Barbara L. Tomlinson

Barbara was born Barbara L. Lumberg on January 15, 1939 in Ashland, Wisconsin and is the eldest of six.  She was married to William Tomlinson on January 5, 1963 and has been involved with a 24/7 towing business ever since.  Together, Barbara and William raised three daughters, Carrie, Mary, and Dana; and one son, Robert.  They currently have eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.  Their son Robert, his wife Sandy, and one grandson, Bob, are involved with the business today.
Aside from her daily duties with the business, Barb found the time to volunteer with various community programs.  She was a Girl Scout Leader and CampCounselor for seventeen years; Chairman of a Volunteen program at the AshlandHospital; Ashland County Campaign Chairman for State Senator Dan Theno; a lector at her church; and she has served on the finance, fellowship, and funeral committee’s at her church as well.  Barb also holds a College of Regents degree from the “Women of the Moose”.
During the early 70’s, Barb helped plan and organize the first Wisconsin Towing Association multi-day convention and continued to assist with this event for many years thereafter.  She was also very active in State Capital lobbying on behalf of bills before the legislature that were of interest to the state towing association.
In 1981, Barb became a Charter Member of the WTRAA.  During her 24 years as a member, she served as President and Chairman of the following committee’s: Way’s and Means, Scholarship, and Tow Woman of the Year.  While President, she also served on the TRAA cabinet and Education Committee.  In 1991, Barb was named Tow Woman of the Year by her fellow association members.
Barb is a charter member of “Friends of Towing”, and is currently a member of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum.
After serving 42 years in the towing industry, Barb hopes to retire in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri.  She plans to continue to support and volunteer in the towing industry throughout her retirement.