We’re committed to providing everything you need in one place. It’s our pleasure to serve the towing, automotive, construction, over-the-road and agriculture industries with high-quality products and industry-leading truck and trailer sales, leasing, financing and service.
We strive to enhance the success of our customers by delivering innovative solutions and technological advancements. Through world-class service, expert craftsmanship and dedicated support, we empower businesses to maximize their potential while ensuring reliability, safety and long-term value in their equipment investments.
Since our founding, we’ve specialized in building and supplying industry-leading car carriers, heavy- and light-duty wreckers, service bodies and Landoll industrial trailers that professionals rely on. Our Service After the Sale keeps your investment at peak performance with ongoing maintenance, repairs and technical support.
With partnerships across more than 400 vendors, we offer access to over 150,000 products designed to support a wide range of industries. Whatever your operation needs, you’ll find the right tools, accessories and solutions right here at Zip’s AW Direct.
Your equipment keeps your business moving, and we are here to keep your equipment moving. We stock one of the largest selections of tow truck and trailer repair parts in the industry, complete with exploded diagrams and easy-to-navigate schematics so you can quickly locate exactly what you need.
Wear your branding on your sleeve, chest and more. Zip’s Outfitters provides customizable uniforms, office wear, outerwear and safety apparel to help you, your team and your organization present a polished, professional image everywhere you go.
Iowa
316 W Milwaukee Street
New Hampton, IA 50659
- 800-222-6047
- 641-394-3166
- Fax: 800-828-9678
At our Iowa location, you can talk to our excellent customer service team, and we'll build your tow truck. Our service department and retail department will keep you stocked and your truck running smoothly.
Michigan
27265 Wick Road
Taylor, MI 48180
- 800-222-6047
- 734-494-5300
Our Michigan location is home to an extensive retail store, offering the parts and products you rely on and a service department for truck maintenance and repair.
How the company started
In the 1950s, Harry and Vivian Zipse saw a need in their community and opened Zip’s Auto Body in New Hampton, Iowa. In 1968, they decided to expand their business by selling Earnest Holmes Co. towing equipment to other companies.
After graduating from college in 1974, Paul Rottinghaus was hired as the general manager. He remained in this role until 1986, when he purchased the company. His many years of experience with the company and the industry have helped Zip’s grow and succeed.
David joins the journey
Paul's son, David Rottinghaus, started his journey with Zip's the day he was born. He grew up in the shop and around the headquarters, getting to learn about the industry as he was raised. As an adult, he earned his business degree from the University of Wyoming, then began working in finance.
In 2006, he was hired at Zip’s in the sales department. As he worked, he brought new ideas to the company and was eventually promoted to his current role: Executive Vice President.
Father-Son leadership
Today, father and son work together to lead Zip’s AW Direct, ensuring the company continues to be family-owned and operated. Still active in day-to-day operations, the two work together to offer services and innovations focused on meeting operator needs. Paul’s decades of experience, combined with David’s next-generation problem-solving, ensure we continue to come up with practical, reliable solutions.
They’re committed to providing exceptional customer support, innovative products, employee development and strong community and industry relationships. Together, their leadership preserves the company’s legacy while preparing for future growth through a balance of heritage and forward-thinking strategy.
Zip’s Auto Body was founded in New Hampton, Iowa by Harry & Vivian Zipse.
Became an equipment distributor, selling Earnest Holmes Co towing equipment.
Paul Rottinghaus joined Zip’s immediately after graduating from college.
David Rottinghaus joined Zip’s in truck sales, later becoming Executive Vice President.
Zip’s opens a retail outlet in Michigan, offering both products and comprehensive truck service.
Acquired AW Direct, becoming the largest towing accessories retailer in the industry in North America.
Launched Zip’s Outfitters to service workwear and safety needs.
Became an authorized dealer for Landoll Trailers.
Expanded our storage facility in New Hampton to double the amount of storage capacity to better serve our customers.
One big family.
Zip’s AW Direct unites multiple families under one mission: working together to serve our customers with purpose and pride. With 225 team members, we are proud to support and be supported by a network of like-minded, family-owned businesses that share our commitment to hard work, service and community.
Todd and Maelynn Tenge are just one of several husband and wife teams working at Zip’s. Here is what they like about working here and what has kept them here so long.
They want everybody’s future here to be long and prosperous, and they want people to stay here. We have a good group of workers, and that starts from the top on down. It is not one person who makes this company go.
Todd and Maelynn Tenge,
Zip’s AW Direct
