Gene Gratzer
Gene was born April 15, 1940 in Tacoma, Washington and still makes his home in Tacoma with his wife Paula. Gene has 3 grown children from a prior marriage and Paula has 2 grown children.
Gene has contributed to his community all of his life and is Past Exalted Ruler of Puyallup Elks Lodge 1450 and maintains a lifetime membership status. He is also a life member of Day Island Yacht Club and was involved in boating for many years. Gene was an avid big game hunter and enjoys the outdoors. His current hobbies include snowmobiling and riding personal watercraft. He has always been a family man and to this day, his best friend is wife, Paula. All of their leisure time is spent together.
Gene started out in the towing business in the Puyallup area in 1962 with C &: G Towing. He operated a body shop and towing company as well as serving WTTA offices of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and eventually President in 1976-77. Gene was named Washington State Tow Truck Operator of the year 1977. In 1985, WTTA chose Gene to accept the job as Executive Director. Gene’s selection as the Executive Director brought his intimate knowledge of the towing industry to WTT A. His success as a tow operator and his dedication to the industry together to be the appropriate blend of skills and ability that the committee felt would be right for WTTA. WTTA’s decision to hire Gene proved to be the correct decision as he still serves as the Executive Director of WTTA today.
Gene also serves as a liaison between the Washington State Patrol, the Department of Transportation, Department of Licensing and the industry. His professionalism and dedication to being this link helps to maintain favorable relations with these agencies for all tow operators in the state. He also works with respected industry educators to facilitate educational workshops, seminars and schools to further the continuing education of this state’s operators.
Gene, through many long hours of hard work and dedication, has helped make Washington’s association one of the most active and is the oldest in the United States. WTTA is a leader in legislation to protect citizens as well as towers. As the Executive Director of WTTA, Gene remains the one constant factor of the association members and the Board of Directors.