‘I absolutely love helping people’: Tow truck operator likes making a difference in cold weather

Heather Smith became a tow truck operator with Auto Rescue Towing just six months ago and she since has found a new sense of joy.

While the summer months were easy to get used to, the winter months have provided different challenges when it comes to working in freezing cold temperatures.

But Smith says working with those who truly need assistance in winter conditions really makes it all worth it.

“I absolutely love helping people and putting a smile on their face when it comes to boosts, being stuck or just needing that tow to get wherever they need to get to go,” Smith said.

Smith said more often than not, the people she’s assisting respond to her as if she’s a hero.

“People are extremely grateful when it’s this cold out and we’re there helping them out in sometimes shorter times than they expect,” she said. “The reaction from people is absolutely phenomenal.”

Smith says the key to handling the cold is to dress in layers and to keep an eye on them as the day progresses.

Despite the multiple layers, the cold temperatures can be taxing on the body after a full day of work.

“Compared to the summer, even at the end of the day, you don’t seem that tired but with the cold, it drains a whole lot of energy out of you,” Smith said.

Being in an industry dominated by males doesn’t seem to faze Smith. In fact, she enjoys being a role model to younger children.

“Even when it comes to kids and stuff like that, when they see that it’s a female, they definitely watch. It’s not something they’re used to seeing,” Smith said.

“(It’s great to) show people it’s not just for men, and women are just as capable of doing it as well.”

According to Smith, she has yet to come across another active female with the same job title.

“I did meet a lady who said she used to be a tow truck operator back in her day,” Smith said. “There’s a few of us out there, (but) obviously not quite as many (as there are) men.”