The founders of two key tire dealerships, the co-founder of one of the world’s largest tire companies, and a leading antique/classic tire marketer are among six industry leaders elected to the Tire Industry Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame class of 2009 includes:
• John Kelsey, owner and president of Kelsey Tire Inc., based in Camdenton, Mo. The first to license Goodyear brand classic tires, Kelsey built an industry-leading, world-wide business 39 years ago.
• John Collins, current owner of American Crane Inc., Garner Iowa, who is credited with developing key tire service tools and equipment still used in the OTR industry.
• Charles Seiberling, co-founder of both the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in 1898, and of the Seiberling Rubber Co. in 1922.
• Harvey Firestone Jr., son of the founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. who served as president, CEO and chairman for more than 20 years.
• Tom Pumpelly, founder of independent dealer and franchisor NTW Inc., now part of TBC Corp.’s NTB unit.
• Robert Ewing, founder of independent dealer Tire America, now part of TBC Corp.’s NTB unit.
The six new Hall of Famers will be recognized during TIA’s Tire Industry Honors event during this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The event will be held on Monday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at Caesar’s Palace.
