Insight
Published and updated
The #1 Place Towing and Recovery Professionals Need to Visit
The great state of Tennessee has a lot to offer, but the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum is a rare gem. Near famous Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, this important mecca of the industry is full of history and must-sees for any professional in the field.
Why Chattanooga? The first tow truck was invented less than 4 miles from the museum by industry pioneer Ernest Holmes, making it the perfect spot for the landmark. Dedicated in 1995, the museum exhibits equipment dating back to the industry’s inception in 1916.
Because this organization is so important for recovery and towing professionals everywhere, we want to give you an overview of the hall of fame and museum and tell you a little bit more about safety in this business.
The Museum
According to this entertaining review, even the museum’s building smells like grease and old cars — a dream for towing and automobile enthusiasts. Upon entering, guests are greeted by nearly 20 towers and wreckers; most of them very rare, unique, and fully-restored.
The museum has a lot to offer about evolution of tow trucks and wreckers with their rotating collection of exhibits. More importantly, the museum often hosts tours, school groups, and special events to educate visitors on the importance of the towing and recovery industry and to immerse them in its history.
The highlight of the International Towing and Recovery Museum is not an exhibit at all, but a memorial outside of the main building which honors those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It depicts a tow truck driver saving a father and his son from a car sinking into a body of water.
The Hall of Fame
Another key feature of the museum is its Hall of Fame. This section honors individuals in the towing and recovery industry who have made significant advancements and notable achievements in the field.
The Hall of Fame also showcases pioneers in the industry such as Ernest Holmes, Sr., the inventor of the modern tow truck. Paying homage to these leaders and innovators is something that should be at the top of every towing and recovery professional’s bucket list.
In addition to the museum and the Hall of Fame, there are a few other features you can enjoy at the International Towing and Recovery Museum and Hall of Fame. A library, gift shop, theater, and learning center are all important stops for your towing and recovery experience.
The organization is a non-profit and is funded by donations, grants, and gifts from both individuals and corporations. It’s up to us to keep people aware of such an important site in the towing and recovery industry for the history, the present and the future.
Safety in the Industry
If the museum and Hall of Fame remind us of anything, it’s that safety is the number one priority when it comes to being successful in the towing and recovery industry. Whether you’re working solo or with a crew to recover vehicles from an accident scene, efficient communication can be a game changer.
Hands-free headsets with team communication capabilities can literally be a lifesaver in these types of scenarios. Yelling across lanes of traffic is no longer acceptable, instead, level up your professionalism and efficiency and utilize a headset communication system.
Are you an active worker in the towing and recovery industry? Isn’t it time you made clear, timely communication a priority?
You’ll be better at your job with Sonetics wireless communication headsets. Sonetics is proud to have earned a trusted reputation in the industry, and we know we’ll earn your trust, too. Our hands-free headsets will save you time and reduce stress when you’re out on the job. Who doesn’t want that?