Jeffrey I. Badgley
Elected: March 12, 1999
Inducted: August 21, 1999
Jeffrey I. Badgley was born April 8, 1952 to Charles and Betty Badgley, the youngest of three children, in Hobart Indiana. He graduated from Hobart High School where he was active in school politics and served as editor of the school year book his senior year. He graduated from Indiana University, Phi Beta Kappa, with a BS in 1974. He received his MBA from Indiana University in 1982.
Jeff grew up in his father’s business, a truck equipment sales company in Indiana. After graduating from Indiana University with a BS and MBA Degree, it was natural for Jeff to pursue a career in the truck equipment field.
Jeff took some time off in Colorado to work at Devil Thumb Ranch, where he irrigated hay fields, cowboyed the horses and relaxed, and also sold some lighting by phone in 1975. In 1976 he worked in sales for Bennett’s Mobil Wash in Indianapolis. He then joined his father at Walkerton Equippers as a salesman, where he took over the sales management job in 1977.
Jeff began his career in the towing and recovery industry in 1981 with Challenger Wrecker Mfg., Inc. where he served as VP of Sales until 1988. During this time he was working full time and earned his MBA from Indiana University. In 1988, Jeff moved to Century Wrecker Corporation as VP of Sales and Marketing. As Century, Challenger, Holmes and other companies were consolidated into Miller Industries, Jeff remained VP of Sales and Marketing and was instrumental in merging the sales and marketing of these products into a major supplier to the towing and recovery industry. In 1996, Jeff became President of Miller Industries Towing Equipment, Inc. and in 1997 he became CEO. Throughout his career he has shown leadership qualities that has allowed every endeavor he has undertaken to prosper.
Jeff has shown his commitment to our industry through his financial support both personally and corporately. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum and is an invaluable member. His personal and corporate commitment has without a doubt been the strongest reason for its continuing success. Our industry owes Jeff a resounding thanks for his past and continued support.