Puzzle Pieces and Pink Ribbons: Towing for Causes

At the 2024 American Wrecker Pageant in Baltimore, two eye-catching trucks from Lehman’s Automotive & Towing rolled onto the scene, each carrying a powerful message. Dillon Lehman, operations manager of the 36 year family-owned company based in Marysville, Pennsylvania, showcased these two vehicles with causes close to his heart: autism awareness and breast cancer awareness.

The Autism Awareness Truck: A Tribute to Family The autism awareness truck, a 2024 Hino L6 with a Century 12 Series carrier body, stood out not only for its vibrant design but for its deeply personal inspiration. Dillon explained, “We bought that truck new, and while we were deciding on the design, my niece Arizona was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism at just 16 months old. We knew then that this truck had to honor her.”

The striking graphics feature a splash pattern designed to mimic puzzle pieces, a symbol of autism awareness. “Our vinyl guy came up with the idea of making it look like the truck drove through puzzle pieces, with the white paint bleeding through. It’s a unique twist on the splash design that all our trucks have,” Dillon said.

In addition to the intricate puzzle piece motif, the back window features a heartfelt message: “What makes you different makes you beautiful,” alongside the company’s signature monkey logo. The monkey—a decades-old company symbol originally inspired by a cartoon character—was adapted for this truck, making it a meaningful emblem of the cause. “People love this truck,” Dillon shared. “We’ve had folks taking pictures on the highway, and even state troopers have stopped to give us a thumbs-up.”

The Breast Cancer Awareness Truck: A Community Connection Equally captivating was the breast cancer awareness truck, a 2016 Ford F-650 with a Jerr-Dan steel carrier body. Dillon had long envisioned creating a truck dedicated to breast cancer awareness. “It’s a cause that has touched our family and friends,” he said. “When we bought this truck, I knew it had to feature the iconic pink ribbons.”

The graphics, which include pink splashes and an array of ribbons, also feature the company’s female version of the monkey logo, dubbed “Miss America.” This iteration wears a dress and sash with the word “Pennsylvania,” making it a fitting symbol of resilience and hope. The truck’s slogan, “Towing for Tatas,” has resonated with the public, especially during breast cancer walks and charity events. In fact, the American Cancer Society has embraced the truck, featuring it in promotional materials and community events. Prepping for the Pageant

Preparing these trucks for the American Wrecker Pageant was no small feat. Dillon and his team spent two days meticulously cleaning and polishing the vehicles. “We brought the trucks from Marysville, about an hour and a half drive from Baltimore,” he said. Both trucks compete daily in towing operations, with the autism truck racking up 28,000 miles since its purchase and the breast cancer truck boasting an impressive 450,000 miles.

While both trucks attended the pageant, Dillon decided to enter the autism truck in the judged competition since the breast cancer truck had been showcased the previous year. Competing in the medium-duty carrier category, the autism truck came within 35 points of winning. “It’s all about sharing the message,” Dillon said. “Winning would’ve been great, but the real reward is seeing the impact these trucks have on people.”