Meet TREY WARD

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful TREY WARD a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

TREY, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Thriving When You’re the Only One in the Room: Lessons from Ward’s Wrecker Service and In Transit Environmental

Walking into a room and realizing you’re the only one there — and the only one who looks like you — can be intimidating. It’s a moment that forces you to make a decision: either shrink back or lean in. Over the years, through my experiences with Ward’s Wrecker Service and In Transit Environmental, I learned how to do the latter. Those environments taught me not just how to survive, but how to thrive when standing alone.

Learning Ground at Ward’s Wrecker Service

At Ward’s Wrecker Service, I was introduced to the fast-paced, high-pressure world of problem-solving on the fly. Tow and recovery work is often unpredictable — accidents happen without warning, and people look to you for solutions.

When I showed up in meetings or on the scene, there weren’t many who shared my background or perspective. At first, that gap felt isolating. But I discovered that effectiveness doesn’t come from blending in; it comes from standing out with competence and reliability. If I knew the equipment, understood the process, and delivered results, respect followed.

What I learned at Ward’s is that credibility is earned not by appearance, but by performance. In spaces where I was “the only one,” I learned to let my work speak first — and then let my presence broaden the perspective in the room.

Expanding Perspective with In Transit Environmental

Later, at In Transit Environmental, the challenges took on a different shape. Environmental services require foresight, regulation knowledge, and the ability to communicate across industries and agencies. Here, being the only one who looked like me in the room wasn’t just about physical presence — it was about representing a perspective that was often overlooked.

I leaned into that difference as a strength. I realized that innovation often comes from the margins, and having a voice that others didn’t expect gave me a unique advantage. People began to see me not as an outsider, but as someone who brought fresh insight to old problems.

At In Transit, I learned the value of preparation: knowing the regulations, anticipating the objections, and showing up over-prepared. When you’re the only one in the room, you don’t always get the benefit of the doubt. But if you master the material and demonstrate consistency, you can shift perceptions and set new expectations.

Key Lessons That Carried Me Forward

Being the only one in the room — and the only one in the room who looked like me — could have been a barrier. Instead, those experiences became a platform. Here’s what I carried with me:

Competence earns respect. At Ward’s, I proved that knowing my craft inside and out made people listen, regardless of what I looked like.

Preparation shifts the balance. At In Transit, I learned that if you come armed with knowledge and foresight, others have no choice but to recognize your value.

Perspective is power. What makes you different can also make you indispensable. Fresh ideas come from those willing to stand alone.

Presence matters. Sometimes, just being in the room is the first step toward breaking barriers for those who will follow.

Conclusion

My time with Ward’s Wrecker Service and In Transit Environmental shaped me into someone who can walk into any room with confidence, even if I’m the only one there and the only one who looks like me. I learned that effectiveness comes from preparation, performance, and presence. Success doesn’t require blending in — it requires standing tall, bringing value, and owning the uniqueness that sets you apart.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Leading With Excellence at Ward’s Wrecker Service and In Transit Environmental

In every industry, there are individuals who redefine what it means to lead. For me, that journey has often meant walking into rooms where no one else looked like me — and finding ways not just to fit in, but to stand out through preparation, performance, and presence. Today, as the driving force behind Ward’s Wrecker Service and In Transit Environmental, I’ve turned those lessons into a culture of excellence that sets both companies apart as leaders in their fields.

A Calling Beyond the Job

My role is about more than running companies — it’s about solving problems that others can’t. At Ward’s Wrecker Service, that often means leading complex recovery operations where precision, technology, and timing make the difference between chaos and control. At In Transit Environmental, it means navigating strict regulations and high-stakes challenges to protect both people and the environment.

No two days look the same — and that’s exactly what makes the work so exciting. Each situation is a new test of our ability to step up, innovate, and deliver when it matters most.

A Moment That Defines the Mission

For me, the work is more than mechanical. It’s deeply personal, rooted in a commitment to service when people need it most.

One moment that stands out came when the team was called to the scene of a wrecked tour bus. Several passengers were trapped inside, and every second mattered. We relied on our training, our equipment, and our teamwork. That day, we were able to help save five lives.

It’s the kind of story that reveals the heart of my mission: In those moments, it’s not about business or competition. It’s about people. It’s about making a difference when it matters most.

Setting the Standard

Both Ward’s Wrecker Service and In Transit Environmental are recognized as unsurpassed in their industries — and for good reason. Their success rests on three pillars:

– Advanced Technology: The companies invest in the latest, most sophisticated equipment available, ensuring every job is handled faster, safer, and more effectively than the competition.

– Beyond-the-Job Training: Employees are trained far beyond their job descriptions, equipped to anticipate challenges, prevent problems, and deliver above-and-beyond service in every situation.

– Results That Build Trust: Customers know that when they call, the work won’t just get done — it will get done right, the first time.

Leadership That Inspires

Being “the only one in the room” shaped my leadership philosophy. It taught me that preparation builds confidence, competence earns respect, and presence matters. Today, I instill those same lessons into my teams.

Our culture is built on excellence. We don’t just provide services — we set the standard. That’s the promise of Ward’s Wrecker Service and In Transit Environmental, and that’s the legacy I want to build.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Master Your Craft.

Don’t just learn the basics — know your work inside and out. Competence earns respect, and when you’re the best prepared in the room, people will listen, no matter what you look like or where you come from.

2. Stay Calm Under Pressure.

In this line of work, high-stakes situations come fast. People will look to you for answers. If you can remain steady, think clearly, and act decisively, you’ll set yourself apart as a leader.

3. Invest in Relationships.

Whether it’s your team, a customer, or a partner, success in this industry is built on trust. Be reliable, be honest, and people will come back to you when it matters most.

4. Treat Training as a Lifestyle.

Never stop learning. Technology, safety standards, and regulations evolve — and so should you. The more prepared you are, the more doors will open.

5. See Pressure as an Opportunity.

I’ve often been the only one in the room — and the only one who looked like me. Instead of shrinking back, I leaned into it. Those moments aren’t barriers; they’re opportunities to show you belong.

6. Remember Why You Do It.

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, but never lose sight of the impact you can make. I’ll never forget helping save five lives during the extraction from a wrecked tour bus. Moments like that remind you that this isn’t just a job — it’s a calling.

Looking back, there are three qualities and skills that have been the most impactful for me:

Resilience. The ability to keep moving forward, even when the odds are stacked against you, has been crucial. Being “the only one” taught me to stand tall and turn challenges into fuel.

Technical Mastery. Knowing the equipment, the regulations, and the systems inside and out gave me confidence — and earned me respect in every room I entered.

Leadership Through Service. I learned early that real leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about serving others. When you put people first — whether it’s a customer in crisis or a team member who needs guidance — success always follows.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, the number one challenge I’m facing in this industry is getting paid for the work we do.

Far too often, we’re called to scenes where people involved don’t have insurance. We bring out heavy equipment, skilled crews, and sometimes put ourselves in dangerous situations — and at the end of the job, there’s no one to pay the bill. That’s a tough pill to swallow when we’re doing everything by the book and delivering top-tier service.

To make things more complicated, we’re also facing new regulations being introduced by people who don’t fully understand how our industry works. These policies aren’t helping — they’re hurting. They risk tying our hands, restricting how we operate, and in some cases, making it even harder for professional companies like mine to stay in business.

But I’m not the type to sit back and complain. In Mississippi, I took a stand.

I worked directly with lawmakers to draft and pass legislation that protects our industry. This wasn’t just about getting something on paper — it was about creating real solutions that ensure companies like mine can keep doing this work with the confidence that we’ll be treated fairly and compensated properly.

This new law helps regulate the industry in a way that makes sense — holding bad actors accountable while allowing legitimate businesses to succeed.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about my companies — it’s about protecting an entire industry of hard-working professionals who show up when others can’t or won’t. It’s about making sure we’re respected, protected, and paid for the critical services we provide every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wardswreckerservice.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvdVwsH9i/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Twitter: @Wardswreckersrv
• Other: tik tok : wards_wrecker_service

Image Credits

I took the photos