Exploring Life & Business with Orlando Marquez of Marquez Towing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orlando Marquez.

Hi Orlando, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If you would have told me 4 years ago that I was going to own a tow truck business I would of just laughed. I was working full time as a construction worker concrete, to be specific and I was tired of having a boss and working under the heat. If you are from phoenix you know that the summer sun is not very friendly. I needed a tow and I called my cousin, who I knew owned a towing business for his service. It had been a long day at work, and I had been waking up at 2 am every day for the past 3 months to get an early start and beat the sun. When my cousin arrived I asked him for a job and he said: ” I have a better deal for you, what if you buy the tow truck from me and i’ll show you how to drive it.”

As you can imagine I was stowed because it had never crossed my mind to become a business owner. I mean I do come from a family that owned a bakery in Mexico for many years but I had always been an employee. I knew I wanted to do better for myself, and reach the ” American Dream” in which led me to come to the united states 18 years ago.

So I told him I was going to think about it and get back to him. It was the longest two days of my life. I was afraid of getting out of my comfort zone and I didn’t have the money to invest or the knowledge but that didn’t stop me. I called him and said yes.

We met up, I paid him he told me he was going to teach me which he did for 3 hours and he set me free to start my towing business. I remember driving home and storing the tow truck for a month and a half before I drove it again. That was 3 years ago in 2019, just before the pandemic started.

My cousin sent me my first few clients and I started to get my own clients by promoting on Facebook and going outside to auto auctions and taking turns to get clients. Just imagine back at that time diesel was around $2 dollars a gallon today is around $5 dollars a gallon.

The first year was a real struggle. I quit my job to start my business, I had little money coming in and I was still nervous every time I had to get a car on the flatbed. Now I have my clientele, I know what I’m doing and amongst all, I’m my own boss.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road had not been easy. I didn’t know I needed to register the company and I didn’t do it until 2 years later. I didn’t have the support along the way to guide me as a business owner.

Another challenge was my own fear of getting into an accident as a tow driver. It was not the same driving a regular car and a tow truck.

As you know, we’re big fans of Marquez Towing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I currently own one tow truck and serve all over the valley. I have affordable fair prices and work 24 hours 7 days a week. I want you to know I’m here to serve. That my motto is “I get paid to help, so I gladly do it.” What makes me different is that I go beyond any means to help my client improve their day. Do know that I’m 100% insured, I’m responsible and my specialty is to ensure that your car gets safely to its final destination.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I want to thank God that has always led the way. I’m also grateful for my cousin Lucio who was the one that introduced me into the towing business. Also to my good friend that I met in the business Jorge Mazon “El Vaquero” who guided me in the beginning and continues to support me. Also to Didilia who is helping me grow the business and got me this interview.

Pricing:

• $50 for pick up plus mileage

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/marqueztow
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/marqueztow