By: Ashley Weiss, Membership & Engagement Director
Our Member Spotlight showcases the people and businesses that make Clear Lake thrive. Each quarter, we’ll feature one Chamber member to share their story, insights, and community connections in a quick Q-and-A.
When you’re stuck on the side of the road, it’s more than an inconvenience, it’s a moment when you need someone you can trust. For 20 years, Happy Trails Wrecker Service has been that call for drivers across Clear Lake and North Iowa, showing up with experience, care, and a commitment to helping their neighbors. Founded on March 1, 2006, by Larry and Bonnie Small, Happy Trails began out of their home on 32nd Street with a flatbed truck, years of experience, and a vision to serve the community. Like many small businesses, the early years came with challenges, but their commitment to serving the community never wavered.
“It means a lot when people support small local businesses,” Larry said. “Without that support, we wouldn’t be here today, 20 years later.”
In 2015, the next generation joined the business when Larry and Bonnie’s son, Justin, and his wife, Gretchen, came on board. Today, Happy Trails remains a true family operation. Larry now serves in a consulting role, Bonnie manages the bookkeeping, and Justin and Gretchen help lead day-to-day operations. Gretchen’s father, Richard “Gunny,” is also part of the team. With two young grandsons already part of the story, the future looks bright for this family-run business.
We caught up with Larry and Bonnie to learn more about their story:
Tell us a little about your business and what you do.
We are a towing business that provides services for vehicles and motorcycles in need of assistance, including accident recovery, jumpstarts, lockouts, winching, and towing classic cars. We can also haul a variety of items beyond vehicles. We take great pride in handling personal property with care during their time of need!
What inspired your family to start Happy Trails?
With many years of experience in the towing industry and already owning a flatbed truck, we felt we could provide a great service to our area through a family-run business.
What’s one thing people might not know about your business?
We can tow more than just vehicles. If it fits on the truck bed and meets height requirements, we can haul it — even out of state. We also offer long-distance towing.
How long have you been a Chamber member, and why did you join?
We’ve been Chamber members since opening in 2006. We joined because we wanted to be part of the local business community in Clear Lake.
What do you love most about being part of the Clear Lake community?
We appreciate the many family-focused events that bring the community together throughout the year.
How has Chamber membership benefited you or your business?
Being a Chamber member has opened the door to connecting with other members, sharing our story, and supporting one another within the community.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received (or would give)?
From experience, we’ve learned the importance of having a backup plan for unexpected expenses, especially repairs. It’s something every business owner will face at some point.
Just for fun — what’s your favorite Clear Lake spot or activity outside of work?
We enjoy heading downtown and taking part in the many events held throughout the year.
When you see the Happy Trails crew out and about, be sure to give them a honk or a thumbs up and congratulate them on 20 years of serving the Clear Lake area community.
Want to grow your business and connect with others like Happy Trails?
Join the Chamber