Our Story
BUILT BY SOMEONE
WHO GOT STRANDED.
El Kamino Roadside was born out of frustration — and a promise that no driver should wait 3 hours for help.
How It Started
ONE BAD NIGHT.
ONE BIG IDEA.
In 2009, Carlos Reyes blew a tire on Highway 101 at 11pm. He called four different towing companies. Three went to voicemail. The fourth said they'd be there in two hours. He sat on the shoulder of a dark highway for three hours, alone.
The next morning, he started El Kamino Roadside with one truck, one rule: always answer the phone.
Fifteen years later, we've helped over 50,000 drivers across the metro area. The fleet has grown. The team has grown. But that one rule hasn't changed.
2009
Founded with one truck and a promise to always answer the phone.
2013
Expanded to a full fleet of 8 vehicles covering the entire metro area.
2017
Launched 24/7 dispatch — no more after-hours voicemail, ever.
2021
Added heavy-duty towing and winching recovery services.
2024
Over 50,000 drivers helped and counting.
What Drives Us
Our Values
Always Available
We don't close. 2am on Christmas? We answer. No voicemail, no call centers — a real dispatcher, every time.
Honest Pricing
Flat-rate quotes before we start. No surprise fees when you're already stressed on the side of the road.
Skilled Technicians
Every tech on our team is trained, certified, and experienced. We treat your vehicle like it's our own.
We Actually Care
Being stranded is stressful. We show up calm, professional, and focused on getting you safe and moving.
The People Behind the Trucks
Meet the Team
Carlos Reyes
Founder & Lead Dispatcher
Started El Kamino after getting stranded himself and waiting 3 hours for help. Vowed to build something better.
Maria Santos
Operations Manager
Keeps the fleet running and the team sharp. 12 years in roadside logistics before joining El Kamino.
Derek "D" Johnson
Senior Technician
ASE-certified with 15 years of field experience. If it's on four wheels, D has seen it and fixed it.
Priya Nair
Customer Experience Lead
Makes sure every call ends with a driver who feels taken care of. The voice you'll hear when you call.
Why El Kamino
WHY DRIVERS
CHOOSE US
We answer every call — no voicemail, no hold music.
Flat-rate pricing quoted before we start.
Average response time under 30 minutes.
Licensed, bonded, and fully insured.
ASE-certified technicians on every call.
We serve the entire metro area — wherever you're stuck.
No upselling. No pressure. Just help.
Over 50,000 drivers helped since 2009.
ASE Certified Technicians
All field techs hold current ASE certification.
Fully Licensed & Insured
State-licensed towing operator. Fully bonded and insured.
24/7 Live Dispatch
Real humans answer every call, around the clock.
15+
Years in Business
50K+
Drivers Helped
4.9★
Avg. Rating
NEED US RIGHT NOW?
One call. Real person. Fast dispatch.
(800) 220-5198Available 24 Hours · 7 Days a Week