Trevor Johnson Starts Johnson Family Towing

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg resident Trevor Johnson is putting his army experience to use, operating a new tow truck business, while he furthers his education. The bright green wrecker, with "Johnson Family Towing" emblazoned on the side, is up, running, and ready to go.

Johnson recently left his job at The McGregor Company in order to take advantage of the GI Bill to further his education. With over 16 years experience in the army as a recovery specialist (tow truck operator) and diesel mechanic, he decided that operating a tow truck businessws the best way to help support his family.

"I've been keeping my eye open for the right opportunity to start a business. With 16 years experience in the army, it made sense and seemed like a natural progression to bring that over to the civilian side," Johnson said.

Johnson that finding used wreckers is fairly challenging. He found his tow truck online, and he and his wife, Ashley, drove to Minnesota to pick it up, based solely on the photograph and description.

"That turned into a bit of an adventure. We found out that the heater didn't work and we had to drive across the Continental Divide in March. Ashley wasn't too pleased. But we bought a quilt and a case of handwarmers and made it back OK," he said, laughing.

Johnson said the business is up-and-running, and ready to take calls, and covers everything from accidents to jump starts. He intends to cover Waitsburg, Walla Walla, Dayton, Touchet, Starbuck, Dixie, and Burbank, and says he is available 24 hours a day.

In addition to his army training and experiences, Johnson has background in heavy equipment, oversize loads and is certified as a Commercial Truck Driver and Diesel Mechanic.

He sees the business as a family endeavor and hopes to involve his children when they get older. Johnson moved to Waitsburg from Waterville, Wash. when he was a high school freshman and later married Waitsburg native, Ashley (Nichols). The couple have three children: Addie (10), Gus (6), and Ivy (4).

To learn more, call Johnson at (509) 240-2755 or visit them online at http://www.johnsonfamilytowing.com.