Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Hicks.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a young boy, when I was around seven years old, I worked along with my father towing cars with chains; he use to pull me behind whatever vehicle he owned at that time. As I grew older, I embraced the trade, I studied it, I began to LOVE it… I broke my very first tow truck. The first time I loaded a truck… I’ve really learned this by trial and error. Hard work is something that has been instilled into the fabric of my being… Hard work, Sacrifice and making sound business decisions have yielded the level of success that I’ve obtained… But, I’ve definitely faced many challenges along the way.
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?
Most definitely not; there has been many challenges in the road. From discrimination to incarceration, to retaliation for being in a predominantly caucasian male-driven business here in Seminole County. But, nevertheless, I’ve persevered through it all these past 13 years in business. From running a political campaign where the political machine attempted everything in their power to put me out of business… But, GOD has seen me through the test of time and I’m now beginning to reap some of the benefits of my years of labor.
As you know, we’re big fans of OTC Towing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
OTC Towing was established in 2008. We are a full-service towing company that provides towing, auto repair, new and used tires, car sales, auto body, we also provide services for subdivisions, apartment complexes and all other housing developments. I learned this business through true trial and error. As a little kid about seven years old I learned to drive. My father would use whatever vehicle he had at the time to hook a chain up to… My father taught me how to follow him and when he would pull me (with a chain hooked to whatever car I was in at the time ), I would hold tight to the steering wheel. Until I seen his brake lights, then it was my job to press the brakes as hard as I could so I would not hit him while he was pulling me.
Once I was about 16, I saved money and bought my first tow truck. When I got it home, my mother said something that would stick with me and be our company name forever. She said, son your father had been towing with chains for a lot of years but now you’re “OFF THE CHAIN,” which then gave us the name henceforth OFF THE CHAIN TOWING!!! We are most known for our community work and outreach. We are one of the only towing companies that reach back into the community to give back… that sets us apart from all the other towing companies besides having the best prices and quickest response times. We have over 50 years of experience combined throughout the company. Our trucks are smoke-free; we are passenger friendly and love to provide service to our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Being young and getting in trouble at a young age definitely was bad luck on my part it has affected the level of success that I’ve reached. But, no matter what, I have not given up through all the obstacles and challenges.
Pricing:
- Our average service is only $45
Contact Info:
- Email: Offthechaintowing@ymail.com
- Website: www.otctowing.com
- Instagram: OTCTowing
- Facebook: OTCTowing
