Bob Purcell and Jack Woodland will be inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame at the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Hall of Fame Breakfast on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nev.
"This year’s inductees are two of the 'leading lights' in the tire industry," says TIA President Steve Disney. "Bob and Jack have contributed greatly to the tire industry, and are richly deserving of their awards."
Robert G. "Bob" Purcell
Purcell is president of Purcell Tire & Rubber Co. During his career, he expanded the company from three locations to more than 50 in 11 states, including Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah.
With more than 1,000 employees, Purcell Tire ranks as one of the top independent commercial tire dealerships in North America. It is the fourth largest retreader in the United States, according to Modern Tire Dealer's "Top 50 Retreaders List."
The company is the 12th largest independent tire store chain in North America based on number of stores.
After nearly 40 years at the helm, Bob transferred 100% of the dealership’s common stock to his employees in September 2002.
He also volunteers time to both TIA and the Missouri Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association, and is one of the most active and valuable contributors to the growth of the TIA’s "Off-the-Road" Tire Conference.
John D. "Jack" Woodland Jr.
Woodland began his career in the tire industry with positions at U.S. Rubber Co. and at Market Tire Co. in Washington, D.C., where he was general manager of a 13-store retail chain.
From 1965 to 1977 he was with Pirelli Tire Co., first as president of its Italian Tires distribution subsidiary, then as executive vice president of Pirelli Tire Co. based in New York City. During his tenure, he acquired five import distributors and created six sales distribution companies.
As CEO and president of Oliver Rubber Co. from 1978 to 1994, Woodland increased sales and profits 14-fold through the acquisition of six manufacturing companies and the establishment of international subsidiaries and licenses.
Woodland was managing director of Benwood Consulting Associates until 1997, when Marangoni S.p.A. in Italy named him CEO and president of its marketing and sales subsidiary in the U.S., Marangoni Tread North America. He is now the company's chairman.
During his career, Woodland has served as chairman of the Tread Rubber and Tire Repair Materials Manufacturers Group four times; chairman of the Tire Retread Information Bureau; and has been a member of the Advisory Councils for both the ARA and NTDRA, predecessors to TIA.
In 1999, he was honored with the ARA Industry Leadership Award.
"The Tire Industry Hall of Fame inductees bestow honor and respect on this association," says incoming TIA President Tom Raben.
The TIA Hall of Fame Breakfast is part of the International Tire Expo and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. Individuals interested in attending the Las Vegas show may receive show, hotel and special event registration forms by calling TIA’s fax-on-demand service at (888) 889-7391 and requesting document 1080.
