CTTA - Key Persons
Angelo Tomassi was born in Strangolagalli, Italy on November 17, 1945; he was one of seven children born to Aldo and Anna Tomassi.
Angelo, who didn't speak English yet, came to New York in 1958 where he lived with family until he joined the United States Air Force and moved to California. There, he was an Air Force mechanic, stationed near Sacramento, California, and had a part-time job as a mechanic for a nearby Shell gas station. After leaving the Air Force, he continues working as a mechanic and moved to Santa Clara, California where he opened his own gas station, Angelo's Shell.
During the 1970's gas shortage, when the theme park Great America opened in Santa Clara, Angelo would shuttle his customers to Great America, while their vehicles were being serviced. This free shuttle to the park brought TV commercials and the towing side of his business began to take off. Soon after, he had four tow trucks and in 1972, Angelo changed the name of his business from Angelo's Shell to Great America Towing, Inc.
Angelo served as President of the Greater Bay Area Chapter, he also served as the Convention Chair and hosted drivers competitions at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds.
Angelo passed away in 1994 and was awarded the California Tow Truck Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. His legacy continues with each of his sons, who are actively involved in the towing industry today, and by two grandsons that are named after him.
Bill Swink opened his first business in 1962 with one Texaco service station & auto repair shop and soon sxpanded to three locations. As the gas shortage of 1975 took hold, Bill decided to expand into the towing industry. By 1979, after purchasing two wreckers, his towing career began to blossom. Bill quickly grew his fleet to 17 trucks and., until his death in 2005, was an active Member in the CTTA, serving as President for one year and working actively with CHP and local CTTA Chapters to improve the overall image of the towing industry. Swink Enterprises is in its 56th year of operation, serving the Simi Valley.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner of Ellison Wilson Advocacy
Brooks Ellison has represented the California Tow Truck Association since 1996. For over 21 years, Brooks has been the General Counsel and legislative advocate for the Association. As General Counsel, Brooks attends board and committee meetings and offers legal advice in order to protect the association and it's reputation. As the Association's lobbyist, Brooks is a fierce advocate for the industry, fighting for the association to make sure that the association's interests are represented at the State Capitol.
Brooks Ellison received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the California State University at Chico. He's been a member of the State Bar for over 30 years. His legal experience truly gives him a unique insight into the California legislative process and distinct advantage when advocating for the Association at the Capitol. The years that Mr. Ellison has spent developing significant relationships, combined with his complete knowledge of the legislative process, and his dedication to the industry make Brooks a true champion for the Association.
Job Titles:
- Founder of Pomona Valley Towing, Inc
Coy Moody was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on November 12, 1943. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years, in both Thailand and Vietnam, and after his service he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Science.
He was in business from 1973 to 2003 with Amaral Shell, Mission Whipple Shell, Hub Shell, Fremont Shell and Union Square Automotive, where he had repair services, food marts and tow operations.
Coy towed for AAA and joined the California Tow Truck Association in 1986 where he held various offices at both the Chapter and State level. He was also a member of Lions Club International and awarded Lion of the Year for District 4-C1, as well as Lion of the Year for Union City Club and Redding Club.
Coy served as Chaplain for the district, was an Elder at his church in Fremont, California, and served on the Lions All Star Football Committee. During his time with the Lions Club International, Coy was instrumental in helping the Lion's to bring in the Spot Camera, which replaces the E Chart; it can detect 5 eye diseases, as well as print out prescriptions for school aged children in Northern California schools.
David McDanell was raised in the agriculture community of Delano, CA. During his high school years, David was employed at a local full service gas station which offered towing services and was soon promoted to Towing Manager, a position he held until graduation in 1974. After a brief stint as Equipment Manager at a construction company, David moved on to managing a vehicle recycling company in LA. In 1992, he built a service truck in which he offered on-call mobile diesel repair. Now, David is the President & CEO of K.A.R.S Transportation, Inc which operates Dave's Fleet Maintenance and Towing.
-Born in 1942, Frank Andrews has been a fixture in the Sacramento valley for 7 decades. In the early 60's Frank acquired 3-A Body Shop which had a towing service. In 1966 Frank was awarded a AAA contract but was told he could no longer use the name 3-A Body shop. Frank promptly renamed the business Sierra towing as the Roseville location was nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Soon after the phone book salesman told Frank that Sierra would be located at the end of the yellow pages and would never receive a hit, Frank without hesitation renamed the company Alta Sierra. It was to become the seed bed for a number of successful businesses over the next 5 decades. In 1971 Alta Sierra moved to 202 Taylor where it remains to this day. In 1971 he also opened up C&H paint store. In 1975 Frank sold the paint store purchased B&J Body Shop and Towing. B&J along with Alta Sierra ran roughly ½ the calls in the valley in those years until growth made it too cumbersome and in 1979 created Evans towing out of the north area of B&J. B&J was later purchased by Rick Johnson & Steve Messner. In 1984 Frank purchased Auto Service Center which quickly became one of the larger contract stations in the AAA enterprise. It was later purchased by Bud Boxwell of All Valley Diesel. In 1993 he started Sacramento Body Shop and Carriage Towing which was later purchased by Brian Healy. Frank has served as local CTTA President in Sacramento, 1st Vice President at the State level as well as two term State President. He was instrumental in starting the education program while acting state President and has always advocated for the operators in the field as well as the professionalism they display without recognition.
Frank Scotto has spent much of his life dedicated to his community and country. He was born in Riverside in 1948. His family moved to San Pedro and finally to Torrance where Frank grew up attending St. Margaret Mary Catholic School and Fermin Lausen High School. Frank continued his education and graduated from El Camino College in 1969 and briefly attended California State University, Long Beach, where he studied business. His education was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War.
During Frank's military service in the Army, he worked with the Pentagon to plan troop movements and deployments throughout the world. Frank was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant after eighteen months. Frank is proud and humbled to have served his country. He values his service and commitment to the Army.
Frank returned to civilian life and in 1974, he owned his first gas station, and one year later he started a company called, Frank Scotto Towing. Frank Scotto Towing began with one tow truck and a vision to serve the community. It grew into a small business that provided emergency assistance for hundreds of motorists through the Freeway Service Patrol, California Highway Patrol and the Automobile Club of Southern California as well as numerous other towing clubs. Under Frank's leadership, Frank Scotto Towing employed over seventy employees and earned accolades as a premier community service in the field.
Frank continued his dedication his community in 1997 as a commissioner on the Torrance Civil Service Commission. This position launched a Eighteen-year commitment to the City of Torrance, including being elected to the City Council in 2000 and serving as Mayor Pro-tem. In 2006 and again in 2010, Frank was elected Mayor of Torrance. During this time, Frank worked to make the City of Torrance a desirable destination to live and work. His focus for the city was to provide more opportunities for youth and give emphasis to environmental protections such as the installation of storm drains Grates. Under his leadership, the City of Torrance planted over one thousand trees, emphasizing his commitment to bolstering future generations.
Again, Frank's vision to serve the community was exercised by specializing in several committees during his service to the City of Torrance. Such committees included: Transportation, Veterans, Finance and Governmental Operations, and Youth Task Force. His commitment was exemplified by his diligence to not only serving these committees, but by researching and knowing the services being provided to the public. Frank worked and advocated to make proposed projects in Torrance a reality by upgrading the Torrance Public Library, developing several pocket parks such as the Seaside Heroes Park, and campaigning for the Toyota Sports Complex, a state of the art facility that supports youth sports. A very gratifying accomplishment while as Mayor was to develop Students and Government Day which gave the opportunity for 8th grade students to experience local Government life for a day.
Frank's involvement with the City of Torrance is not limited to his time as an elected official. He was on the Board of Directors of the South Bay Police and Fire Memorial for twenty years and a founding member and the first chairperson of the Torrance Police Foundation. He is currently involved in various non-profit organizations such as The Arts Council of Torrance, Torrance Sister City Association, The Torrance Rose Float Association, and the Chambers of Commerce of Torrance, Redondo Beach, and Lomita.
Frank has been awarded several accolades including: the Member of the Year Award from the Lomita-Torrance Rotary Club, the Civilian Achievement Award from the Redondo Beach Police Department, the Honorary Service Award from the Torrance Parent-Teacher Association and the Jared Sidney Torrance Award from the City of Torrance.Frank still lives in Torrance with his wife of nearly fifty years, Cindy. His vision of a Torrance being a desirable destination has been fulfilled with his two children and five grandchildren. He values these honors to be evidence of his life committed to his community and country.
-Glenn has given to the towing industry through tireless volunteerism to the CTTA, his community and his church. Through the years Glenn has successfully run his own businesses as well as instructed light and heavy duty classes for CTTA, and he took the administrative reins as interim executive director in order to move the office operations from Palm Springs to Sacramento in 2011. Starting in 1985, Glenn bought Lafayette Tow, a failing enterprise and made it profitable then started another towing business, LaMarinda Tow, quickly growing from 3 trucks to a fleet of 9. In 1990 he purchased another small towing operation which turned into what we know as Vacaville Tow. Glenn later decided to branch out but didn't stray far, purchasing a towing equipment dealership in Sacramento now called Truck Body Sales. During his career, Glenn has stayed involved in CTTA activities as a director on the board, President of Capitol Chapter, Vice President of CTTA, Education Committee Chair, Legislative Committee Chair and he served 2 terms as President of CTTA from 2005-09. Glenn was honored as CTTA Member of the Year in 2003. He currently serves on the Towing Regulatory Oversight Council and is heavily involved with the United Coalition for Motorclub Safety. His belief in giving back didn't end with his industry, he has also been active in the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and activities for local children such as Red Ribbon Week, Friday Nite Live, Vacaville Kid Fest, Fiesta Days and local athletic teams.
Jay Van Arsdale first learned how to drive a tow truck while working for his uncle at a Huntington Beach Shell station. From there, he worked at a Texaco Station where Country Club Towing operators would fill their trucks. After work, he would ride with those drivers and learn about running auto club calls. After graduating high school, Country Club towing gave Jay a job running those auto club calls. Nearly 40 years later, Country City Towing is still assisting the motoring public. Jay has deep involvement with CTTA, stretching back to its founding in the Los Angeles area.
Ken Kay was born in Taft, California on March 12, 1955, and was a tow operator in California for 30 years. He began his career as a tow operator in 1972 and graduated Highland High School in Bakersfield, in 1973.
In March 1972, Ken worked for South Union Body Works in Bakersfield as a driver, welder and body repairman, where he worked for and learned from his 1987 Hall of Fame Member father-in-law, Don Heins. In 1979, Ken entered Management, and in 1983 he was the General Manager of South Union Body Works, overseeing the operations of 40 employees in 3 facilities with 8 Heavy Duty trucks, 6 Light Duty trucks and two CHP areas.
In 1984, after a change in ownership at South Union Body Works, Ken opened Kern Towing & Salvage in Bakersfield, California. Starting with one Heavy Duty truck and many good intentions, Ken built Kern Towing & Salvage to 4 Light Duty and 8 Heavy Duty trucks, with 8 employees, in just 17 years. In 2001, Kern's Towing & Salvage was sold to Jim's Towing, and Ken started Towpros, while still consulting for Jim's Towing.
Ken first became acquainted with the California Tow Truck Association, while working with South Union Body Works and later became a member himself in 1984, when he opened Kern Towing & Salvage. In 1997, Ken was the Vice President of the Golden Empire Chapter as well as serving on the CTTA CHP TSA committee. In 1998, he was made President of the same chapter and was the CTTA CHP TSA Committee Chairman from 1999 to 2001. He also served on the CTTA Legislative Committee from 1997 to 2001 and was the CTTA Legislative Committee Chairman from 2000 to 2001. During this time he was also the 2nd Vice President State Level from 2000-2001 and a Light Duty Level Towing Instructor for the CTTA Education Program. Ken was CTTA Member of the Year in 2000 and served on the AB 1708 and SB 46 Committees.
Ken has been married to Evelyn since January 25, 1975, they have two children, Michelle and David, and three grandchildren, Cienna and Trinity Amerson, and Logan Kay
Lewis Bambauer was raised on a dairy farm in Orland, CA and has operated Bambauer Towing Service there since 1975. Before becoming a business owner, Lewis was a parts manager at Putnam Chevrolet. Ron & Phil Putnam convinced Lewis to buy his first tow truck in 1973. Karla and Lewis Bambauer married in 1983 and decided that towing should be a full time business for their newly formed family. Working full time jobs while building their business, Lewis and Karla secured a AAA contract and purchased a permanent shop. Today, they operate the business with their two sons.
Job Titles:
- President
- Vice - President - ERSCA
-Pat Sweeny owned Alviso Tow starting in 1975 and Pat's Lien Service in 1976 to present, which is when she began her involvement with CTTA. Pat was Chapter treasure 1983-2007, Chapter president 1985-1986, first women in this position. She was involved in most GBA picnics over the years, many of which at Santa Clara Fairgrounds. Pat served on the CTTA board as Secretary 1987-1988 and Co-chaired two conventions, Concord with Bob Berry and San Jose with Angelo Tomassi. Pat was also a longtime member and supporter of Tow ladies of CTTA.... contributing anywhere it was needed. Pat's Lien Service received the CTTA Associate Member of the Year Award in 2001 and 2015. She helped establish a Rotary chapter in Alviso, CA and was the secretary and treasurer for several years. In addition, Pat has supported many youth sports teams over the years.
Rich Chappel was a founding member of CTTA, and a Leader who shepherded others with his guidance, advice and love. Please click below to peruse these honorable recipients from past years.
Robert Brough or "Bruffy", as friends and family called him, started in the heavy trucking & transportation business in 1950, but his interests soon turned to towing. In 1973,he joined Fruehauf Corporation and immediately became involved in the development and sales of towing equipment. Assisted by his wife and lifelong partner, Bobbie, the Brough's went on to purchase a towing company and today, Bruffy's Del Rey Towing is a modern operation capably managed by two of his four sons who and assisted by other family members.
Sherry White entered the towing business with her husband, Walt, in 1976 after opening a Shell service station, expanding to four locations, and purchasing their first tow truck. In 2018, Sherry and Walt finally retired and closed Walt's Mission Pass Towing. After 42 years of owning a business, Sherry turned her attention to supporting CTTA in all avenues. Sherry has already served as President of CTTA, CTTA Foundation President, GBA Chapter President, GBA Chapter Treasurer, CTTA Board of Directors State Director, and was instrumental in approving the development of CTTA's TROC.
Steven Hendrickson started his career in towing in 1972, working for Mike Mores Towing in San Diego. He fell in love with the industry and after only few years, in 1979 Steven decided it was time venture off on his own and thus Western Towing began. Working with one truck, Steven focused on a winning philosophy for success and became "Your No Problem" Towing Company. Over the next four years Western Towing grew steadily, providing commercial towing services to individuals and the automotive repair industry. By 1983, Steven expanded to a seven truck operation and established his first vehicle storage facility and qualified for the California Highway Patrol Rotation.
Steven continued to flourish delivering quality services in commercial, fleet, law enforcement and private sector towing. Steven has experienced steady growth over the following years expanding to a fully owned sixty-five truck fleet, employing over one-hundred and forty employees and establishing nine operational facilities throughout San Diego County.
Steven has spent his life working hard for the towing industry. He has spent many years involved in the CTTA, helping understand and implement laws that govern our industry, working with companies to better understand and adhere to those laws and always maintaining a philosophy that it can be done the right way. He truly cares about where this industry is going and works tirelessly with company's throughout California to insure productive and profitable companies.