Women in Towing
Mercedez Falcao is creating visibility and empowering women to join the towing industry through her Pink Theory initiative.
By Alexis Nicols

Falcao sits atop her original pink GMC Sierra truck, Princess the Wrecker. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF MERCEDEZ FALCAO
PICTURE THIS. You’ve pulled over onto the shoulder of a busy highway, and you’re waiting for help. A tow truck rolls up. As the woman steps out, you notice her truck is outfitted with pink decals and she’s wearing matching gear. She smiles, explains the plan, then gets you on your way. This is Pink Theory in action.
Pink Theory is a growing grassroots movement that encourages women working in towing to add a touch of pink to their gear. From gloves and decals to entirely pink trucks, the idea is to help women stand out and show others that they belong in the towing industry, too.
For Mercedez Falcao, Regional Manager of CAA contractor Classic Towing’s Northern Division in Ontario, a pink truck was never part of the plan. The 2006 GMC Sierra refurbished by their father was originally her sister’s. But when her sister moved out west, Falcao, who had been taking a paralegal program, found herself drawn to the family business.
“I didn’t know a thing about towing,” she says. “But I packed up, moved an hour north, and convinced my dad to let me manage the division. I had 30 men reporting to me, most of them twice my age. I had to learn everything on the job.”
Falcao soon discovered that the pink truck turned heads. Little girls would stop and stare. Teenagers would point. And customers, especially women, were surprised — and often relieved — to see a woman step out of the cab.
“That pink truck changed everything,” she says. “It gets people’s attention. But it also shows girls that this is something they can do too.”
“That pink truck changed everything. It gets people’s attention. But it also shows girls that this is something they can do too.”


(Top & background) A pink Classic Towing-branded tow truck and flatbed truck; (bottom) Falcao giving a demonstration during rollover training. | PHOTOS: (TOP) JOE FLANAGAN; (BACKGROUND & BOTTOM) COURTESY OF MERCEDEZ FALCAO
In Canada, women make up fewer than five percent of truck drivers, according to a report by the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada. Towing, in particular, remains a male-dominated profession, and many women do not consider it a viable path — until someone else opens that door. “Nobody says ‘Why not try towing?’ unless you already have a family tie,” Falcao says. “Pink Theory helps create that initial appeal for people who never would have considered it otherwise.” Since launching Pink Theory on social media, Falcao has connected with female tow operators from across North America. Some have driven to meet up in person. Others have reached out with stories, questions or encouragement. “I’ve met women from Thunder Bay, from the U.S., from across the Prairies. When you’re one of the only women doing this in your area, that sense of connection really matters.” Back at Classic Towing, Falcao has put her own spin on mentorship by offering “pink perks.” Female drivers receive pink gloves and straps, and if they stay on and perform well, they are offered a pink, branded truck — plus the support from the other women on staff. “Having that point of contact makes a huge difference,” she says. “You feel like someone’s got your back. That really helps in this industry.” For many customers, the experience of being helped by a woman is new, and often very welcome. “I’ve had women tell me they were relieved to see me pull up, especially late at night or in isolated spots,” she says. “There’s an instant layer of trust and comfort.” Pink Theory is not just about visibility; it’s about changing perceptions, one interaction at a time. For women in Manitoba and beyond, it’s sparking interest in a career they might not have considered. “Give it a try,” Falcao says. “You have nothing to lose, and you might discover something you love.” CAA

We will always be here when you need us. CAA’s roadside assistance is available 24/7, every day of the year.
“That pink truck changed everything. It gets people’s attention. But it also shows girls that this is something they can do too.”
A pink Classic Towing-branded tow truck and flatbed truck; Falcao giving a demonstration during rollover training. | PHOTOS: JOE FLANAGAN; COURTESY OF MERCEDEZ FALCAO