Hall Of Fame

The first Hall of Fame 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. To honor those chosen few, the Friends of Towing (now ITRHFM) dedicated an entire section of the museum’s walls for portraits of the inductees.

Today the Hall of Fame has grown to include over 350 distinguished towing professionals with members from:

Australia
Belgium
Canada
Finland
France
Germany

Ireland
Japan
Mexico
Netherlands
Poland
Scotland

South Africa
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
Wales

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ITRHFM- HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM

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HALL OF FAME NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Tow Equipment/Product Innovation

Innovation of a product sold in the marketplace that has helped move the industry forward. Candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of service to the industry.

Exemplary Dedication

Candidate must have 20 years running a towing business in an outstanding and exemplary manner, promoting a positive image of the towing industry and have positive relations with the community, i.e., performing services for the community about and beyond the services for hire. Limit: One inductee per year.

Industry Leadership

Leadership involved with an outstanding project that has had a dynamic and lasting effect on the towing industry. Candidate must have minimum 10 years service to the towing industry.

Professional Achievement

Creating a product or service of any kind that has had a significant and lasting effect on thousands of towing professionals. Candidate Must have a minimum of 10 years to the industry.

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James H. Blakeley

Inductee #1 James H. Blakeley grew up in Mediapolis, Iowa, where he attended Fairfield public schools. He served in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1971, achieving… Read More

Hendrickus ‘Henry’ Raubenheimer

Inductee #23 Hendrickus ‘Henry’ Raubenheimer was a partner for Car Towing Services from 1972 until 1978. He served as a managing director as well from 1978 until 1986.… Read More

Harold D. Markle

Inductee #18 Harold D. Markle attended Galt Collegiate Institute and Conestoga College for business administration in 1968. He then founded Harold Markle Service, Inc., in 1972. He completed… Read More

Gerald R. Plumpton

Inductee #22 Gerald R. Plumpton worked in construction before joining White Motor Company in 1940. He worked for the Canadian Army’s Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (1941-46). He was… Read More

George J. Monsour

Inductee #20 George J. Monsour spent his education in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Canada. From 1957 until 1969, Mr. Monsour operated Sun Oil dealerships in St Clair Shores, Michigan.… Read More

Ernest W. Holmes, Jr.

Inductee #9 Ernest W. Holmes, Jr. served the Ernest Holmes Company as a designer and chief engineer until 1945. He was president of the company from 1945 until… Read More

Ernest W. Holmes, Sr.

Inductee #10 Ernest W. Holmes, Sr. was the very first inventor of the tow truck. He did this by adding new parts to his 1913 Cadillac, which would… Read More

Donald E. Cruse

Inductee #4 Donald E. Cruse grew up in Ontario and became a leadership figure for the international and Canadian towing and recovery industry. He was vice president of… Read More

Domingo L. Suárez, Sr.

Inductee #26 Domingo L. Suárez was the president of La Union Nacional de Gruas (The National Union of Cranes) for five years. He was also the secretary of… Read More

James ‘Dave’ D. Jones

Inductee #13 James ‘Dave’ D. Jones attended school in Tennessee before joining the United States Air Force from 1956 until 1960 as the staff sergeant crew engineer B-47… Read More

Charles D. Malcolm

Inductee #17 Charles D. Malcolm was raised in Texas and attended Texas public schools. He went to college at the University of New Mexico and served in the… Read More

Bythal L. McColgin

Inductee #19 Bythal L. McColgin grew up in Missouri where he attended public schools in Raymondville. He was the owner of Operator Auto & Truck Parts delivery service… Read More