERS OF FLORIDA ...... 813-361-1199 STOVER SALES, INC...... 904-696-3496 TLC TRUCK & EQUIPMENT ...... 954-979-9422 TRUCKMAX, INC...... 305-592-3800 WHITE FORD COMPANY ...... 352-225-1466 WRECKERS LTD ...... 305-888-0111 October/November 2012 PWOF NEWS 7 THE FLORIDA BUSINESS TOW SHOW ® 2013 IS GROWING
April in Florida is now going to be the place not only for towers, but for recovery agents as well.
The Florida Tow Show ® is bringing the Repo Expo to the area. Events begin Wednesday, April 10 and run through Sunday, April 14. Exhibits will span both the Downtown Disney Hilton and the adjacent Holiday Inn, with Repo Expo meetings being hosted at The Royal Plaza Hotel. The Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida has hosted The Florida Tow Show ® for 36 years, get - ting bigger and better each year. With the addition of FLACars (the Florida repo association), attendees will have even more vendors to shop. Make your plans now to walk this show for your - self, and bring the entire family for a great week in sunny Florida.
NEW MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE REGION 3 1-800 RESCUE 911 ACE’S TOWING, LLC DANE MARSHLACK MIGUEL MATOS 3221 TYRONE BLVD., N. 1006 S. 14TH STREET ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33710 LEESBURG, FL 34748 800-373-1145 352-787-8000 FAX: 727-384-2228 FAX: 352-323-1759 ASSOCIATE REGION 6 ADVANTAGE FUNDING COMMERCIAL STEVE WHITE’S AUTO SERVICE, INC. CAPITAL CORP. STEVE WHITE PETER L. BASINI 824 8TH AVE., W. 1111 MARCUS AVE. - SUITE M-27 PALMETTO, FL 34221 LAKE SUCCESS, NY 11042 941-722-4367 516-462-4751 FAX: 941-722-4520 866-392-1300 FAX: 516-508-9484 REGION 7 ALL AMERICAN TOWING & TIRE, INC. JERRY NORMAN 711 LARGO RD. 4718 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32804 KEY LARGO, FL 33037 PHONE: (407) 296-3316 305-451-0714 FAX: 305-451-0418 FAX: (407) 296-6335 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB SITE: www.pwof.org