Joey Gagne (3rd from R) receiving the Road Today Excellence Award from Ms Harinder Malhi MPP Brampton Springdale.
Joey Gagne, President of Abrams Towing in Toronto was awarded the prestigious ‘Road Today Trucking Ambassador of the Year Award’ during the 8th Annual Road Today Show held in Brampton on May 28th.
The Road Today Excellence Awards selection committee shortlisted Joey Gagne for his outstanding service, contribution, commitment, dedication and accomplishments in the industry. The recognition package comprising of a congratulatory plaque, world class Hoselton sculptured trophy and a special certificate on behalf of the province of Ontario was presented by Ms. Harinder Malhi, Member Provincial Parliament from Brampton Springdale in the presence of industry peers.
In the fall of 1983 and on his first date with his future wife Joey could not stop talking about “tow trucks”. Encouraged by his wife and financially supported by his mother in law, Abrams Towing was up and running in 1984 and he was the lone driver, dispatcher and support staff and as they say … the rest is history.
Joey Gagne with his recognition plaque and trophy.
Joey’s endless devotion to the business and the industry has resulted in an exponential growth from one truck to the largest fleet in Ontario with over 150 assets and employs over 200 people. Joey worked tirelessly to “clean up” the tarnished stereotypical view of the average tow truck driver, requiring his drivers to wear uniforms, maintain their trucks, educating them in safety and in customer relations. He had drivers take the specialised courses, teaching them better communication skills. He worked closely with Donnie Cruse and Wreckmaster, focusing on the importance of training and keeping his employees safe on the road and on the job site.
Joey was a member and former President of the Ontario Recovery Group and is a member and current President of the Provincial Towing Association. He is involved in his community as well working with the Ontario March of Dimes, the Toronto Police Crime Stoppers, the Juvenile Diabetes Assoc and is a Minor League Hockey Coach working with the New York Rangers AAA affiliate.
He encourages charitable work and giving back to the community at large. Every year the Abrams team is encouraged to support many charitable organizations, including Sick Kids Hospital, Children’s Wish Foundation, Toronto Food Bank and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Over the years they have supported many local sports teams, including soft ball, soccer and hockey.
Joey has worked endlessly with various organizations within the industry, such as ORG, PTAO and Toronto ATSSA, working on numerous committees committed to protecting the industry and those who work in it .
Sgt. Kerry Schmidt from Ontario Provincial Police and Sulakhan ‘Sam’ Johal from Pride Group Enterprises were also recognized during the awards ceremony for their immense contributions.