"Lizard Lick Towing" reality TV star to appear in Commerce

The reality TV star known for his tackling abilities and other vehicle repossession skills will visit Commerce this weekend as part of a gun and knife show.

Bobby Brantley, a star of truTV's "Lizard Lick Towing," will meet and greet fans during the Commerce Gun and Knife Show today and Sunday at the Commerce Civic Center. The show runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. today, and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.

The TV show chronicles Brantley's work with his friends, Ron and Amy Shirley, repossessing cars at Lizard Lick Towing, based in Lizard Lick, N.C.

People who would like some Lizard Lick merchandise, or just want to shake hands, are welcome to come out, Brantley said.

"If you've got the time and would like to meet me, I'll take the time to meet you," he said.

Brantley started appearing at gun and knife shows to meet his fans after Lizard Lick Towing first appeared on truTV's "All Worked Up," a series that documented several jobs that could quickly become volatile. "Lizard Lick Towing" premiered last year.

He's attended a number of gun and knife shows, but Brantley decided to try partnering with the Gunrunner Shows, owned by Larry Steverson, after he had a falling out with some other gun show owners, Brantley said.

"(Larry) loves me like a fat kid loves cake," he said.

Gunrunner Shows holds about 85 gun and knife shows a year in four states, Steverson said. He's also the chief executive officer of the company.

"(Bobby) packs the people in for us; we love him," Steverson said. "Bobby and I have become close friends; he's just an added attraction."