Janelle Hicks

Janelle Hicks is the owner and operator of a towing and transportation company based in Bend, Oregon, which she established in 2021. Her entrepreneurial journey followed a significant career transition after 16 years as a restaurant market training manager at Taco Bell. During her time there, Janelle developed strong leadership and management skills and was recognized twice as a Top 100 General Manager. After an injury requiring multiple surgeries and a personal transition, she moved into the towing industry and took responsibility for the towing operations of the family’s automotive business.

Today, Janelle plays an active role in every aspect of her company, overseeing bookkeeping, dispatching, driving, human resources, and providing around-the-clock assistance to customers. Her diverse management background and hands-on approach allow her to navigate the demands of a fast-paced, service-focused industry while remaining committed to helping people when they need it most. She is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Dun & Bradstreet, reflecting her engagement with the broader business community.

Janelle attributes her success to hard work, perseverance, and maintaining passion for what she does. Honesty, integrity, and service are central to both her professional and personal values, and she believes in doing the right thing even when a customer may not have the means to pay. As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated field, she recognizes the challenge of finding employees who are genuinely dedicated and care about their work. Her advice to young women entering the industry is simple: if you love what you do, stay committed, keep working hard, and continue moving forward.