Heisenberg Shines at the 2026 PTAO Tow Trade Show

Last year, after attending the PTAO Tow Trade Show, we left with one big goal, to return in 2026 with our very own 65 ton Peterbilt rotator, Heisenberg.

This year, we made it happen.

Representing Gary’s Towing at the 2026 show were Ashley, our General Manager; Kyle Pewtress, our Operations Manager and Heisenberg’s dedicated operator; and Ally and Kylie, essential members of Heisenberg’s Show Crew who helped keep everyone organized, smiling and ready for a memorable weekend.

Together, the crew made the journey from Thunder Bay to proudly represent Gary’s Towing and Northwestern Ontario, and, of course, to give Heisenberg his opportunity to shine.

Let Your Light Shine

One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend was the “Let Your Light Shine” light show. Surrounded by some of the most impressive tow trucks in the province, Heisenberg shined brighter than ever.

Heisenberg at Let Your Light Shine 2026

Seeing Kyle standing proudly beside the rotator he operates every day was a special moment for our entire team. Heisenberg isn’t simply a show truck, he is a hardworking piece of heavy recovery equipment that responds to some of the most challenging incidents across Northern Ontario.

Under the lights, though, he was definitely ready for his close up.

Kyle & Heisenberg

The light show remains one of the most meaningful parts of the weekend, bringing the towing community together while honouring operators who have been injured or lost their lives on the job. It is a powerful reminder of the risks towing professionals face along our highways and why every driver must remember to slow down and move over.

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Reconnecting at the Welcome Party

We were also happy to return to the brewery for the Welcome Party, once again sponsored by Eagle Towing Equipment.

The evening was filled with great food, stories and plenty of laughter. More importantly, it gave us another valuable opportunity to connect with towing professionals and industry leaders from across Ontario.

Although our companies may serve different communities, we share many of the same challenges, responsibilities and goals. Events like this allow us to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and learn from others who truly understand the industry.

A sincere thank you to Eagle Towing Equipment for once again sponsoring such a fantastic evening.

Picture credit to At the Scene Photography

Celebrating Extraordinary Women in Towing

Another highlight of the weekend was the Women in Towing Appreciation Luncheon.

As many already know, Gary’s Towing is a proud and passionate supporter of women in the towing industry. We feel incredibly fortunate to have attended this special luncheon and to celebrate the remarkable women helping move our industry forward.

The luncheon continues to recognize the women working throughout every part of the towing industry, from operators and dispatchers to managers, owners, traffic control professionals and industry advocates.

Tammy Vandenheuvel, co-owner of Preferred Towing, presenting the Extraordinary Women in Towing Award

This year, Mercedes, the amazing woman behind the Pink Theory initiative, received the Extraordinary Women in Towing Award.

Her commitment to raising awareness and creating positive change within the industry made her incredibly deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Mercedes, on this wonderful achievement!

Mercedes, owner and founder of Pink Theory

Being surrounded by so many strong and accomplished women was inspiring. The towing industry has traditionally been viewed as male dominated, but events like this shine a well deserved light on the women whose skill, leadership and determination help keep it moving forward every day.

Heisenberg’s Show Girls Take the Controls

The showroom floor and outdoor truck display offered an incredible look at the latest towing equipment, technology and industry innovations.

For Gary’s own, Ally and Kylie, however, the most exciting part was getting the opportunity to run a rotator!

With some guidance from the professionals, the girls experienced the controls and saw firsthand what these remarkable machines can do.

Experiences like this are one of the reasons the Tow Show is so special. It is more than an equipment display or industry event; it welcomes families, encourages people to learn and gives others an opportunity to discover the pride and skill behind the towing profession.

Proudly Representing Northwestern Ontario

Throughout the weekend, Heisenberg attracted plenty of attention, and deservedly so.

Our 65 ton rotator regularly works in demanding conditions across Northwestern Ontario, where long distances, severe weather and challenging terrain are simply part of the job. Bringing him to the show allowed us to showcase not only an incredible truck, but also the people, experience and capabilities behind Gary’s Towing.

As our Operations Manager and Heisenberg’s dedicated operator, Kyle takes tremendous pride in operating and caring for the rotator. That pride was visible throughout the weekend. Together, Kyle and Heisenberg represented our company and our region exceptionally well.

Heisenberg shined brightly at the show, but we know his real strength is demonstrated back home, when the weather turns, the roads close and someone needs help.

Celebrating Excellence at the Awards Social

The weekend concluded with the Saturday Awards Social, sponsored by B&L Complete Truck Centre.

The social offered a fresh take on the traditional banquet and brought members of Ontario’s towing community together to celebrate excellence throughout the industry. The evening recognized the recipients of the Hero of the Industry Award, Tow Industry Professional of the Year, Light- and Heavy-Duty Recoveries of the Year, along with the other award winners from the weekend’s festivities.

It was the perfect way to conclude the Tow Show, celebrating the skill, courage and professionalism of the people who work tirelessly to keep Ontario’s roads moving safely.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and award recipients, and thank you to B&L Complete Truck Centre for sponsoring such a memorable evening.

Bryce Weber (Vice President of PTAO and Aces Heavy Towing), Jack Poladian (CEO of Eagle Towing Equipment), and Gary Vandenheuvel (President of PTAO and Preferred Towing)

From Gary to Gary’s, some connections in towing always come full circle. Kyle Pewtress and with his former boss and longtime friend, Gary Vandenheuvel of Preferred Towing.

Until Next Year

The 2026 PTAO Tow Trade Show gave Ashley, Kyle, Ally and Kylie a memorable weekend filled with celebration, connection and plenty of unforgettable moments.

We returned home with new ideas, stronger industry relationships and an even greater appreciation for the people who make up Ontario’s towing community.

A heartfelt thank you to PTAO and all the sponsors, exhibitors, organizers and volunteers who made this year’s show possible. Congratulations to all the award recipients and everyone who brought their trucks out for the industry to enjoy.

Last year, we said we hoped to return with Heisenberg.

This year, Heisenberg arrived, and he shined!

We are already looking forward to seeing everyone again next year. See you all in 2027!

-Ashley
General Manager, Gary’s Towing