James A. Stewart

Born May 11th 1949 in Hamilton, Ohio James dreamed of being a farmer as a young boy. That would change as time moved on…

Married to his wife Sandy and residing in Bradenton Florida James is the father of two daughters Kimberly and Kristina. Since entering the industry in 1983, James has been involved in owning and running a towing company for over 25 years and currently operates Top Gun Towing & Recovery in Bradenton Florida.

Throughout his years of service to the industry James has been recognized with numerous awards including the Ford Truck Knight Award, United States Auto Club Hall of Fame, and numerous awards from the Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida (PWOF).

James has committed countless hours and time to serving as a representative of PWOF, holding several offices and positions including PWOF Tow Show Committee and planning member, PWOF Training and Education Committee member, PWOF Area and Regional Director, PWOF 1st Vice President and two terms as President of the PWOF. James has been instrumental in fostering and promoting local and State legislation for education, certification, and regulations regarding the towing industry in the City of Bradenton and the State of Florida throughout the years, spending countless hours of personal time to lobby on behalf of the towing community in Tallahassee with and for his peers. Among his many legislative goals and accomplishments was the revision and enactment of the current Florida vehicle lien laws which have been used as a model program for other towing associations across the country, and has resulted in millions of dollars being collected by Florida towers that otherwise would have been lost on unclaimed vehicles. In addition to his legislative contributions James was instrumental in gaining motor club sponsorship and support to expand the PWOF’s training and certification programs and present them free of charge to towers via seminars at their annual trade show and gathering.

In addition to his Florida achievements James has served the industry at a national level as a State Director for the Towing and Recovery association of America and is consulted frequently on lien law issues and regulations nationwide.
In the future James intends to remain active in his pursuit to see all Florida Towers licensed by the State and to continue to protect the interests of towers statewide.

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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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