Conversations with Blake Pounds

Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Pounds.  

Hi Blake, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My family started in the towing and automotive industry back in 1990 under the name Weddles and was originally located in Smithfield, North Carolina. Not only did we perform towing, but we did state inspections, auto repair, paint, bodywork, and we also had a used car lot.

My late grandparents Reverend Mary & Lawerence Pounds helped my Aunt & Uncle start the business with a small loan. From what I can remember my mother, Deborah Pounds, helped with the books at the car lot, and I rode around with my Aunt and Uncle on occasion in the tow truck. I have the truck after buying it back, when it was sold many years later to another company in Four Oaks. It was a 1979 Ford F-100 with a Holmes 440 wrecker body.

Things seemed to be going great, and then as we all know, 18 years later was the financial crash of 2008, and it lasted for years for many of the folks out in Johnston County. The family business slowly dwindled and closed down sometime in between 2008-2010.

I brought the family business back in 2014 to help people. I have slowly worked up to a 10-plus truck fleet and a great group of people to help me along the way. Now, unfortunately, not all the trucks run and operate all the time, but we are constantly working on our equipment to be repaired. Eventually, for all to be put back into service.

I personally work non-stop, usually around the clock alongside my small team to what is now known as Pounds Towing. Pounds being our family name.

We spend a lot of time serving and being part of the communities that we serve. If it isn’t out in a tow truck, we are out at the race track supporting our vendors and sponsors, supporting and joining local community events for local Chambers. We strive to support and shop local.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. A lot of the struggle was not having any emotional support along the way. Of course, you know running and operating a business is not cheap in many different ways. It also is not necessarily easy to do. I had made my choice that I was sticking true to.

I was told many times by family, friends, and people closest to me that it would not be worth my time or struggle. Being told, “Just go get a regular job.” This wasn’t going to be just a job though; it is a lifestyle and path that I had given a lot of thought about.

What I didn’t realize is how lonely it would be, and that is something no one hardly ever gives thought to. The long hours, the time away, the heartache, stress, and a lot more stress. In my opinion, everyone thinks running a business is all about the money, which in a sense is not entirely false. Having money does help… it just doesn’t give you the time back.

In reality, money is not the most important. It has been the opportunity to serve and to just be there knowing that a difference is made from the smallest of interaction.

Even though it has been a very difficult journey and a ton of different kinds of struggling I would not change anything.

The people I have met over the years with very few standing out and still being around. The biggest obstacle I have had in this journey is just having someone to talk to and confide to. The support they provide in daily life, guidance in decision-making, and all the love we all share to get through this thing we call life. Knowing that someone is there to help pick you up even when you don’t need it. I don’t know what I would do without Joe Wilcox. He is the person I look up to on the good and bad days. He also is the one who helps keeps our equipment running. I’m sure I could figure it out, but I would not want to do it without any of them.

I do a lot to keep things going, and I work alongside the team pretty much every single day, but I couldn’t do it without help and the team that works with me. Joe and the rest of the team I call my family is what makes it all worth it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
You have small tow trucks all the way up to really big heavy-duty tow trucks. Some trucks are versatile, while some are just situation specific. The goal is to have trucks that do it all, but that isn’t always the case. Money is a huge thing. The bigger the truck; the more expensive it gets, and not just for the people we serve. Other than that, the “job” itself is mostly self-explanatory. All we do is specialize in helping others.

What you don’t get to see is the situation of the individual or circumstance myself, a team member, or customer we serve. There is always a reason when someone breaks down, but no one truthfully thinks or cares on the “why.” Sure, it is easy to figure out the where, the who, and the how or the when. This is what really sets myself and the team apart from others. We try to do what we think is right in terms of “being” there for the people we serve, including each other.

You always wonder do they know what they are doing, are they going to mess up my car, etc. The first thought in most is not, “Is that person nice” “Does that person actually care,” “Are they going to rip me off”? Every situation and circumstance is different, but it is our duty and end goal to treat others better than just a dollar sign. Our first thought is not, “ooo look we can make a lot of money doing this.” Unfortunately, we have to charge to help you so we can keep helping you, but while we are helping we are treating you just like family.

Still, to this day, I feel we share and experience the same values the business my family started it all on. Serving others to the best of our ability and treating everyone like family. Being and doing the best you can do. I can’t just include myself because others have helped me grow in passing every single day. Dedicating every single part of your being in making a difference even if is a small one.

The ability to share my knowledge with others and to the people that have worked with me over the years has had many proud moments. Knowledge that I sacrificed a lot to obtain. It has made me very proud that I have been able to share what I have learned and spent time with have taken it to heart. It has been wonderful to see the few that have really excelled in this industry not only as a tow truck operator professionally but personal growth as well.

Being able to give the opportunity to others now and to the future of our company and family is what we are working towards. Having the opporutnity to inspire others and the fellowship we all are given. The difference it makes serving and giving time unto others is what makes it worth it.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Plain and simple it really sucks. It is a harsh, grueling, stressful environment. Yes, it can be rewarding, but it is not something that happens overnight. It takes a lot of trial and error. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and especially team work.

I wish a lot of things, but there is really nothing that can prepare you fully to start out in this industry. There are training classes, certifications, and more but a lot things you can’t be taught. It is something that you figure out along the way. The situation is different for everyone, and unfortunately, it is not for everyone.

I was not fortunate to have grown up around the industry on a daily basis. I can only remember bits and pieces from my childhood. It was something I aspired to and it came naturally later on in my life without any push. It was a sort of “calling” for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: poundstowing.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/poundstowing