Long-time towie hitting road with new business

WITH a dream of running his own business while finding a perfect work/family-life balance, a Westbrook man has taken a risk many wouldn’t dare.

Shane Petersen, with the support of wife Linda, ticked the boxes, signed on the dotted line, and made a commitment to the region with his new Toowoomba 24-hour towing company.

“A lot of people had said that if I ever started my own stuff they would follow me … recently I decided now was the time,” Mr Petersen said.

“I know what the challenges are when building a business, but that’s what I love. I can’t wait.”

Mrs Petersen said the new business would enable greater flexibility for the family of six, but that wouldn’t stop the nerves.

“The business is something Shane has wanted to do for about 10 years,” she said.

“I’ve always been nervous, but he’s never let our family down.

“I trust him and I believe in him.”

With more than 15 years experience under his belt, Mr Petersen said he was still shocked to see the benefit of connections.

“From last Monday, it’s been all guns blazing, I haven’t stopped,” he said.

“I’ve already done 3500km in one week … and it makes you more determined.”

Mr Petersen said while he loved the work, it was possibly the “most competitive job” he had been in.

“It is a cutthroat industry, especially when I’m up against everyone in Toowoomba,” he said.

“There’s at least 30 tow trucks in town … and other towies can be really pushy.

“The accident side of things, the insurance companies are the ones paying us towies to do the job.

“Listening to the scanner is the only way you’re going to get it unless someone like a family friend or someone drives past an accident and lets your know.

“You need to get to the scene before everyone else, and sometimes you can see some horrible things, but you can’t let it affect you,” Mr Petersen said.

Mr Petersen, who previously managed Clayton’s Towing Service depot, said he was excited about the new adventure, and the people he would meet along the way.

“I love it, and I cant wait,” he said.

Picture: Morgan Burley NEW BUSINESS: Shane and Linda Petersen are excited to unveil their new business, Toowoomba 24-Hour Towing, which caters to all of Queensland.