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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Norbert ‘Bert’ Bertling

September 2, 1942 – Worthington, Iowa Married: Virginia Kuebrich – April 25, 1990 – Las Vegas, Nevada Children: Tammy Walkner, Michele Huber, Dennis Bertling & Katherine Lund History:… Read More

Eugene A. Bertani

July 19, 1929 – Detroit, Michigan Married: Yvonne Hunt – February 1956 Children: Gene and Yvonne have four sons. Ronald is the first born. He works for Ford… Read More

Jiro Yanase

Mr. Yanase is chairman of the Board of Directors of Yanase Co., Ltd., and 80 year old company, which specializes in the importation of the world's most outstanding… Read More

C. Thomas Luciano

Thomas is the son of Dominic M. Luciano & Carmella Palmotti Luciano of South Glen Falls, NY. Born on June 17, 1953, he married Darlene Smith of South… Read More

Charles H. Kuebler

Chuck Kuebler was born October 29, 1937 in Baltimore, Maryland. In August of 1959, Chuck married the former Irene "Wink" Whitney. Wink and Chuck have been married for… Read More

Russell ‘Russ’ Iodice

In 1950, the North End Boys Club of Bridgeport, Connecticut had a tumbling team. During their performances the team always formed a pyramid. The top of the pyramid… Read More

John ‘Jack’ Gratzianna

Born May 6, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois. Jack married Gail Wagner in 1963 and in the following years they were blessed with a large family of 7 children… Read More

Peter M. Fuerst

Peter began working for the local AAA contact station while going to school. Over the next few years he developed skills in light and heavy duty towing and… Read More

Charles ‘Wid’ W. Dickison

October 23, 1920 History: Attended school in Doaktown, New Brunswick. Economic conditions necessitated leaving school after grade eight and going to work at the local garage then to… Read More

Arden D. Bowman Sr.

Arden D. Bowman, Sr. (Pap) was born in Roanoke, Virginia, July 25, 1913. He joined the army where he served under General George S. Patton during World War… Read More

Charles ‘Chuck’ Swider

Born December 5, 1949 and married October 1982 to the former Janice C. Roffo. Together they have two daughters and their family resides in Chicopee, Massachusetts. History: In… Read More

Robert L. Surman

Born January 2, 1931 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He presently resides in Burnaby, British Columbia with his wife, Audrey and one daughter. History: Robert began his towing… Read More