Charles Schmidt
Charles started his career by joining his family’s garage business and growing the business by obtaining towing contracts with local authorities. At the same time, Charles volunteered with many towing organizations, making his first connection with the Professional Wrecker Operators Association in his home base of Long Island, NY, eventually serving as its president.
An accomplished industry leader, Charles is president of C. Schmidt & Sons. For 50 years, Charles has tirelessly guided the towing community by serving in leadership roles in several towing associations, including the Empire State Towing & Recovery Association (NY) and TRAA. In addition, he served for several years as a member of the International Towing and Recovery Museum’s board of directors. He has loaned a vintage Holmes 110 tow truck which is currently on display. Charles has been a lifelong student and advocate of the towing industry. He continues to advise local towing companies in adjacent towns through his role on the Towing Advisory Board. For the past 20 years, he has consulted with several organizations on contested invoices. As president of the Interstate Towing Association, he assisted with its merger into the TRAA. Charles is an outspoken advocate for his state towing industry and is an advocate on a national level.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ITRHFM- HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM
HALL OF FAME NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Tow Equipment/Product Innovation
Innovation of a product sold in the marketplace that has helped move the industry forward. Candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of service to the industry.
Exemplary Dedication
Candidate must have 20 years running a towing business in an outstanding and exemplary manner, promoting a positive image of the towing industry and have positive relations with the community, i.e., performing services for the community about and beyond the services for hire. Limit: One inductee per year.
Industry Leadership
Leadership involved with an outstanding project that has had a dynamic and lasting effect on the towing industry. Candidate must have minimum 10 years service to the towing industry.
Professional Achievement
Creating a product or service of any kind that has had a significant and lasting effect on thousands of towing professionals. Candidate Must have a minimum of 10 years to the industry.