Joanne Blyton
Hall of Fame Inductee #375
Billings, MT, USA
Joanne Blyton’s nearly four-decade career in towing and recovery reflects a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and excellence. After co-founding DJ Auto Specialists & Towing in Maryland in 1984, she later relocated to Billings, Montana, where she established Billings Towing & Repair. Under her direction, the company became a community cornerstone and model of professionalism. Her groundbreaking role as the first female president of the Towing and Recovery Association of America opened doors for others and reshaped perceptions of women in the industry.
Her advocacy has saved lives through her work on federal legislation such as the “Protecting Roadside Responders Act” and “Move Over Law Resolution,” championing safety and awareness for tow operators nationwide. Blyton also served as a Montana state legislator, using her real-world experience to advance small business interests and industry causes. Recognized with numerous honors including “Tow Woman of the Year,” her dedication extends to mentoring future professionals and serving her church and community. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she continues to inspire others with her example of integrity, leadership, and service.
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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.