Elwin P. Hyatt

Elwin was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on April 30, 1940.  He graduated from Wappingers, Central School District in 1958 and from Dutchess Community College in June, 1960.  At that point, he joined his father in the operations of Hyatt’s Garage which was opened in 1924.  The business currently remains in its original location.
Elwin learned to drive while parking wrecked cars in the storage lot when he was young.  After he received his driver’s license in 1956, he started driving a 1946 Studebaker tow truck with a homemade crane and hand winch.
Elwin took over the daily operations of Hyatt’s Garage upon his father’s death in May 1972.  His mother continued to do the accounting and dispatching until her health began to fail in the early 1990’s, she passed away in September 2000.
Over the years, Elwin has increased the scope of their towing operation to include light, medium, and heavy duty towing, recovery and transportation.  Today, the company operates four flatbeds, three heavy duty wreckers, one medium duty wrecker, one light duty wrecker and one Landoll Trailer.
Elwin is TRAA Level 1, 2 and 3 certified.  He holds a current membership with the Empire State Towing & Recovery Association of which he is currently Vice President.  He has also dedicated a lot of time to working closely with the East Fishkill Fire District where he has been made an “Honorary Member”.
Elwin has no plans of retirement and will continue to work as long as he is able.

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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.

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