05/16/2022
Over eight years ago I set out on a mission to be self employed. I started Premier Towing & Recovery on a hope and prayer. I had a change in employment and had the opportunity to go into business for myself, which is something I always dreamed of doing.
I financed my first truck, while at the same time bought my second truck (required to have two trucks to be on law enforcement towing rotation lists) on a credit card. I enlisted my brother-in-law’s help and drug him along for the ride to help when I needed a second set of hands. I secured a phone number and started cold calling and trying to generate business to cover this newfound financial overhead burden.
Within 6 months I had my first of many full-time employees and the rest is history. I started small and grew to a fleet of eight trucks and have bought a total of 14 over my time in business.
Early on in my entrepreneurship, I was blessed to come to know Mark and Mylissa Holland. They trusted me enough to allow me to buy Holland Towing when Mark retired from the autobody business and sold his property where Rite Aide sits now.
The last years have been full trials, tribulations, triumphs, sad and happy times. Through it all, this business has provided for me and my family without fail. For that I can never say thank you enough.
Fast forward to a year ago. I had the opportunity to return to the career field that I love so deeply, that of being a fire chief.
Over this last year I have tried to run the business while being gone 40+ hours a week being a fire chief. It has not been working as the business was just kind of existing and not moving forward. This has led to a seven day a week work schedule, typically 12-16 hour days.
To compound things, it has been getting increasingly harder to find employees that want show up to work and have some resemblance of a work ethic.
I have contemplated many, many times about just closing the doors and moving on, but I couldn’t bring myself to do that. The communities of Silverton and Mt Angel have been too good to us to do that. Doing that would leave a huge service hole on our community needs.
With all of this-Today I am announcing the new owners of Premier Towing & Recovery-Brenden and Kayla Rea, they also own Silverton Import Auto and have purchased Premier Towing & Recovery. As hard as this is to walk away, it’s the right decision. The right decision for me personally, the right decision for the business’ sake and the right decision for the community we serve who has always embraced us. Im sad but excited to step aside and watch these two continue to grow the business as I am confident they will. They both have a drive that is unmatched.
There may be some hiccups as we work through this transition, please be patient and understanding as this is new waters for all of us involved. The phone number will stay the same, you should not notice any difference in service, just different folks.
In closing, I owe a sincere thank you to my wife and kids who have supported me and seen/dealt with me leave at the drop of a hat, not knowing how long I will be gone.
Thank you to my sister who has been my dispatcher and done a phenomenal job! I couldn’t have stayed in business without you!!
To my parents for their unwavering support and encouragement to keep going when times were tough and I was ready to throw in the towel.
To Mark Holland and Mike Wagner (Santiam Towing & Recovery). You two have been my mentors in ways I can never describe, nor pay you back for. Thank you!
And last but not the least, all of our customers. Without all of you there would be no reason to be in business. I appreciate your support and loyalty over the last eight years. My personal business model was very simple-Be honest and do the right thing ALL the time. I hope you all feel you got that.
Again, my wife and I say thank you all for your support over the last eight years. Again, I say with with a full heart-THANK YOU!
Respectfully,
Brandon & Heather Hamilton
