Meet Stefanie Cortese of Arizona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Cortese.

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?
AZ Tough Towing was created to fill a gap we saw on Arizona roads—reliable towing for towable RVs and specialty units that many companies weren’t equipped to handle. We started small, focusing on doing things the right way with the proper equipment, training, and attention to detail.

In our first year, we serviced customers across more than 35 cities, helping families, travelers, and commercial partners when they needed it most. Today, we continue to grow through referrals and partnerships, building our reputation on reliability, transparency, and treating every tow like it matters—because it does.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to run a business while actively building one at the same time. From systems and pricing to compliance and scheduling, much of it had to be learned on the fly while still showing up for customers every day.

Finding the right connections was another hurdle. Building trust with partners, vendors, and commercial clients takes time, consistency, and proving yourself job after job.

We also faced the challenge of determining the correct tools and equipment to safely handle specialized towing. Investing in the right trucks, hitches, and recovery equipment early on was critical—and sometimes costly—but it was non-negotiable for doing the job safely and professionally.

Each of these struggles helped shape AZ Tough Towing into a stronger, more prepared company, and they continue to guide how we grow today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At AZ Tough Towing, we specialize in towing and transport of towable recreational and commercial units—including fifth wheels, goosenecks, travel trailers, and oversized or specialty trailers. This is a niche many traditional tow companies aren’t properly equipped or trained to handle, and it’s where we’ve built our reputation.

We’re known for doing things the right way: using the correct equipment, taking the time to secure loads properly, and communicating clearly with customers every step of the process. Whether it’s a family stranded on a travel day or a commercial partner with time-sensitive equipment, we approach every job with the same level of care and professionalism.

What we’re most proud of is the trust we’ve earned. Much of our growth has come through referrals and repeat customers, which tells us we’re delivering on our promise. What truly sets us apart is our specialization, transparency, and commitment to safety—we’re not your average tow, and we work hard every day to prove it.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that surprises people is how much intention and skill goes on behind the scenes. We spend a lot of time learning, planning, and investing in safety and equipment so we can confidently handle jobs others won’t.

Another thing many don’t know is that Tony, our driver, has a rare talent when it comes to towing. Backing into tight spaces, maneuvering oversized units, and doing what most consider impossible comes naturally to him—it’s truly his gift, and it’s a big part of what sets AZ Tough Towing apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aztoughtowing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aztoughtowing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/az.tough.towing