The Tire Industry Association (TIA) awarded the first Marvin Bozarth ETS Technician of the Year to Tony Pass with Jim Whitehead’s Best One Tire and Service in Oakwood, Georgia during the recent OTR Tire Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Tony was nominated by his management and a customer to receive this prestigious award. They praised his professionalism, attention to detail and focus on safety as reasons why he should be recognized as the first ETS Technician of the Year.

Tony and his wife, Donna, received an all expenses paid trip to Puerto Rico including airfare, hotel, conference registration and a leisure activity. He was given the Golden Hard Hat plaque, a symbol of the unique nature of OTR tire and wheel service. Tony received a standing ovation as he was presented the award from TIA President Deb Hamlin during the opening session of the OTR Conference.

“It was an honor to present Tony with the first Marvin Bozarth award and be part of this experience with him and Donna,” said Hamlin. “OTR tire technicians are the unsung heroes of this industry and I’m proud to be part of an organization like TIA that recognizes the importance of the role they play in keeping the world moving.”

The first class experience was made possible by the generous support of eight sponsors: AME International, BKT USA, Fuller Brothers, KLINGE, Myers Industries, Purcell Tire & Rubber Company, Rimex and Stellar Industries.

“Next year, there will be a second ETS Technician of the Year recognized in Orlando,” said Kevin Rohlwing, TIA Chief Technical Officer. “Tony and Donna had first class treatment across the board because we had the support. For 3 days, we were able to honor one of the hardest working tire technicians in the industry. Our goal is to build on that and make the 2026 experience even more special for another OTR tire service professional.”

Nominations and sponsorship will open this summer. For more information on the Marvin Bozarth ETS Technician of the Year award, visit the TIA website at: www.tireindustry.org/about/awards/marvin-bozarth-ets-technician-of-the-year3/

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Tony Pass Named Marvin Bozarth ETS Technician of the Year