Keeping the Family Name Rolling

By George L. Nitti

Sitting in the rain outside a Tractor Supply parking lot in Skowhegan, Maine, a 2025 Freightliner equipped with a Century carrier brightened an otherwise gray morning. Against the bright white cab, sweeping red and black graphics popped, creating a clean, modern look that was bold without being overdone. 

The first thing that caught my eye was the flowing script across the doors—Charlie & Son Sales & Service. Then other details came into focus: the oversized phone number running along the carrier rails, the charlieandsontrailers.com web address stretching the length of the bed and the crisp graphics that tied the entire truck together without feeling cluttered. 

I walked slowly around the rollback, camera in hand, admiring the colorful wrecker and its creative graphics. 

One feature that drew a smile was the company's slogan: "Highly WreckerMended." Displayed on the side toolbox with a thumbs-up graphic, it was memorable without trying too hard. According to owner Charles Robbins, the phrase began as a joke between him and his father more than 25 years ago. 

"I came up with it joking around with my father," Robbins said. "We've been putting it on the trucks ever since." 

The graphics were created by Team Huff Customs of Bangor, Maine. Robbins said he wasn't looking for anything elaborate. 

"We wanted something fresh and simple," he said. "They came up with exactly what we were looking for." 

Based in Madison, Maine, Charlie & Son Sales & Service has been a family business for more than four decades. Robbins and his wife have operated the company for the past 18 years, carrying on a tradition started by his grandfather. 

"My grandfather started it, and I'm Charles III," Robbins explained. "It was Charlie, Chuck and Charles through the generations." 

Like many towing companies, Charlie & Son has felt the impact of rising fuel prices, insurance premiums and equipment costs. 

"It's definitely a struggle," Robbins said. "You can only raise rates so much. We try to stay competitive because central Maine is a tough area, but we have had to increase rates some just to cover expenses." 

Despite those challenges, much of the company's work still comes from repeat customers and referrals. 

"A lot of it is word of mouth," Robbins said. "We've built a huge clientele over the years. People find us on Google and Facebook, but most of our customers come from recommendations." 

About 10 years ago, Robbins expanded the business by launching charlieandsontrailers.com, adding trailer sales, parts and service to the company's towing operation. Today, the dealership offers utility, dump, equipment, landscape and snowmobile trailers. 

For Robbins, the new Freightliner reflects a family business that has grown with the times while remaining rooted in the values that started it more than 40 years ago. The graphics may catch your attention first, but the people behind the name are what stay with you.