TIA Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees, Friend of the Industry Award

BOWIE, Md. - The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Tire Industry Hall of Fame inductees and the recipient of the Friend of the Industry Award. These prestigious honors recognize individuals whose leadership, innovation, and advocacy have made a lasting impact on the tire industry. The honorees will be acknowledged during the 2025 Global Tire Expo-Powered by TIA, held in conjunction with the SEMA Show, November 4-7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2025 Tire Industry Hall of Fame Inductees

The Tire Industry Hall of Fame is the industry's highest honor, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated significant and lasting contributions to the tire industry in areas such as technological innovation, business leadership, safety, advocacy, and education.

"Our 2025 inductees embody the spirit of innovation and service that defines the tire industry," said Richard "Dick" Gust, CEO of TIA. "Their contributions have improved safety, expanded opportunity, and shaped the way we do business worldwide."

This year's inductees are:

Tom Klinge

Co-Founder, KLINGE Group of Companies - Chelmer, Queensland, Australia

Tom Klinge is a globally respected pioneer in the Off-the-Road (OTR) tire industry, admired for both his technical innovations and lifelong dedication to safety. As co-founder and Managing Director of the KLINGE Group of Companies, President of the Australian Tyre Dealers & Retread Association (ATDRA), and a longtime supporter of TIA, Tom advanced tire service standards worldwide.

In the early 1980s, he and his wife developed Tyre Management Software (TMS)-a groundbreaking system that revolutionized OTR tire tracking and performance management. Today, it remains the industry standard across mining operations worldwide. Tom also developed and donated training curricula and safe work procedures that formed the foundation of TIA's Earthmover Tire Service (ETS) Program, saving lives and raising professional standards in one of the most hazardous sectors of tire service.

Tomoshige "Tomo" Mizutani

Adviser and former CEO & Chairman, Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. - Costa Mesa, California

Tomoshige "Tomo" Mizutani 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.

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.

Peggy Fisher

Former President, TireStamp U.S. Operations

Peggy Fisher is one of the most respected voices in truck tire and wheel safety. Beginning her career at Roadway Express, she 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 (TMC), where she co-developed the Radial Tire Conditions Analysis Guide and earned the inaugural Peggy J. Fisher Study Group Leadership Award, an honor that continues to bear her name. She also served as TIA President in 2007, helping guide the association during its formative years following the ITRA-TIA merger.

Peggy's legacy includes leadership roles with the Tire Retread Information Bureau, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and authorship of federal studies on tire safety. Her efforts directly improved technician safety, fleet maintenance practices, and industry training programs across North America.

Mike Joines

Founder/CEO, Tire Rack - South Bend, Indiana

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.

Friend of the Industry Award

The Friend of the Industry Award recognizes well-known individuals who are allies and proven supporters of the tire industry. This year, the association is proud to honor Maryland Delegate Kevin Hornberger as the 2025 recipient.

Delegate Hornberger was a key champion in helping launch Maryland's Rubber Modified Asphalt (RMA) project, a groundbreaking initiative that incorporates recycled scrap tires into pavement. His leadership with state agencies and policymakers was instrumental in making Maryland's first RMA demonstration project a reality in 2025."

"TIA is proud to recognize Delegate Hornberger as a true Friend of the Industry," said TIA CEO Richard "Dick" Gust. "His contribution in advancing the Rubber Modified Asphalt project represents a huge win for tire recycling, sustainability, and the tire industry as a whole."