Olin O. Bleau

Olin Bleau was born on October 1, 1930 in West New York, New Jersey. On April 29, 1951 he married Jacqueline Whitbeck. They have five children, Alva L. Bleau, Martha J. Elmore, Olin Thomas Bleau, Nancy C. Sill, and Jacqueline M. Spenser. In addition they enjoy ten grandsons and six granddaughters.

Olin is considered a recovery man’s recovery man. He was the spark plug in creating Empire State Towing and Recovery Association, familiarly known as E.S.T.R.A., and he has never wavered in its total support. Whatever was required, wherever he had to go, at any personal sacrifice, Olin Bleau never faltered. He is the most honored and best-liked operator in the Empire State. The most significant service which he performed for the industry, however, was when he challenged a local police chief who had violated his rights of owner’s request. Olin knew in his heart that he was right and that the police were wrong. He put his personal fortune at risk and never turned back. Today, the industry has Olin Bleau to thank for having “owner’s request” recognized in the Federal Courts as an enforceable civil right. The case took years, but he persevered and won. He and his crew and facilities are often called upon when there’s a recovery job to be done at which others despair. Olin always succeeds.