The Automotive Lift Institute Hall of Honor recognizes the nine lift manufacturers that formed ALI in 1945, as well as the men and women whose exceptional dedication and leadership have furthered the automotive lift industry in North America. Introduced in October 2023 with the induction of the first class of honorees, it is located in ALI’s Cortland, New York, headquarters.
FOUNDING MEMBER COMPANIES
- Curtis Pneumatic Machinery Company (St. Louis, MO)
- Gilbert & Barker Mfg Company (Springfield, MA)
- Globe Hoist Company (Philadelphia, PA)
- Hayward Products Company (Los Angeles, CA)
- Joyce-Cridland Company (Dayton, OH)
- Rotary Lift Company (Memphis, TN)
- Wayne Pump Company (Fort Wayne, IN)
- Weaver Manufacturing Company (Springfield, IL)
- U.S. Air Compressor Company (Cleveland, OH)
E.K. “CHIC” AND ANNE FOX
THE PARKER ORGANIZATION
Chic and Anne dedicated 43 years to ALI, guiding it through lean economic times and onto the path of redefining lift safety requirements. During their tenure, ALI moved to a performance-based safety standard, developed requirements for third-party lift testing and certification, introduced the ALI Gold Certification Label, and created lift safety materials. Chic served as ALI’s first president from 1974 until 2005. Anne was known for her business acumen, memory, attention to detail, and unwavering honesty.
THE PARKER ORGANIZATION
Chic and Anne dedicated 43 years to ALI, guiding it through lean economic times and onto the path of redefining lift safety requirements. During their tenure, ALI moved to a performance-based safety standard, developed requirements for third-party lift testing and certification, introduced the ALI Gold Certification Label, and created lift safety materials. Chic served as ALI’s first president from 1974 until 2005. Anne was known for her business acumen, memory, attention to detail, and unwavering honesty.
F.G. “RICK” HEATH
HEATH AND ASSOCIATES
Serving ALI as a Member, Committee Chair, Board Chair (3 terms), and independent Technical Consultant, Rick was instrumental in every major ALI lift safety undertaking for more than 50 years. He created the first draft of ALI-sponsored lift safety standards ALCTV, ALOIM and ALIS; helped develop ALI’s Automotive Lift Certification Program; and served as the primary Subject Matter Expert for ALI’s Lift Inspector Certification Program.
HEATH AND ASSOCIATES
Serving ALI as a Member, Committee Chair, Board Chair (3 terms), and independent Technical Consultant, Rick was instrumental in every major ALI lift safety undertaking for more than 50 years. He created the first draft of ALI-sponsored lift safety standards ALCTV, ALOIM and ALIS; helped develop ALI’s Automotive Lift Certification Program; and served as the primary Subject Matter Expert for ALI’s Lift Inspector Certification Program.
CURTIS JOSEPH “JOE” MATTHEWS SR.
ROTARY LIFT
Joe had an unwavering dedication to automotive lift safety in North America. As Rotary Lift’s representative to ALI for more than 30 years, he led and managed the organization’s technical matters and standards activities through the evolution from a national design standard to the introduction of the first lift safety performance standard in 1974.
ROTARY LIFT
Joe had an unwavering dedication to automotive lift safety in North America. As Rotary Lift’s representative to ALI for more than 30 years, he led and managed the organization’s technical matters and standards activities through the evolution from a national design standard to the introduction of the first lift safety performance standard in 1974.
JIM “J.R.” WILLIAMS
ETL TESTING LABS
J.R. was instrumental in the development of ALI’s Automotive Lift Certification Program, the first and only accredited independent third-party lift testing and certification program in North America. He introduced key product safety requirements during the process, including electrical product listing, labeling, and testing by an OSHA-accredited nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). The program launched in 1992.
ETL TESTING LABS
J.R. was instrumental in the development of ALI’s Automotive Lift Certification Program, the first and only accredited independent third-party lift testing and certification program in North America. He introduced key product safety requirements during the process, including electrical product listing, labeling, and testing by an OSHA-accredited nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). The program launched in 1992.
GARY KENNON
VEHICLE SERVICE GROUP
Gary’s commitment to continual process improvement in the name of safety was apparent throughout his work on ALI’s Board of Directors and the many committees he chaired during more than 25 years of industry leadership. His vision of a modernized ALI representing a larger segment of the industry was instrumental to the launch of the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program and the development of the ALI Associate Class in 2013.
VEHICLE SERVICE GROUP
Gary’s commitment to continual process improvement in the name of safety was apparent throughout his work on ALI’s Board of Directors and the many committees he chaired during more than 25 years of industry leadership. His vision of a modernized ALI representing a larger segment of the industry was instrumental to the launch of the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program and the development of the ALI Associate Class in 2013.
JEROME “JERRY” LENTZ
CHALLENGER LIFTS
Jerry served ALI for 26 years, including three terms as Chairman of the Board. He provided a sound strategic and financial presence and unwavering support as ALI experienced significant growth and relocated twice under his leadership. As a reliable, hardworking leader, he helped bring ALI’s Lift Inspector Certification Program to fruition.
CHALLENGER LIFTS
Jerry served ALI for 26 years, including three terms as Chairman of the Board. He provided a sound strategic and financial presence and unwavering support as ALI experienced significant growth and relocated twice under his leadership. As a reliable, hardworking leader, he helped bring ALI’s Lift Inspector Certification Program to fruition.
JOSEPH L. “JOE” GRAY
GRAY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Known by many as an inventor and a mentor in the lift and jack industry, Joe founded Gray Manufacturing in 1952. He was passionate about making the industry safer through product design, manufacturing, and ease-of-use innovations. In addition to owning many patents for designing lifts and other vehicle service products focused on operator safety, Joe advocated for Gray to become an ALI member and was a strong supporter of its lift safety efforts.
GRAY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Known by many as an inventor and a mentor in the lift and jack industry, Joe founded Gray Manufacturing in 1952. He was passionate about making the industry safer through product design, manufacturing, and ease-of-use innovations. In addition to owning many patents for designing lifts and other vehicle service products focused on operator safety, Joe advocated for Gray to become an ALI member and was a strong supporter of its lift safety efforts.
See photos from the Hall of Honor unveiling at the ALI Blog
