Mizutani, Joines, Others Named to Hall of Fame
Tomo Mizutani, former chairman and CEO of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., and Mike Joines, CEO of Tire Rack, are among the new inductees into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame.
“Our 2025 inductees embody the spirit of innovation and service that defines the tire industry,” says Dick Gust, CEO of the Tire Industry Association (TIA). "Their contributions have improved safety, expanded opportunity and shaped the way we do business worldwide.”
Mizutani, also a former chairman and CEO of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc., "has devoted more than 33 years to the U.S. replacement tire industry, leaving a profound and enduring impact. Under his leadership, Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. grew from near bankruptcy to nearly $1 billion in annual revenue," according to TIA officials.
"Through innovative marketing strategies and enthusiast-driven product development, Tomo redefined how consumers connect with tire brands, elevating Nitto into a household name with over 13 million social media followers. He was also instrumental in advancing gender equity at Nitto, culminating in the historic appointment of the tire industry’s first female CEO.
"His contributions have been recognized beyond the industry, with honors such as the International Citizen Award from the Japan America Society and the Outstanding Leadership Award from U.S. Representative John Campbell. Tomo also shared his expertise through speaking engagements at major universities and industry events, shaping both the tire industry and the broader business community.
"Mike Joines transformed how consumers buy tires. As the founder and longtime CEO of Tire Rack, he pioneered one of the industry’s first e-commerce platforms in the 1990s, giving consumers the ability to research, compare and purchase tires online with confidence.
"Under his leadership, Tire Rack became a trusted source for both everyday drivers and performance enthusiasts. Joines emphasized customer education through detailed tire testing, video reviews, and technical data - setting new standards for transparency and service. Tire Rack also wove motorsports into its brand identity, reinforcing its credibility with passionate enthusiasts.
"Even after Tire Rack’s acquisition by Discount Tire in 2021, the company continues to reflect Joines’ vision of innovation, customer trust and industry leadership."
Other inductees include Tom Klinge, co-founder of Klinge Group of Companies, and Peggy Fisher, former president, TireStamp U.S. operations.
"Tom Klinge is a globally respected pioneer in the OTR tire industry, admired for both his technical innovations and lifelong dedication to safety," say TIA officials. "As co-founder and managing director of the Klinge Group of Companies, president of the Australian Tyre Dealers & Retread Association and a longtime supporter of TIA, Tom advanced tire service standards worldwide."
During her career, Fisher, who served as TIA's president in 2007, "created comprehensive tire and wheel maintenance programs and training that significantly improved fleet safety and technician training. Her leadership extended through her work with the Technology & Maintenance Council, where she co-developed the Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide."
TIA also has awarded its Friend of the Industry honor to Maryland Delegate Kevin Hornberger, "a key champion in helping launch Maryland’s Rubber Modified Asphalt project, a groundbreaking initiative that incorporates recycled scrap tires into pavement," say TIA officials.
"The Friend of the Industry Award recognizes well-known individuals who are allies and proven supporters of the tire industry."
Honorees will be "acknowledged during the 2025 Global Tire Expo-Powered by TIA, held in conjunction with the SEMA Show, Nov. 4–7, in Las Vegas, Nev."