My successes.

My Wife and I have always wanted to do something related to the trucking industry. We found that the towing and recovery industry continues to grow YOY (year over year). We have been in business for about 6 months now. 

Having Michael Taetzsch as our SCORE mentor was powerful, especially then, when starting or growing the business, he offered a wealth of advantages that significantly increased our chances of success. It was like having a seasoned guide who's already navigated the terrain we’re about to cross.

Some of the key advantages of having a SCORE mentor includes, Gaining Experience and Avoiding Costly Mistakes. Michael had "been there, done that." He shared invaluable insights from his own successes and, perhaps more importantly, his failures. That allowed us to learn from his mistakes without having to make them ourselves, saving you time, money, and frustration. Michael offered advice on everything from product development and marketing strategies to financial management and team building, helping us make more informed decisions.

What do you do?

BREAKDOWN BLUES? WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED, COLONIE!

We know how stressful a vehicle breakdown can be. At 929 Towing & Recovery LLC, we're more than just a tow truck service – we're your friendly, professional lifeline when you need it most. As a brand new local business, we're committed to providing the Albany community with compassionate, swift, and secure towing and recovery services.

• Roadside Assistance (Jump Starts, Tire Changes, Lockouts)
• Accident Recovery
• Local & Long-Distance Towing
• Experienced & Friendly Team

"Don't let a breakdown ruin your day."
Located in Colonie, Serving the Capital Region.

What inspired you to start your business?

Losing my job after 23 years was a profoundly impactful experience, and I felt a wide range of emotions. It wasn’t just about the loss of income, but a significant part of my identity in corporate America, my routine, and my social connections. I wanted to do something that didn’t depend on other people’s results, but something we could own and grow. I went through the 
Shock and Disbelief, Grief and Loss, Anger and Frustration, Fear and Anxiety about finances, the future, finding a new job, and adapting to change. Also went through Sadness and Depression.
I wanted to highlight my 23 years of experience, emphasizing transferable skills, achievements, leadership, and problem-solving abilities and found that the Towing & Recovery Industry was a perfect match for us.

What's special about your business?

We started the business because of our vision of running a consensual towing company. A tow truck service that operated with the explicit permission of the vehicle's owner or operator to tow their vehicle. This was a contrast to "non-consensual towing," where a vehicle is towed without the owner's permission, typically due to illegal parking, abandonment, or police impoundment.

The Goals for our Consensual Towing Business includes, Owner's Request: The primary characteristic is that the vehicle owner initiates the tow. This usually happens in situations like:

• Breakdowns: A car breaks down on the side of the road, and the owner calls a tow truck.
• Accidents: After an accident, the owner arranges for their damaged vehicle to be moved to a repair shop or home.
• Vehicle Relocation: An owner needs to move a non-operational vehicle from one location to another (e.g., from a driveway to a mechanic, or from a storage unit to a new home).
• Roadside Assistance through motor clubs and insurance agencies
• Voluntary Agreement: There's a clear agreement between the vehicle owner and the towing company regarding the service to be performed, the destination, and the cost.
• Transparency: As a Reputable consensual towing company, we will provide clear pricing, a detailed invoice, and information about our services upfront.

The distinction we are looking to achieve between consensual and non-consensual towing was crucial, especially in terms of consumer rights and regulations:

• Consent:
  • Consensual: Owner agrees to the tow.
  • Non-Consensual: Owner does not agree to the tow; it's initiated by property owners, law enforcement, or other authorities."

What influenced you to seek help from SCORE?

I was introduced to SCORE through the Department of Labor and the Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP), although they had many options of resources that new companies can use, SCORE offered the online training and mentorship we needed to succeed.

The SEAP requires you to take at least 20 hours of entrepreneurial training. I was able to get the training done through SCORE online training.

How SCORE helped.

Starting our own consulting business was daunting, but the SCORE Organization was a constant source of wisdom and encouragement. They helped us build a robust business plan, articulate my value proposition, and navigate the initial marketing plan. More than just business advice, SCORE Mentor taught us resilience and the importance of a strong professional network. Our business is growing today because of the foundational guidance and unwavering support we received from the SCORE Organization.

We started the business in 2025 and have hit the ground running. We’re relying heavily on the Business Plan that SCORE Mentor helped to develop. Tracking financials and growing the business each day.

What's great about my mentor?

Our Mentor Michael Taetzsch was an incredibly supportive and insightful mentor during our research and business development process. Michael’s guidance was instrumental in helping us navigate challenges and ultimately succeed. I highly recommend Michael as a mentor!"

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a small business?

Find a Mentor: A seasoned entrepreneur who has "been there, done that" can offer invaluable guidance, support, and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Build Your Network: Connect with other entrepreneurs, mentors, industry experts, and potential customers. Networking opens doors to advice, partnerships, and opportunities.

Self-Assessment, Know Your "Why": Beyond making money, what problem do you want to solve? What impact do you want to have? Your "why" will be your fuel during tough times. 

Assess Your Skills & Passions: What are you good at? What do you genuinely enjoy? Starting a business in an area you're passionate about significantly increases your chances of long-term commitment and success. 

Identify a Problem/Need: Don't just create a product or service; solve a real problem for a specific group of people. Is there a gap in the market? Can you do something significantly better, faster, or cheaper than existing solutions? 

Talk to Potential Customers: Before investing heavily, talk to your target audience. Do they genuinely have the problem you're trying to solve? Would they pay for your solution? Their feedback is invaluable. Start Small & Validate. Research & Planning
(Market Research, Market Research, Market Research) 

Target Audience: Who are your ideal customers? Understand their demographics, psychographics, needs, and pain points. Competitors: Who are your direct and indirect competitors? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How will you differentiate yourself?

Develop a Business Plan (Even a Simple One): You don't need a 50-page formal document initially, but a clear roadmap is crucial. 

It should cover:

• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Market Analysis
• Organization & Management
• Service or Product Line
• Marketing & Sales Strategy
• Funding Request (if applicable)
• Financial Projections
• Understand Legal Structures: Research different business structures (Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) and choose one that fits your risk tolerance, tax implications, and growth plans. Consult with a lawyer if unsure.
• Financial Planning:
  • Startup Costs: List every expense required to get started.
  • Operating Costs: What are your ongoing monthly expenses?
  • Pricing Strategy: How will you price your product/service to be competitive and profitable?
  • Funding: How will you finance your business? Self-funding, loans, investors, grants?"

What would you tell a fellow business owner about SCORE?

If you’re navigating the complexities of launching a startup and it’s becoming overwhelming, the SCORE Organization can be an indispensable guide. Their deep understanding of business plans and market strategy, combined with their empathetic approach, helped us start and get the business off the ground while refining our go-to-market plan. They didn't just offer advice; they provided actionable insights that directly contributed to our early traction and sustained growth. We wouldn't be where we are today without SCORE's online training and strategic mentorship program.

My mentors

Mike Taetzsch

I'm interested in helping new companies grow and succeed, My consulting practice is focused on...

Read full bio