We’re looking for successful small business owners to write for us. Share your first-person experiences of building your business and tips and advice that helped you reach the top.

Although we cannot pay you for articles, writing for provides you exposure and a link back to your website.

If you’re interested in writing for us, please submit a 200-1,000 word article to service101@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

By Jimmy Conner
Owner, Westminster CO Towing Service

Running a 24-hour towing company is not easy. When I started Westminster Towing Service with a buddy from high school 12 years ago, it was just us. We answered every call – or, at least, tried to – and took on every job we could on our own.

Eventually our company grew to a point, where we could add employees, equipment and trucks. My buddy and I now only work about 10 hours most days.

We know we’re lucky. There are many more 1- and 2-man towing companies out there than those with a handful of employees or more.

When we were first starting off, our office phone forwarded to our cell phones when we were out and about. No matter what we were doing or what time it was, we made it a goal to answer as many calls as we could.

We felt we needed to do that to survive. We knew we had to do it to grow our business.

Being responsive 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, we felt separated us from our competitors who also claimed to be 24/7, but didn’t prioritize answering every call like we did.

Being responsive every day of every week, of every month of every year remains one of our company’s keystones.

A handful of years ago, we used an answering service that picked up calls when we couldn’t and spoke to customers. That worked well for us and for many towing companies across the country.

But we felt strongly about employing our own dispatchers around the clock. People who were familiar with the geography of our area. People in our community. People who were naturally friendly and helpful, who we could train in our own way.

That’s how much our first point of contact with customers means to us. It is well worth the investment.

When a customer calls for service, our dispatchers provide the following information every time:

• Our expected arrival time
• Estimated cost of service
• Types of payment accepted
• Cell phone number for tow truck operator

Needing towing service is often a stressful and frustrating time. That’s why we train our dispatchers to be calming and to offer tips to remain safe and calm.

Customers often tell us how they appreciate that line of communication from first contact. It is a hallmark of our service, and it has served us quite well.

By Dave Madison
Owner, Cheektowaga, NY Plumbers

Any plumber knows it is impossible to give an accurate quote over the phone. Sure, we can give rough estimates, but nothing exact.

Still, many plumbers attempt to give phone estimates. Problem is, such a practice leaves has the potential to leave a contractor in a major dilemma when the estimate is less than the cost to finish the project.

What should he do?

Charge the customer extra? Doing so, of course, will irritate the customer, burn an opportunity to do future work for them, and risk tarnishing your reputation in the community you serve. Continue reading →

By Rick Anderson
Owner, Best North Collins Movers

No matter how great your customer service, all moving companies face natural skepticism from consumers.

A few bad apples in every area make it a challenge for the rest of us movers to build trust with the people we serve. One major issue is the governance of moving companies. Many states do not require licensing, which give movers license to do what they want. Years ago, it wasn’t uncommon for movers to take off with a truckload of possessions to never return.

All moving companies and movers aren’t required to be insured either. Buyer beware. Continue reading →

By James Carter, Owner Centennial CO Tow Truck

Back in 1993 when I began my towing company in suburban Denver, as a one-man operation with one truck, customer service was something I thought about a lot. Sure, it was important, but most of my attention was paid to getting enough work to pay the bills and invest in advertising to get more work.

Looking back, I had no idea how to run a business. What helped me get by was work ethic (I took great pride in being a 24-hour service) and treating people the right way. Continue reading →

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