Car Auction 9/3/2010

Abandoned Vehicle Auction #407
Auction: SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 11:00AM
Previews: SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 8:00AM-11:00AM
301 S. Sullivan St, Seattle WA 98108
#	Year//Model			License/ID	Code	Description
1	95	CHRYSLER	CIRRUS	968YTM	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches, Side Damage
2	92	CADILLAC	DEVILLE	127STN	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
3	82	CHEVROLET	EL CAMINO	B47565K	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches, Rust Spots
4	91	DODGE	DAKOTA	A70126Z	PLI-UNAUTH	Dents, Dings, Scratches, Rust Spots
5	95	CHEVROLET	1500	A337753W	KCS-ACC	Dents, Dings, Scratches, Rust Spots
6	96	DODGE	1500	A65343V	KCS-DWLS	Dents, Dings, Scratches
7	94	ISUZU	RODEO	612SEQ	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
8	91	CHEVROLET	BLAZER	029PWL	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches, Rear Damage
9	01	MITSUBISHI	MONTERO	738SZL	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
10	95	CHEVROLET	BLAZER	387XPF	KCSK-ACC	Front End Damage
11	00	FORD	WINDSTAR	931WPP	PLI-UNAUTH	Front End Damage
12	96	CHRYSLER	TOWN & COUNTRY	112SOX	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
13	96	FORD	WINDSTAR	628VAS	WSP-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
14	94	FORD	RANGER	A37352U	KCS-ARREST	Front End Damage
15	93	FORD	RANGER	A15223Y	KCS-DWLS	Dents, Dings, Scratches
16	74	DODGE	P/U	B28226H	KCS-ARREST	Dents, Dings, Scratches
17	77	GMC	SIERRA	B25100K	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches, Rust Spots
18	66	MERCEDES	205	739DJR	KCS-AB	Rust Spots, Missing Parts
19	92	PONTIAC	GRAND AM	615PZD	KCS-AB	Front/Side Damage
20	97	CHEVROLET	CAVALIER	546TKK	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches, Front Damage
21	86	HONDA	ACCORD	688PJV	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
22	94	MERCEDES	220	038STH	KCS-AB	Rear/Side Damage
23	90	TOYOTA	COROLLA	174VBR	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
24	93	HONDA	ACCORD	056RVG	KCS-AB	Side Damage
25	95	FORD	TAURUS	480XSF	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
26	94	HONDA	CIVIC	532WDE	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
27	85	BMW	318I	487ZRT	WSP-AB	Rust Spots, Dents, Dings
28	90	HONDA	ACCORD	388SNF	KCS-DWLS	Dents, Dings, Scratches
29	84	KAWASAKI	KZ700	264895	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
30	96	HONDA	CIVIC	303VIJ	KCS-DWLS	Dents, Dings, Scratches
31	93	NISSAN	MAXIMA	389SMZ	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
32	90	ACURA	LEGEND	441RNY	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
33	86	OLDSMOBILE	TORONADO	013NRT	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
34	95	PLYMOUTH	NEON	AAE6412	PLI-UNAUTH	Dents, Dings, Scratches
35	91	NISSAN	SENTRA	149ZUQ	KCS-DWLS	Front/Rear Damage
36	06	FORD	FOCUS	SEM082	KCS-ACC	Front End Damage

Auction list subject to change.

Car Auction 7/2/2010

Abandoned Vehicle Auction #405
Auction: JULY 2, 2010 11:00AM
Previews: JULY 2, 2010 8:00AM-11:00AM
301 S. Sullivan St, Seattle WA 98108
#	Year/Model			License/ID	Code	Description
1	96	DODGE	DAKOTA	1B7GG23Y4PS149159	KCS-STOLEN	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
2	80	DATSUN	PICKUP	B61148L	WSP-DWLS	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
3	98	CHEVROLET	BLAZER	940SMS	KCS-DWLS	BKN GLASS.DENTS, DINGS
4	95	HONDA	PASSPORT	637UOK	KCS-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
5	92	FORD	EXPLORER	857YZM	KCS-DWLS	FRONT END DAMAGE
6	87	BMW	325	WBABB130XH1926283	PLI-AB	INTERIOR DAMAGE
7	88	TOYOTA	CAMRY	258UHK	PLI-UNAUTH	FRONT END DAMAGE
8	97	PONTIAC	GRAND AM	574WSA	PLI-AB	SIDE DAMAGE
9	88	NISSAN	200SX	053SMO	KCS-ACC	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
10	86	CHEVROLET	MONTE CARLO	626SPR	KCS-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
11	94	BMW	325IS	NO PLATE	PLI-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
12	96	DODGE	STRATUS	309SZI	PLI-UNAUTH	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
13	92	HONDA	ACCORD	094ERB	KCS-ACC	FRONT END DAMAGE
14	94	VOLVO	940	989RMW	KCS-AB	UNIQUE AROMA
15	98	PONTIAC	GRAND AM SE	894YXB	KCS-DUI	FRONT END DAMAGE
16	3	TOYOTA	COROLLA	527ZGF	WSP-ACC	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
17	93	SATURN	SL	453UFF	WSP-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
18	88	TOYOTA	CELICA	320WCV	WSP-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
19	96	FORD	TAURUS	001UHN	WSP-DWLS	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
20	86	CHEVROLET	EL CAMINO	234TAY	WSP-STOLEN	FLAT TIRES
21	93	ACURA	VIGOR	036SRI	KCS-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
22	97	PONTIAC	GRAND PRIX	400WDV	WSP-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
23	93	HONDA	ACCORD	960UOL	KCS-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
24	99	MAZDA	626	417YYX	PLI-AB	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
25	90	HONDA	ACCORD	575THF	KCS-DWLS	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
26	2	DODGE	STRATUS	234YOC	PLI-UNAUTH	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
27	86	MERCURY	COUGAR	802VKF	PLI-AB	BKN GLASS.DENTS, DINGS
28	95	GEO	PRIZM	166VYJ	WSP-ACC	SIDE DAMAGE
29	90	TOYOTA	COROLLA	709ZHS	PLI-UNAUTH	FRONT END DAMAGE
30	88	HONDA	CIVIC	950TXG	PLI-UNAUTH	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
31	94	HONDA	CIVIC	074TKT	PLI-UNAUTH	DENTS, DINGS, SCRATCHES
32	53	BROWN	24′ TRAILER	535860	PLI-AB	HAS LIFT GATE
33	84	GMC	BOX TRUCK		KCS-AB	SIDE DAMAGE
34	.	CADILLAC	COUPE	WN1640	PLI-AB	MISSING PARTS
35	57	CADILLAC	.	58E021598	PLI-AB	MISSING PARTS

Auction list subject to change. For more information including directions and rules, visit our auction page.

Car Auction 6/4/2010

Abandoned Vehicle Auction #404
Auction: JUNE 4, 2010 11:00AM
Previews: JUNE 4, 2010 8:00AM-11:00AM
301 S. Sullivan St, Seattle WA 98108
#	Year/Model			License/ID	Code	Description
1	90	VOLVO	740	275PPG	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
2	89	CADILLAC	DEVILLE	153PWP	WSP-ACC	Front Damage
3	01	DODGE	INTREPID	206VTY	PLI-AB	Flat Tire, Dents
4	99	CADILLAC	DEVILLE	840YTN	KCS-DWLS	Dents, Dings, Scratches
5	89	CHEVROLET	CELEBRITY	789LBL	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
6	92	CADILLAC	SEVILLE STS	828UVZ	PLI-AB	Flat Tire, Dents, Scratches
7	92	FORD	THUNDERBIRD	469REV	KCS-DWLS	Dents, Dings, Scratches
8	94	MITSUBISHI	GALANT	754WYP	PLI-UNAUTH	Dents, Dings, Scratches
9	87	CHEVROLET	CAVALIER	783ZOJ	WSP-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
10	91	DODGE	DAKOTA	K297857	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
11	00	FORD	EXPLORER	920FAK	POS-G-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
12	00	GMC	JIMMY	870RRI	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
13	84	VW	VANAGON	586WAZ	KCS-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
14	91	FORD	EXPLORER	452ZMR	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches
15	95	CHEVROLET	BLAZER	585SVM	KCS-AB	Flat Tire, Dents, Scratches
16	93	FORD	EXPLORER	140UGF	KCS-NVOL	Dents, Dings, Scratches
17	91	OLDSMOBILE	CUTLASS CIERA	286SJS	KCS-AB	Flat Tire, Dents, Scratches
18	95	CADILLAC	EL DORADO	212TBN	WSP-ACC	Roll Over
19	93	CHEVROLET	CAPRICE	897SFE	WSP-AB	Front Damage, Dents
20	92	CADILLAC	EL DORADO	983PRP	KCS-AB	Flat Tire, Dents, Scratches
21	90	CADILLAC	FLEETWOOD	672THF	.	Dents, Dings, Scratches
22	88	RELEASED	RELEASED	RELEASED	KCS-DUI	Front Damage
23	92	HONDA	ACCORD	974TCF	WSP-ACC	Front Damage, Rear Damage
24	92	NISSAN	240Z	579YWJ	PLI-UNAUTH	Front Damage
25	91	DODGE	SPIRIT	991TEE	KCS-AB	Front Damage, Dents
26	89	TOYOTA	COROLLA	428XRN	KCS-ACC	Front Damage
27	88	HONDA	ACCORD	AAD9778	PLI-UNAUTH	Dents, Dings, Scratches
28	86	HONDA	ACCORD	676YOA	PLI-UNAUTH	Dents, Dings, Scratches
29	86	VW	JETTA	866VBR	PLI-UNAUTH	Dents, Dings, Scratches
30	85	TOYOTA	COROLLA	419XAP	PLI-UNAUTH	New Hummer H-5
31	96	SUZUKI	ESTEEM	183TJV	.	Dents, Dings, Scratches
32	89	TOYOTA	CAMRY	336XRU	PLI-UNAUTH	Flat Tire, Dents, Scratches
33	95	FORD	ASPIRE	691SSJ	PLI-AB	Dents, Dings, Scratches

Auction list subject to change. For more information including directions and rules, visit our auction page.

1966 Ford Nearly Restored

“B-Unit” #83 is a tribute to Brian Storer. The lean, mean, Ford racing machine is being restored for one reason: It was Brian Storer’s dream to revive this this truck and make it his own.

Mark Storer, CEO and founder of Airport Towing started collecting antique tow trucks in 1997. Since then he has built up a collection of 13 classic trucks. One of them is a 1966 Ford F-350.

Shortly after purchasing the truck, Mark’s youngest son and employee Brian (driver #83) made known his interest in the truck. He immediately saw the potential, and he loved that the truck would rumble and roar when he stepped on the gas pedal. The truck had custom chrome exhaust stacks (though they were heavily rusted and in desperate need of replacement).

Its frame supported a Holmes 460 wrecker: One of the most celebrated tow units of it’s time; popular for it’s twin boom feature that would allow one side of the truck to anchor to a stable object and the other side to swing out and recover a vehicle. Even today, Holmes is known for producing some of the most unique towing equipment on the planet.

The company’s founder, Ernest Holmes, is famous for his most popular invention: The world’s first tow truck! Holmes originally mounted a chain and pulley to the frame of a 1913 Cadillac and went to work as the first ever tow truck operator in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Nearly 100 years later, Brian Storer found himself inspired by a beat up old Holmes unit. He loved everything about the truck and vowed to restore it. He even collected a few parts along the way. The find he was most proud of was a red bench seat in near perfect condition, brought in to replace the previous upholstery which was torn and tattered. A couple of years went by as the truck sat in Mark’s warehouse awaiting restoration and eventually, the unthinkable happened. Mark and Brian died in a sudden plane crash. One of Brian’s dreams would never come true. He would not get the opportunity to tear the Ford truck to the ground and build it back up again in all the glory of it’s hay-day.

The Storer family has spent the past year-and-a-half recovering from the tremendous loss in their family. As the days continue to go by, family members have come up with ways to pay homage to their loved one’s who have moved on into eternity. The greatest of which was most likely an idea that was produced by Lynette Storer, Brian’s mother and Mark’s wife. Lynette is now the President/CEO of Airport Towing and has been helping run the day-to-day operations of the company for nearly 22 years.

As you may have guessed, her vision was to restore the 66 Ford, exactly as Brian would have wanted it done. Even though it has proven to be an expensive and time consuming project, Lynette has pressed forward with the restoration. Despite a depressed economy, the love she has for her son is far beyond any monetary value. With the help of Lynette’s staff, she is determined to complete this project.

With the help of several employees and antique specialist Rocky Willis, the project has moved forward with great success. The truck was stripped down and sandblasted earlier this year.

Shortly after, individual pieces of the truck were sent to Huddleson’s Auto Color World to be painted red and white. Finally, the cab and chassis were sprayed and returned to be refitted with the original parts. Fresh paint on the old truck in traditional Airport Towing red and white have made it look better than ever. Meanwhile, custom chrome exhaust stacks were special ordered and the motor was removed for steam-cleaning and repainting.

The paint is now dry and piece by piece, the truck is being meticulously reassembled. Nearly every part on the truck needs to be reinstalled; from the hood to the fenders, the bumper, wheels and rims, doors, windshield, seat, motor, exhaust stacks, lugs, lights, mirrors, and much more. One challenge that complicates the project more than the average pickup restoration is the assembly of the Holmes tow unit on the back end. The unit requires technical expertise because it operates off of a power take off system that utilizes the transmission to engage and enable the boom and winch cables to operate. The old gear driven technology has been replaced with hydraulics in more modern equipment. The wrecker must be assembled accurately to maintain structural integrity if it is ever to be used as a working tow truck. To date, each piece has been sanded, painted, and some are awaiting reassembly. Some of the electrical wiring throughout the truck is still being completed.

The headers have been chrome dipped, enhancing the popular “Powered by Ford” slogan stamped into the metal. Afterward, the freshly painted motor was placed back into the truck.

The motor was repainted factory Ford blue and the tips of the fan have been painted red. The cab was also remounted onto the frame.

Much of the detail work is now being finished. The truck has been refitted with its hood, grille, bumper, beacon, marker lights, headlights, and windshield. After several months of work, it is starting to look like a truck again.

Most recently, the Holmes tow unit was reinstalled and there are now wheels under the frame.

Although the project may look as though it is near completion, there is still a great amount of work to be done. The truck is still awaiting doors and several other interior parts along with wiring and other detail work. Custom lettering and final striping will be added after the truck has reacquired all of it’s necessary mechanical parts. Completion of the 1966 Ford F-350 tow truck is most likely Spring of 2010. Work being done on the truck is ongoing though it is not being rushed so mistakes can be minimized. Once the 66 Ford is completed, it will be one of the most popular and definitely the most powerful tow truck in the Storer Antique Tow Truck Collection and no one will be happier to see its final completion than Lynette.

Lakewood Officers Remembered

The recent loss of 4 Lakewood police officers has reminded us how suddenly we can lose people who are most important in our lives. Our own recent experiences with loss have triggered a particularly emotional response as we watched the news develop last week informing the world of a terrible ambush that took place in our own back yard against local law enforcement officers as they prepared for duty.

Our loss occurred last year when Airport Towing CEO Mark Storer and son Brian Storer died in an airplane crash, shocking the towing industry. Local friends and family members gathered to show their support. Neighboring police and fire agencies joined in to provide assistance to those who were suffering the most, along with other towing companies. The family at Airport Towing voiced their appreciation of the support received from public safety officers and others offering assistance.

Now it is our turn to pay back the support given to our family last year by assisting other families who have suffered a similar fate. Officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold, Greg Richards, and Sgt. Mark Renninger have all left behind children and families, both at home and within the police department. The families have endured terrible suffering as a result of the unexpected void that took them by surprise on a Sunday morning. We have felt a similar pain, and we know there are few, if any, words that will bring comfort to the loved one’s who are grieving.

Airport Towing and local police officers work together on a daily basis. The officers and towers provide a public service, working together at emergency scenes and during non-emergency traffic situations. Our company got it’s first bitter taste of tragedy when King County Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Cox was shot and killed in the line of duty in December of 2006. Officer Cox worked with our Burien Towing drivers on a daily basis during his work week. When he was gunned down on a late winter night. Those who knew him and worked with him were heartbroken. It often seems as though the greatest hero’s of our community are those who suffer the most tragic fate. Two years after Deputy Cox died, Airport Towing lost Mark and Brian. Now, the attention has shifted South, to the families of the fallen Lakewood Officers.

A memorial service was held Tuesday at the Tacoma Dome for all four Lakewood police officers. Prior to the service, a procession of nearly 2,000 emergency vehicles led the ceremony from McChord Air Force Base near where the officers were killed in Parkland, past Lakewood Police Department Headquarters, to the memorial site. More than 20,000 people attended the service, including thousands of police officers and firefighters. The emotion filled service lasted more than 3 hours and featured many stories of the lives of the four slain officers. Family members were surrounded by thousands of attendees, including police officers, firefighters, dignitaries, and others. Governor Christine Gregoire was on hand to speak to the crowd, as was House Representative and former King County Sheriff Dave Reichert. More than 700 Canadians mounted police officers attended, as well as hundreds from Chicago, New York, Boston and other places around the world. The scene was awe-inspiring, with an honor guard of multiple agencies leading the way. For the families, the service was just the beginning of a long road ahead.

Several memorial funds have been set up to support the family of the fallen Lakewood officers. You can donate directly through the Lakewood Police Independent Guild here.

Burien + Classic Cars = A Fathers Day Hit

Millions of dollars worth of antique cars & trucks lined the streets of Burien last week for the annual Fathers Day Car Show, turning the the city’s downtown into a spectacular parking lot for car lovers of all ages. With a turnout of more than 200 vehicles crowding the city streets, participants proudly unveiled the fruits of their hard labor as onlookers came from all over the Puget Sound area to appreciate their pristinely shined mechanical beauties.

It was chrome and aluminum as far as the eye could see down 152nd street in the shadow of the new Burien Town Square, which includes a new 7 story condominium building, a 20,000 square foot City Hall and an 18 million dollar public library. The long line of displayed classics continued on down 6th Avenue Southwest and also along 4th Ave SW. Some car show guru’s who were unwilling to pay the entry fee participated in the show but were excluded from the competition by parking their project cars in legal street parking spaces around the perimeter of the exhibition. The official portion of the car show was hosted by The Discover Burien Association.

For Airport Towing the event was a tribute to it’s founding father, Mark Storer who birthed the company 21 years ago and remained heavily involved as the CEO until he died 1 year ago. Mark was a committed father of 3 children but also took on a fatheresque role to several towing industry professionals whom he trained throughout his tenure as the company’s owner. Today Airport Towing remains a family owned and operated business and the people employed are adopted as additional members of the extended family.

Mark was responsible for collecting 13 unique trucks that comprise the Storer Tow Truck Collection. Three of the trucks were on display for the annual Fathers Day car show:

• “The Dodge” is a 1937 Dodge Brothers 1 1/2 ton truck with a Holmes tow unit attached.
• “The 29″ is a 1929 Ford Model AA tow truck with a Weaver crane and is said to be the most beautiful and valuable truck in the collection.
• “The T” is a 1925 Ford Model TT flatbed that was turned into a tow truck by Mark as his first antique vehicle project.

All the trucks in the Storer Tow Truck Collection have some historical significance in Airport Towing’s history and are the product of Mark’s passion for unique & beautiful treasures. The three tow trucks drew a steady crowd throughout the day as they were decorated with photos of Mark and his youngest son Brian who died with him in last years airplane crash. Showing the trucks was one of Mark’s earliest and most reliable employees, Rocky Willis, the tow truck driver / mechanic who was responsible for a vast majority of the restoration work to the antique trucks. Rocky began his career with Airport Towing in 1989 and continues to volunteer to drive the tow trucks in local car shows and parades. Next week Rocky will be driving the Model T in the Burien 4th of July Parade. The parade route begins at the Airport Towing / Burien Towing office and continues through downtown Burien.

Hot Rod Season Has Arrived

We are finally starting to see some sunlight in Seattle, which means it’s time to get our hot rod’s outside and around town for some much needed fresh air and warm pavement. After a long and stormy winter we were finally able to open the warehouse door this month and roll out two of our most noticeable classic tow trucks. This pair of trucks that we sent to participate in the weekly car show at Bernie & Boys Market earned plenty of attention from onlookers and collectors alike thanks to their unique body design and custom graphics. Our 1933 Ford truck is a unique orange truck on a lowered chassis with chrome accents and powered by a 383 Stroker. The other truck we displayed is our purple 1935 Ford tow truck with custom hand painted flames, a Holmes wrecker unit, and a 305 small block V8 motor.

Classy Chassis Car Club of Burien is hosting the event every Saturday night from April until October. The car show is open from 4pm – 8pm to all car lovers/spectators and for those of you lucky enough to own our own classic car, custom hot rod, or any other type of show car we would like you to bring it by and be part of the display. There is no entry fee for cars or spectators; just an open parking lot where you won’t get towed for parking your pride and joy for a few hours. The event was formerly held at the Burien Fred Meyer parking lot on Wednesday night, but has now found a home just a few miles north (still on 1st Ave) in Top Hat.

Local grocers Joe and Tom Salle are the owners of Bernie & Boys Market (Home of the Live Butcher) and have always been heavily involved in local community events. They have invited Evergreen High School’s Booster Club to the event who will be on hand to provide food and drinks each night at a reasonable price as they work to raise money for their sports program.

Airport Towing will make an appearance with one or more of our classic trucks as much as possible this summer. Our founder Mark Storer created one of the largest and most unique classic tow truck collections in the world and in his memory we are planning on getting the tow trucks outside this summer for everyone to enjoy. Come join us for great food, music, and beautiful custom cars at the Classy Chassis Car Club of Burien Saturday Night Cruise-Ins. For information on the weekly show stop by Saturdays or call Bob at 206-935-2113 or Joe at 206-248-1916.

Classy Chassis will also be hosting their annual Snow-N-Shine at Bernie & Boys Market Saturday, July 25th. This is an all day event that costs only $15 to enter. All proceeds go to Child Haven of Burien. Call Bob at 206-935-2113 or Arthea at 206-762-3159 for more information.

Giving to the Needy in a Bad Economy

Now is a great time to help those in need and Vision Collision (Burien’s newest auto body repair shop) stepped up to the challenge in a big last week. It’s no surprise that there are people are hurting all across the nation. Food banks are in high demand, some charities are short on funds, and many good people are in need of support now more than ever, including cancer patients.

In 2005 cancer accounted for more than half a million deaths in the United States alone. In fact, we all have at least a 40% chance of getting some form of cancer at any point in our lives, and there is more than 20% chance any one of us will die from cancer. That’s the harsh reality that affected Amy Driscoll (formerly Hughes) and her family when she lost her grandmother to ovarian cancer nine years ago. Now the family has committed to helping others who are fighting the same battle by participating in Relay For Life.

Despite a struggling global economy the family at Vision Collision teamed up with 3.5 million people from around the nation to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Societyby participating in the relay. Mike & Amy Driscoll took an extra step by opening up their new Burien business on a Saturday to wash cars & sell refreshments as a fundraiser. Their efforts earned more than $500 to be donated to charity and their hopeful that they can increase their donation total at future events.

To show our support Airport Towing sent an antique tow truck over for a bath before participating in a local car show at Bernie & Boys Market in Top Hat. The 1933 Ford hot rod earned some extra attention and was undoubtedly the most unique truck that attended the wash. Vision Collision is planning on hosting another non-profit car wash Saturday May 16th and we plan to attend with another classic tow truck from our collection. We encourage anyone who would like to support their efforts as well as anyone who appreciates a quality hand wash to stop by. Click here for directions to Vision Collision where the next car wash is going to be held from 10am to 3pm on May 16th.

National Publication Features Airport Towing

This months edition of Towing & Recovery Footnotes carried an article featuring the story of our company and the challenges we have faced as a family business. The focal point of the article “Good Men Down” is the sudden loss of our founder and his son last summer resulting from a plane crash. Mark Storer founded Airport Towing 21 years ago with one tow truck out of his house. He worked hard every day to create good customer relations and to create a good work environment for his employees. Brian Storer was one of those employees for most of his life. His playful attitude kept the atmosphere at the office fun and enjoyable. Both men were an integral part of our business and lives and it has been a tremendous challenge to try and fill their shoes. Fortunately our employees have stepped up to the task as the Footnotes Article so accurately described.

The tragic and unexpected loss of Mark & Brian sent a rift throughout the industry. Hundreds of professional tow truck operators knew them personally, as well as many local businesses who felt the pain, and several other friends and family members. Mark and Brian were very well connected throughout the industry and the community, which resulted in a Memorial Service of an estimated 800 people in attendance with less than 1 week of notice, several television news broadcasts, and many other articles written about the pair in the B-Town Blog and other publications.

One of Mark’s legacies will always be his Antique Tow Truck Collection. The fleet of classic trucks started as a simple hobby, but quickly grew into a passion. With just a small peek into Mark’s warehouse, it was evident that he had a certain obsession with the towing industry and it’s history. Mark has won a prize in just about every competition that he entered one of his trucks into. With seven fully restored, show quality trucks, he became quite busy with projects that were secondary to his full time job  and he never slowed down. After building up his antique collection, Mark turned to airplanes. He shared that passion with his family and grandsons whom he loved dearly. He would take his wife flying or out for a drive in one of the antique trucks on a sunny day. If the weather was poor, he was most likely working due to the increased work load in the towing industry. There was never a dull moment with Mark or his youngest son. We are glad that Footnotes found our story and offered to share it with their thousands of readers around the industry. It is our hope that the legacy of Mark and Brian continues to live on for many years so that the world can share in the joy that we experienced when they were here.

VP Climbs Stairs for Charity

I was honored to be part of a tremendous fund raising effort for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at this years Big Climb Seattle. With 300 participants on our team, we were able to raise over $40,000 for charity. Together we battled 1,311 stairs and 788 vertical feet of elevation all in the name of our sponsored patient.

Our team was named “Climbing for Caleb” because a 2 year old cancer patient inspired us to give it all we had on a cold Spring morning. Caleb Thorsteinson, nephew of North Highline Firefighter Scott Thorsteinson has been battling cancer for about a year. His family and friends have drawn together to back him in the difficult fight against Leukemia. Airport Towing has a close relationship with the North Highline Fire District as we have donated vehicles to them for training, they performed honor guard services at our founder & sons memorial service, and I personally volunteered for the district and consider the Thorsteinson’s personal friends.

In our effort, team Climbing for Caleb finished 4th out of 234 total teams for time and I personally finished 125/2931 with a time of 10:39. We are hoping to finish first in fund raising as a team. If you would like to support my fundraising efforts or help the progress of the team go to my personal page and fill out a pledge form. All donations go to a great cause and have made a huge difference in many people’s lives.

I was truly honored to be a small part of such a large effort to help fight blood cancers. The event was fun as well as inspiring and I encourage anyone in the Seattle area who appreciates a challenge to sign up for next years event. Climbing the Northwest’s tallest building can be intimidating, as is taking on something as terrifying as cancer, but it is possible if you face it head on and take it one step at a time.