December 30, 2019
Chico Towing Merges with Kitsap Towing After 75 Years By Kitsap Sun BREMERTON, WA - Stacey Tucker, the third-generation owner of Chico Towing, has officially passed the torch. This week, a merger with Kitsap Towing, owned by Jaci and Dave Bryant, sealed the long-standing towing company's future. Generational businesses like Chico Towing have become rare. Tucker reflects, “Anyone can learn how to tow a car but how you treat the people you’re taking care of makes all the difference in the world.” The decision to merge wasn't taken lightly. In fact, Kitsap Towing was the only company Tucker considered selling to. Having functioned as “friendly competitors”, the two companies have collaborated on numerous occasions. Kitsap Towing's approach resonates with Tucker’s values, as Jaci Bryant says, "We don't tow cars, we help people." It's this ethos that will continue with the merged entities. Jaci adds, "When you’re looking for growth, I don’t know a better place to look than a family business that’s ready to move on to a new venture of their life, too." Fans of Chico Towing will now notice some tow trucks with the new "Kitsap-Chico Towing" lettering. Amidst this transition, an unexpected development arose. Bryant remarks, "We’ve just turned the phones over, and we've received as many calls for Chico Towing calendars as for service requests." It seems the community tradition of Chico Towing calendars might become Kitsap's new venture. Kitsap Towing plans to retain four former Chico Towing employees, with some unfortunately losing their positions. Tucker is committed to supporting them in this transitional phase. With the merger, all of Tucker's tow trucks will join Kitsap Towing's fleet, some of which will be sold to fund fleet updates. The merged companies will also offer better staff benefits. Tucker was adamant about selling to a local company that understands the community's essence. She states, “I wanted the thread of the good things that we do to carry on. Kitsap Towing is the only one that could have done that.” There are roughly 45,000 towing companies in the U.S., with many being family-owned. The industry, however, is capital-intensive and challenging to enter. Tucker elaborates on the complexities and demands, emphasizing the need for dedicated leadership. Tucker's children are all charting their own paths. This made her decision to merge with Kitsap Towing, a like-minded company, even more sensible. Chico Towing's humble beginnings trace back to Chico Way, its namesake location, which is now a coffee shop. It was founded in 1945 by Don Tucker, who initially bought a repair shop. The company has rich stories, from kids needing air in their bike tires to unexpected guests on the couch after a car tow. Tucker fondly recalls the times with her grandfather and father, each having their unique passion for the business, be it repair work or towing. The story of Chico Towing is woven into the fabric of the community it served for 75 years. --- For the full article, visit Kitsap Sun .