It’s time to recognize the unsung heroes of the trucking and tow truck industry! The International Towing Museum & Towing Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 Honorees, a group of individuals who have made invaluable contributions to both our industry and our community.
From professional tow operators to renowned researchers in the field, these honorees embody excellence in their craft and have gone above and beyond for everyone who relies on them – proving that hard work really does pay off.
The 2023 Honorees of the Tow Truck Hall of Fame
The International Towing Museum & Towing Hall of Fame is a prestigious institution that recognizes outstanding individuals in the towing industry. The 2023 inductees have recently been announced, and they are making history. These pioneers have dedicated their lives to making towing safe and efficient, while also contributing greatly to their communities.
Their tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and they are deserving of this recognition. It is an honor to introduce the latest class of honorees and we congratulate them on their achievements. They have set the bar high for the next generation of professionals in the industry.
History of the Towing Hall of Fame and How the Awards are Given
The Towing Hall of Fame may not be as well-known as some other halls of fame, but its significance in the towing industry is undeniable. Founded in 1986, the Tow Truck Hall of Fame honors those who have made significant contributions to the development and advancement of the industry.
Inductees come from all aspects of the towing profession, including operators, educators, manufacturers, and even individuals who have advocated for the industry. The selection process is rigorous and includes nominations, a vote by current Tow Truck Hall of Fame members, and approval from the Board of Directors.
Honorees are recognized for their expertise, innovation, and dedication to the towing industry, and serve as an inspiration to new generations of tow professionals.
2023 Towing Hall of Fame Inductees
- Mary Leigh Barbusin, formerly executive director of the Garden State Towing Association, Little Silver, NJ (posthumous)
- Albert Battelini of Battelini Wrecker Sales, a Vineland, NJ-based family-owned and -operated towing company since 1921
- Gerardo Cortez González, founder of Grúas Monterrey, a leader in towing services and equipment sales since 1971 based in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
- Bruce Jackson, a pioneer in the towing industry based in Orleans, Ontario, Canada, who introduced Holmes wreckers to France and later the NRC sliding rotator to the U.K. and France
- Ruth Cardwell Landau, manager of Fryers Towing Service, Daytona Beach, FL, and a longtime leader of the Women of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (WTRAA), which named Landau Tow Woman of the Year in 2011 and of which she currently is first vice president
- Eric Luchini of Luchini’s Towing and Recovery, a provider of heavy-duty towing services in Las Cruces and southwest New Mexico
- Bud Morgan, formerly of Morgan Towing, a leading provider of towing services for over 50 years in Muskogee and southeastern, OK (posthumous)
- Jon Redman of Redman Fleet Services Inc., serving the Northern Virginia area since 1977
- Rudy Smith, a third-generation owner of a 103-year-old towing company in New Orleans, LA
- David Whealon, founder of Whealon Towing & Service Inc., a towing services provider in Fond du Lac, WI, since 1984
Towing Hall of Fame 2023: Summary
Every one of these honorees has amassed decades worth of experience and knowledge in the industry, achieved some impressive feats along the way, and shown a true love for all aspects of towing and recovery. It’s clear that these pioneers have left an indelible stamp on the industry with their dedication and innovation.
As we look into the future, it’s only a matter of time before many more awards are given out to those who exhibit a spirit similar to that of these 2023 inductees – men and women unafraid to blaze new trails in their search for excellence in technical skill and customer service excellence. We congratulate them once again for their hard work and thank them for helping pave the way for others coming up behind them.
