Ralph H. Reavis

In 1928, Ralph Reavis went into business as Auto Parts and Electric and sold his first automotive wrecker that same year. During his fifty years in business, he sold only three different brands of wrecker equipment and at one time or another, was the largest distributor for each. Further, at one time, Ralph Reavis was the largest volume distributor for wrecker equipment in the country, and most likely the entire world.

Ralph Reavis is known for his honesty and integrity. He often extended, or arranged, credit terms for deserving operators who needed help. Though not an operator himself, his counsel was sought by many. Since he retired prior to the formation of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of North Carolina, he had no active role in that association. However, in carrying out the tradition he started, his company was instrumental in helping TRPNC get started and the final founding meeting was held at Auto Equipment.

Ralph Reavis is active in church and civic affairs as well as the towing industry for fifty years. At the time of his retirement, he passed along his creed to his son as … “I have never done anything that I’m ashamed of and I have never done anything that I would not want you to do.” Ralph Reavis passes a legacy of fair play and honesty, not to just the marketers and manufacturers, but to the entire towing industry. Indeed, Ralph Reavis can be a role model for us all.