LAS VEGAS — The Specialty Equipment Market Association's Wheel & Tire Council has named the late Wayne Williams, a long-time wheel and tire industry advocate and founder of ExSell Marketing Inc., to its Hall of Fame.
Mr. Williams died unexpectedly July 19 at age 62. His son Ryan Williams accepted the WTC honor on his and his family's behalf.
In his remarks on the award, WTC Chairman Greg Parker said the honor was in recognition of Mr. Williams' "creativity, dignity, integrity and being industrious," while also contributing to the "growth, progress and professionalism" of the wheel industry.
Besides running his own business, Mr. Williams was a monthly columnist for Modern Tire Dealer and a regular speaker at automotive aftermarket events.
Before founding ExSell Marketing, Mr. Williams worked for race car driver Parnelli Jones at the 1963 Indy 500 winner's chain of Firestone retail tire stores and also for Discount Tire Centers in southern California.
He was a former WTC chair-elect and served on the WTC select committee for several years.
Mr. Parker also noted that Mr. Williams was known for his unbridled enthusiasm and creativity.
Mr. Williams' wife Tia was also on hand at the event honoring her late husband.
In his remarks, Ryan Williams noted that his dad always stressed that "communication is 90 percent of everything, and the last 10 percent is just showing up."