Accidental phone call leads to new U-Haul business in Freeport

FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) – People in the Freeport area have a new option to rent trucks, trailers, and other moving supplies.

Elite Auto and Tire Inc./Elite Towing & Recovery, 1754 N Henderson Rd., is now the fourth U-Haul neighborhood dealer in Freeport. However, business leaders say the new venture started because of an accidental phone call.

Matthew Jones, an area field manager with U-Haul, is in charge of contacting businesses that might be interested in renting out U-Hauls as a side business.

“I actually dialed a wrong number. I was trying to call a different tow company out to help with a situation I had,” Jones said. “I called Larry (Tuell), I’m thinking it’s another vendor, he’s like ‘Well, I haven’t dealt with you guys before, but I’ll happily come out, then you follow me back, and we’ll get everything rolling to become a vendor, and we started talking about him being a vendor which lead into him being a dealer as well, and here we are.”

Larry Tuell, president of Elite Auto and Tire, said the opportunity was a no-brainer.

“Honestly, it just seemed to be a good fit for us,” Tuell said. Tuell also said the collaboration helps keep profits local.

To find a U-Haul location near you, visit U-Haul’s website. For more information about Elite Auto and Tire or Elite Towing & Recovery, visit their websites.

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