Our History

Johnson's Towing and Recovery:

Over 50 Years of Dedicated Service to Our Community

Our family’s towing roots run deep in Putnam County. Many years ago, Ronnie Johnson opened Johnson’s Wrecker Service in Palatka, Florida. At this time, Donald & Dean were in their teens but expected to work in their dad’s business. During this time, they learned tow truck operation, extraction & extrication, customer service skills, and, most of all, the value of hard work. When Johnson’s Wrecker Service was sold, it was no shock that both boys ended up working for other towing companies, continuing to learn and watching the industry and equipment evolve.

Check Our History Gallery

As a new millennium rolled in, Donald took a chance opening Johnson’s Towing & Recovery on January 3^rd, 2000. He worked hard building the business into what it is today. It was a family effort, with everyone pitching in. We have seen growth, equipment upgrades, changes to laws, ordinances and the industry in general, upgrades to paperless dispatch, and a host of Great Team Members and have overcome many obstacles. As the business grew, and a great team was in place, he was able to take time off to follow his fishing & hunting passions. At the time of his unexpected passing on 06/06/23, he’d realized his dream, his business was flourishing.

Since opening Johnson’s Towing & Recovery in 2000, Donald had his is brother Dean Johnson alongside him. He and Dean started out with two trucks and along with their families handled everything that had to be done. At this time the two of them had a combined 30 years of experience in the industry.. Working day & night, they slowly but surely built us into what we are today. Through their hard work and that of their families, the business has grown into an industry standout we are today.

It was said from day one that Donald was building a legacy for his children & grandchildren. A few years ago, after ten years in another career, Donald’s son Nicholas Johnson joined the business as a rollback operator and has now worked his way up to the Heavy Duty Team and is a manager.