Tow Professional Podcast
Tow Professional Podcast
Inside The International Towing Hall Of Fame And Museum
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Roads don’t move themselves. When traffic locks up, weather turns rough, or a semi straddles two lanes, tow professionals show up so the rest of us can keep going. We sat down with Jeffrey Godwin, first vice president of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, to uncover the human stories, the history, and the hard realities behind this essential trade. From Ernest Holmes’ 1916 tow truck to today’s engineered rotators, we trace innovations that shaped safety, recovery tactics, and the culture of service.
Jeffrey pulls back the curtain on the Hall of Fame selection process, the global footprint of inductees from 18 countries, and why longevity and unselfish industry impact matter more than titles. We spend time at the Wall of the Fallen, a permanent memorial honoring operators who died in the line of service. The ceremony is deeply personal for families, and it doubles as a powerful public safety message: slow down, move over, and treat every roadside scene like someone you love is standing there.
We also dig into the Survivor Fund, designed to move faster than insurance and get immediate help to families when tragedy strikes. You’ll hear how rapid-response gifts (now a minimum of $10,000) bridge critical weeks for households that often rely on a single income. Then we look ahead to Museum Weekend each October, where the industry gathers to celebrate new Hall of Fame inductees, remember the fallen, and take part in the museum’s largest fundraiser, featuring major auctions and community events.
Whether you’re in towing, logistics, public safety, or simply drive a car, this story is yours too. Memberships, donations, and sharing the message all keep vital programs running, preserve history, and improve safety for everyone on the road. If this moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to understand why move over laws and towing support matter. Your voice helps honor the past and protect the people who keep our roads open.
Well, welcome morning, all. You are there. We are here. This is the podcast, co-professional podcast on the go. And remember, this is the voice of the towing industry, and it's the voice that was started by you listeners. Over 23,000 strong worldwide. And we thank you for it. It's for the pros that have a need to know that are on the go. And it's truly, like I said, the voice of the towing industry. And man, let me tell you, this is going to be a fantastic one. We have the we have Jeffrey Godwin, the first vice president of the museum, International Towing Hall of Fame Museum, that's here with us today. And uh, listeners and viewers on YouTube, this is a guy I've been wanting to get on here for the longest. Um, he's behind the scenes with the museum, but does a ton of heavy lifting and a lot of work to support this industry. Uh, so again, welcome, uh Jeff and uh Jeffrey and glad to have you on here today, sir.
SPEAKER_02Glad to be here. Thanks for that great intro. You are well some money for that later.
SPEAKER_04Yes, yes. I'll give you the address when we get done here. Um, for for our uh our viewers that have that have tuned in here and for our listeners, first off, um I've got some questions for you, but first tell us a little bit about your background and and uh your service with the uh with the museum, what you do currently.
SPEAKER_02Well, I've been in the towing industry for uh 33 years now this year. And uh been involved with the museum for over 20 of those in a variety of different capacities. Um, I've been involved with the Survivor Fund and the Wall of the Fallen since before they started. And uh that was back in 05, so that's already over 20 years ago, and then um all the things we do with the museum in the Hall of Fame.
SPEAKER_04And and and listeners, let me tell you, if you don't think Jeffrey goes the extra mile, I was there a year when I watched him run a merit run a race uh for donations to to the museum. So he even suited up, put the shorts on, took off, and ran the race to make sure the donations were there. So uh he he goes a long way for them. So uh let me ask you this. Uh for for our our folks that have never heard of the International Towing Hall of Fame Museum, and I I find that hard to believe, but if they haven't, uh what is the International Towing Hall of Fame Museum and where is it located and why does it exist?
SPEAKER_02Wow, that's a big one to unpack. But uh the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum um is in Chattanooga, as you mentioned. It was uh created in Chattanooga specifically because that's where Ernest Holmes invented the tow truck in 1916. And so we're based there. We were founded in 1986 by a group called the Friends of Towing. Uh, the museum started out as a trailer that went from toe show to toe show and that kind of stuff. Towers pulled it all around the country. Um, our president Bill Graziana would love to find that trailer and haul it around the country some more. He mentions that all the time, how much he wishes he could do that again. Um, but the museum exists to preserve the history of the industry, certainly. Um to honor the people in the industry, whether it's the Hall of Fame or those that we lose in the line of service, and to educate the public about the towing and recovery industry as a whole. You know, it's not all about the equipment, it's also about the people, and we try to keep the focus on that and on the industry as a whole. And so, you know, certainly hope everybody will try to make it to Chattanooga and visit us. It is a common problem that people in this industry don't know we exist. Uh, we have a great facility, lots of things for people to see there, but we also have programs uh through the Hall of Fame and the uh also with the Wall of the Fallen that can help people in the industry and uh survivor fund to help their families when tragedy strikes. So the museum's there for a lot of different purposes.
SPEAKER_04Well, I tell you, and it's a it's a wonderful place. First time I walked in there, my mouth just dropped open, uh, not only full of history, but some of the uh most beautiful uh towing rigs you've ever seen restored in there, just like they came off the uh delivery line. Uh, it's it's unbelievable.
Hall Of Fame Process And Impact
SPEAKER_02We're hoping to have some new ones this year before the event, and uh we're certainly doing some projects around the building that'll be nice. And this year we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of both the museum and the hall of fame. And so uh it's gonna be a big event in October. We hope lots of people will join us for the uh celebration.
SPEAKER_04Man, we're absolutely gonna make a push for that. It's always a great time of year and a wonderful event with uh all of the uh the industry's leaders there. So it's a you don't want to miss it, I can tell you that. Uh well, let me ask you this: how does the uh the Hall of Fame play a role in the museum? Tell us about that.
SPEAKER_02Well, um, the Hall of Fame is certainly one of the highest honors you can get in the industry to be inducted, and uh something that is really about impact on the industry and service to the industry. It's not about, you know, the latest flash in the pan kind of thing. It's longevity and what people really bring is their unselfish impact to the museum, uh, to the industry. I'm sorry. So I think that, you know, the Hall of Fame, we certainly honor industry leaders and folks that have brought innovation or service to the industry. And um each year we get lots of applications for folks that are nominated for the Hall of Fame. There's a committee that goes through a selection process. Um, actually, we're recording this, I don't know when it broadcasts, but we're recording this the day before the deadline for 2026. And so we'll get all those things. We'll do selection in March. We announce the inductees in uh April uh before the Florida Toe Show, and then the inductions take place in October. Um, you know, I mentioned the 40th anniversary. The first year of the Hall of Fame was 1986. There were 27 people inducted that year, and since then we have 380 men and women from around the world. We are the international hall of fame. We have 18 countries represented, and um, you know, we're there to preserve that history as well, and to really recognize those leaders of the industry.
SPEAKER_04It's uh listeners, if you've never attended it before, if you've never seen it, it's a phenomenal event. And uh let me tell you, the um just to see um these men and women get honored and get lifted up and and and shown praise for their servant's heart. And what you find out is this family of towing, this industry is uh some of the most humble and most giving hearts uh that I've ever come across. I've been in publishing for 24 years. I've worked in many different aspects of many different markets, and I've never uh met a more tightly woven uh fabric of companies that are just from the vendors to the to the actual companies, they're all uh just like family. So we we we just honor you and bless you for that and appreciate it.
SPEAKER_02Uh we're blessed by the generosity of this industry. Yeah, you know, we're a nonprofit organization. We don't have uh, you know, um any kind of funding that comes in automatically. And uh though we run a museum and charge admission at the door and have a big gift shop, you know, both online, visit towingmuseum.com. There's my shameless plug. But uh, you know, hit the gift shop. But we have some revenue streams like that, but most everything we do is through the generosity of the industry, both uh corporate partners, as you mentioned, as well as uh companies who are members. We certainly want everybody to join and be a part of the organization. Um, so yeah, we're uh we're here to help and we do so because of the generosity of this industry.
SPEAKER_04Amen. Amen. Well, listeners, let's do this. We're gonna take a quick commercial break. When we come back, we're gonna learn more from Jeffrey Godwin, first vice president of the museum. So hang in there, we'll be right back.
SPEAKER_03We act as the voice of America's towing industry by offering representation, education, and leadership at the Federal level. Much of our focus is on representing the interest of the towing and recovery industry on Capitol Hill, including promoting positive legislation and opposing potentially negative legislation. TRAA is the industry's watchdog on Capitol Hill. There are so many compelling reasons to be a TRAA member that besides being the right thing to do, membership gives you exclusive member benefits worth thousands of dollars a year, including exclusive TRAA member discounts from our featured partners, such as Coast of Fuel Cards, EV Clever, Tobo, Recmaster, Coaster, Faz Alert, we buy key fobs, auto data direct, and fleet compliance solutions, free advertising in our national membership directory, and online directory, email updates, invitations to exclusive events and scholarship access. But best of all, you are pouring back into the industry to ensure we together make it stronger for generations to come. A special thank you to our partner, Gay Rochester of INA Toey, for her continued ongoing support service to TRAA and her commitment to safety for our industry with one over, lose none. Become a National Association member today at TRAAOnline.com.
Break: TRAA Advocacy Spotlight
Return And Wall Of The Fallen
SPEAKER_04All right, listeners, we are back. This is the Toe Professional On the Go podcast. And remember, this is your podcast. It's for the pros that have a need to know that are on the go. You guys have made it, you men and women have made it 23,000 plus strong. We appreciate you listening to it. And we also encourage you to go take a look at the videos on YouTube. You'll see my mug there. You'll see I've got a face for radio, but I'm gonna put it on YouTube anyway. So we uh appreciate your support and for watching us and glad to be back here with Jeffrey Goblin, the first vice president of the museum International Towing Hall of Fame Museum. I'll get that right here. Um well, Jeff, the the next thing I wanted uh to go over for our listeners is the wall of the fallen is uh I'm gonna I'm gonna say one of the most emotional uh parts of the museum. Um when I first went to it, um I I knew it wasn't my allergies, but for some reason my face uh just continued to be wet uh the first time I went and I walked away uh a new publication in the industry, knowing I didn't have uh the funds to help, but I wanted to help in some way. And uh that led to the Survivor Fund uh running in in the publication. But let me tell you, this wall of fallen uh is one of the most emotional parts. So let's tell our listeners that they don't know about it, what it is.
SPEAKER_02Well, and before I jump into the wall of the fallen, I do want to say thank you. You uh stepped up in a huge way, what, 20 years ago?
SPEAKER_0415.
Survivor Fund Purpose And Gifts
SPEAKER_0215 ago. But uh, you know, when we were, I think our death benefit at that time was probably 500 or$1,000, and we were really just getting things rolling. And um, you stepped up and provided some significant advertising and support for the museum and things that you do and trying to get the word out in front of people, and we really appreciate that. Um, but as far as the Wall of the Fallen goes, you know, it is our uh permanent memorial to honor those folks who lose their lives in the line of service to the motoring public. And that, you know, typically is operators, as we all see in the news, unfortunately, but it's anybody in the towing industry who um suffers a tragedy on the on the job. Um the Survivor Fund deals with deaths, we don't deal with injuries, um, haven't gotten that far yet, but um, we're here to um honor and recognize folks, and I think that the wall of the fallen provides a permanent memorial and a place of honor for those families to visit and understand that their loved one is being recognized, often for the first time when this happens. And so um we built the wall back in uh it was dedicated in 06, and we started putting names on in uh 2007, and today we unfortunately have 619 names on the wall. Um it's it's a very dangerous profession, and we want to remember those people, but we also want to make the wall a call to action for the public and the folks who visit.
SPEAKER_04Amen. Amen. I I tell you, like I said, when I was there and you watch not only the the wife or the husband, whichever case, come up and and accept uh the rose and and and the plaque, and and then you watch them after that go over and take the wax paper and and and uh and scribble the name and uh you see what it it means for their heart, even in a a tremendous time of loss, you see what it means to them uh to have an industry step up and and and honor their loved one for their service. So uh yeah, it's it it's so touching. Um, but the stories I've heard, Jeff, uh, from family members um that were just in a really uh tough time of need. And the museum stepped up and uh and provided those funds that sometimes made a difference between the lights being on and food on the table and uh the rent being paid. Um so uh uh God bless every one of our uh industry members that that that give to that because uh your actions, you know, this is one industry where I've seen the same people that get injured in this industry, the same people that throw in the most to help out others in this industry with these tight funds. So uh we do need not only the help from this industry, but from outside the industry uh to help uh with these families that can benefit in the time of need. Absolutely. Um now let me ask you this. We were talking about the Wall of Fallen, so that goes right into let's talk about the Survivor Fund and why it was created.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I mean, you know, I think that one thing that happens a lot is these tragedies often involve a single breadwinner household. And um folks that, you know, often live uh close to paycheck to paycheck or paycheck to paycheck as the case may be. And even things like workers comp can take months and months to work through. And the Survivor Fund was established because we're not insurance, we're a gift. And um, we were established to build rules to make sure that we govern this thing appropriately. But as we take in money from the industry, we use that to support these families. And um we started in 05. Um, we wanted to be very quick with gifts to offset that whole insurance problem and help people make their rent and groceries next week. Um, there's a committee of 10 people, and um, we run the applications through an internal process and verify rules, but we typically can get a checkout from the time we get an application, which sometimes is same or next day. Um, we can have a turnaround same day or the next day on getting a checkout to a family. So um we started, like I say, in 05. We started collecting money. I think we started giving gifts in 06 and uh might have been 07 even, and it was about$500 for the first ones. And now the minimum gift is$10,000. So and that's anybody in the industry. Um companies who are members have additional benefits, but um something we're real proud of.
Museum Weekend Highlights And Auctions
SPEAKER_04Man, praise God for it. And like I said, it's been so impactful to so many families. Um it's just uh a tremendous thing. And uh when you see the lives that are changed and they're and in their toughest times, and they're given a hand up to help them through it, um, it's phenomenal. Uh well, one more question. Let's let's talk a little bit about museum weekend and why it matters so much.
SPEAKER_02Well, I think it's the most important weekend of the industry.
SPEAKER_04I think I'll give I'll give you that.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I think when you touched on the Hall of Fame ceremony and the wall ceremony, um they're just things not to miss. Yeah, um, there's a lot of other museum activities that happen. You know, we do our largest fundraiser of the year at that event, uh, big auction, and um lots of really cool stuff we auction off this year. Uh Miller and Hino have donated a truck to be auctioned off that'll benefit the museum. And Landal has donated a 53-foot uh trailer that we're um auctioning off. And so uh between that and all the other many things we get from across the industry, uh, that is our biggest fundraiser and supports our efforts. But, you know, getting to Museum Weekend, it's it's a place where we certainly have the remembrance of the wall and the recognition of the the hall of fame, but it's it's industry community, it's a way to come together. And um, you know, we hope everybody will join us in October. Um, I don't know if the information's on the website yet today, and don't know again when this publishes, but it'll be on in the next couple of weeks. So it'll be on during February, and hopefully people will get registered and come to see us.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, you certainly uh listeners and those viewing this, you don't want to miss it uh this year. It's gonna be October the 15th through the 18th is Museum Weekend. And uh just like Jeffrey said, these are some of the the industry greats are there. You get the the opportunity to see the hard work, the sacrifice. I mean, let's let's think about this. This is men and women that miss uh they miss football games, baseball games, they miss birthdays, they miss, they work Thanksgivings and Christmas, um, and and they're selfless, uh I call them just self selfless road heroes of the industry, um, because they uh they arrive at some of our families' worst times, uh, and they're there to help in that time of need. So uh man, I just I celebrate uh our our towers in the industry. And like I said, 15 years being in this market and being in publishing a long time I have been in, this is my favorite industry of all. Um I I'm a car guy and I will polish a car for four hours to take it and show it off for 20 minutes. And I've watched men that and women get out there in the parking lot and polish a rotator from tip to tail for a uh for a two-foot-tall trophy or you know, just a small trophy to take home with them. And it's not about that, it's the pride of what they're able to do in this industry. Uh, and that's what means a lot. Well, listeners, let's do this. We're gonna take one more quick commercial break. And after this, we'll be back with more great information about the International Towing Hall of Fame Museum and the events that happen Museum weekend. Keep listening and God bless. We'll be right back.
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Why The Public Should Care
SPEAKER_04Well, welcome back, listeners. You are listening to Tow Professional Podcast. Every week we do our best to bring you great industry information and industry leaders like Jeffrey Godwin of the International Towing Hall of Fame Museum. Make sure you download, you listen, review. We're available on Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, Stitcher, iHeartMedia, Amazon, or wherever you get podcasts. And now you can see my mug on YouTube. So find us there, share with your friends, like. Like, comment, and uh, we appreciate you taking part of our podcast in the towing industry and making it yours because you drove us to these numbers. All right, so we're back with the first vice president of the museum, Jeffrey Goblin. And uh I know this, but I want you to explain it to our listeners and our viewers, Jeffrey. Why should people outside the towing industry care about all of this?
SPEAKER_02Well, it's an interesting question, you know. Uh certainly we want the people in the industry involved, but we need the people outside the industry, and they they have every reason to be involved. You know, you mentioned the sacrifices that this industry makes and the people in it. And um, those sacrifices are to keep transportation flowing, and that's important to all of us. And um, so the job that we do is important in and of itself. The fact that it is such a dangerous profession and it has the consequences that are out there is something that um, you know, we we need support to help. And I think everybody involved, uh everybody in the public has something at stake here because um this industry needs the support. So I think everybody should be involved, whatever industry you're in, but particularly those that are involved in the towing industry and those in uh industries that support towing.
SPEAKER_04And the the numbers now that they're they're going over, uh Jeff, what are the numbers as far as what we're losing on towers on a on a monthly basis? I think it's pretty staggering. Was it six around six uh six days or eight days we lose a tow or somewhere around there?
SPEAKER_02I think we use every six days a lot, and I think the official statistic was still hanging around 60 a year. Um, because of COVID and things, we've certainly seen that dial back. Hopefully, some of that's from safety reasons as well. Right. Um, but really just uh trying to see that level out. I think last year we um we we had 13 deaths, and certainly that's too many, but that is uh that was a lot less than we've seen in prior years. That definitely, definitely.
SPEAKER_04And and and for the public thinking about it, when you're riding down the road, whether you're you're checking the the messages on your phone or whether you're reaching over to change the radio station or whatever, these are things that are um that are taking the lives of our towers and roadside dot road rangers and uh and even uh safe public safety workers on the side of the road, just uh not paying attention and not giving space. So it doesn't have to just be a police car to slow down and move over. It's anybody on the side of the road. Um, just you have to think of yourself. What would I want somebody to do if I was on the side of the road, broke down with blown tire? I'd want them to move away from my family's car.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I mean, it's uh it's not an industry issue, it's a public safety issue.
Membership Levels And Visiting Details
SPEAKER_04Amen. I agree 100%. Well, let me ask you this. Um, so so talking about memberships, talking about how the the public or uh others can take part in this, um, what uh memberships or uh levels are are offered? And is there also membership levels for towing associations and and even corporations in this industry and outside?
SPEAKER_02Absolutely. Uh we have a whole lot of different membership levels available beginning. We have individual memberships that begin at$150 a year. We have company memberships for industry towing and roadside services and those kinds of companies that are start at 250. There's a variety of different levels that have different benefits. It's all outlined at towingmuseum.com. Um, there's association memberships, uh, those are$1,000 a year and come with different benefits. And then for corporations, um, those start at$1,000, and a lot of folks like to customize that offering. And so we're able to do that through our membership coordinators. So um really hope that folks will go to the toymuseum.com website, check out membership, join, become a member, and come to the event in October. It's uh life-changing.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, and there's there is so much to do in Chattanooga. I mean, bring your wife, bring your family. And I'm telling you, when you go into the International Hall of Fame Museum, you won't believe it. Not only is all the guy stuff there uh that we enjoy, and cool polo shirts and t-shirts and hats, even soap. Um, I'm I'm grabbing my soap there every year. Um, not that I just go through one bar, but I grab supplies, um, hats, and then there's everything for the wife, uh, toys for the kids. It's it's unbelievable. So uh you've got a many buckies uh uh there of everything that's imaginable inside that somebody's a great comparison.
SPEAKER_02It's it's a very large gift shop for a museum like that. And uh we do have quite the variety. So I appreciate the plug of confidence and hope that people will go visit that both online and in person.
SPEAKER_04Without a doubt. Well, guys, make sure you go to towingmuseum.com. Uh, if anybody wants a number, you can always call them and reach them at 423-267-3132. And uh the towingmuseum.com. If you're in Chattanooga kicking around, don't miss stopping by and taking a look. I mean, you you've got to remember they've got the Ernest Holmes Company um uh tower there that's what was it, 1913? Is that the yeah, 1913, and that thing is incredible in photos, uh actual photos of it pulling vehicles out. So the history there is unbelievable. And this is stuff that um our our fathers, our grandfathers, and our great-grandfathers had to use out there. When they say they walked uh 10 miles uphill both ways in the snow, you'll see some of the equipment they used to do it uh when they were out there. Well, as always, hey, uh Jeff or Gowen, uh I certainly appreciate you so much, not only for giving us time this morning on um on the Tow Professional Podcast, but also for your commitment to the industry uh and for what all uh the team members there uh at the International Towing Hall of Fame do. Because uh I know sometimes it's uh it can be a selfless work, but I've never seen so many people with their hearts in it so much um that love giving back to the industry and uh and covering others and showing them how much they appreciate them. So we thank you for that.
SPEAKER_02Um thank you. We have an incredible team.
Closing Thanks And Prayer
SPEAKER_04Definitely, definitely. Well, that's it. Uh for our tow professional listeners, keep listening to the Tow Professional on the Go podcast. We'll have more great guests, just like Jeffrey Godwin, the first vice president of the International Towing Hall of Fame Museum. Make sure you mark your calendar October the 15th through the 18th. A lot of you got the calendar that dropped to our top 10,000 across the nation. It's got an information on museum weekend. And we also have right in the front of the calendar, make sure you check out. There's a uh QR code for how to be a member of the museum. And there's also a way to engage and take part in the Survivor Fund. It's something that changes lives. And uh, if you ever went and saw um how the needs were were met or heard the testimonies of those that the museum has given to, it would it would make you say, Hey, that's a place I need to drop funds in every single year because they manage it and they put it in the hands where it counts. Thank you so much, Jeff Gowman, for being on here with the International Towing Hall of Fame Museum. And as always, I want to end this podcast with a prayer. If you bow your heads. Thank you, Lord, for our amazing men and women of towing. Uh, Lord, we just ask you uh watch over them, keep a hedge of protection around them, bless them and prosper them for their servant's heart, help them uh go out there and help others of the motoring public and return back to their families safe and sound. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank every one of our vendors. Uh, their knowledge base, their ability to make products for the industry that promotes safety. And Lord, we just ask you continue to help them with that. Uh, increase their knowledge in the industry, increase their ability to make products that will promote safety across the board and bless them for their efforts. Uh, we ask that you cover all of our men and women of towing and bring them home safe as always. Thank you so much, Heavenly Father, in your precious name, Jesus Christ. Amen. Thank you so much. And until next time, listen to Toe Professional on the Go podcast. We'll be back with more great guests, just like Jeffrey Godwin, first vice president of the International Towing Hall of Fame Museum. So stay tuned. Stay tuned, Godwin.