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 eventually develop into what is called a “split boom” wrecker. He patented his invention in 1918. Mr. Holmes continued to develop tow trucks out of his garage and then founded the Ernest Holmes Company out of Chattanooga in 1918. The Ernest Holmes Co. is still prolific in its contributions to the towing and recovery industry, even if the company has since dissolved and been absorbed into other towing companies since its conception in the early 1900s.
Mr. Holmes was a member of the Electric Power Board of Chattanooga and the American Society of Automotive Engineers.
Inducted: June 26th, 1986
Born: January 17th, 1883 – Hobbs Island, Alabama
Family: Hattie Holmes (wife); Hattie Jane (daughter), Mildred (daughter), Cornelia (daughter), Ernest, Jr. (son)
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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.