By Mike Porter, President TDR Way
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the base of Lookout Mountain, is the International Towing and Recovery Museum. Part of the museum recognizes and honors the men and women who have been inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame.
The first class, inducted in 1986, consisted of 27 members from six countries: Australia, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States. Industry professionals came together and selected individuals who made a difference worldwide.
Being inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the towing industry. Inductees are celebrated for their dedication, innovation, leadership, and positive impact on the industry and the community. This recognition serves as a testament to their hard work and commitment to advancing the towing profession.
Inductees have been honored for a variety of reasons, all of which reflect their outstanding achievements and influence within the towing industry. These reasons can be broadly categorized into three main criteria:
- Industry Innovation: Inductees are recognized for demonstrating innovation through a product or service that has had a transformative impact on the industry. By introducing new technologies, processes, or solutions that enhance efficiency and safety, they have propelled the towing industry forward into the next century. Their contributions have not only improved the operations of towing companies but have also raised the standards for the entire industry.
- Exemplary Leadership: Another key criterion for induction into the Towing Hall of Fame is exemplary leadership within a tow company. Inductees must have led a towing business for a minimum of 20 years, demonstrating exceptional management skills, integrity, and a commitment to promoting a positive image of the towing industry. Their ability to build strong relationships with their employees, customers, and the community at large sets them apart as role models for others in the industry.
- Impactful Projects: Inductees are also recognized for their involvement in significant projects that have had a lasting and dynamic effect on the towing industry. Whether through pioneering new techniques, advocating for industry-wide improvements, or leading initiatives that benefit the community, these individuals have made a tangible difference in shaping the future of towing. Their visionary approach and collaborative efforts have helped drive positive change and progress within the industry.
Overall, being inducted into the Towing Hall of Fame is a mark of distinction that celebrates the achievements and contributions of exceptional individuals in the towing profession. It signifies a legacy of excellence, dedication, and service that has left a lasting imprint on the industry and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. As a beacon of honor and recognition, the Towing Hall of Fame serves as a tribute to those who have made a meaningful impact and helped shape the towing industry into what it is today.
The 2024 honorees are, in alphabetical order:
- William Clayton of Nambour, Queensland, Australia
- Francis D. Coady of Seabrook, NH
- Jean Georges, Menil-aux-Bois, France
- Jeffrey Godwin of Longview, TX
- Kevin Goodyear, Enterprise, AL
- Joseph R. Haines, Jr., of Columbus, NJ
- Walter R. Mayer, Brookhaven, GA
- William G. Miller II, Ooltewah, TN
- Jack Wendell Richards (posthumous), Alberta, Canada
