Robert F. Hoppes, Sr.
Elected: April 13, 2002
Inducted: September 27, 2002
Born in 1924 in Portland, Michigan, he and his wife were married for almost 50 years and together they raised 10 children, six of whom are actively involved in the family business.
Robert started in business in 1947 and continues to own and operate Reed & Hoppes Towing of Portland, Michigan. His firm specializes in light, medium and heavy duty towing and recovery as well as transportation and storage. In addition to his towing business, his firm also specializes in designing, building and selling all types of wreckers.
In terms of community service, Mr. Hoppes recently received a plaque inscribed in appreciation of 50 years of Outstanding Service to the Ionia State Police Post and the Citizens of Michigan. A lifetime member of the Moose, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, Robert has also served on the local school board and Orange Township Board and as Treasurer of the Michigan Towing Association.
Though starting a bit slow at age 77, Robert remains active in both his business and the towing and recovery community and has long since deserved a place in the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame.
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.