IAM is pleased to announce the induction of three new members into the Hall of Honor in recognition of their significant contributions to the industry and the Association. IAM will celebrate these individuals at the Hall of Honor Recognition Ceremony and Luncheon at the 2023 IAM Annual Meeting & Expo. We encourage all Annual Meeting registered attendees to join us for this session.

The Hall of Honor was established in 2008 to pay tribute to those Industry leaders whose careers reflect exceptional and distinguished service to their companies or the Association, or who have worked to elevate the industry as a whole. Since its inception, 81 deserving individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Honor.

Please join us in celebrating this year’s inductees!

Steve Lewis

Steve Lewis was born in Cardiff in 1965, the baby brother to his two sisters, Wendy and Debbie. He later became the favorite uncle to his two nieces, Meg and Beth, and two nephews, Frankie and Sonny. Although he lived overseas for almost 30 years, travelling the world with his job and calling Malaysia home, he never forgot his Welsh roots and was a patriotic Welshman. He was a great and passionate sportsman, and in his school years played rugby, football (where he played in goal), darts and golf. An interesting fact about Steve that not many people knew was that he was also the local Subbuteo champion. Steve studied at Sheffield University where he made lifelong friends and it was during his Uni years that he discovered his love of travel.

His travel took him to Germany first, where he washed dishes in a castle hotel, then to the USA where he tried his hand at dry wall and insulation work. Then to Hong Kong and China where he studied Mandarin and met his wife, Yan Chun, or Andie as she is known to most.

In Beijing, he was the Holiday Inn and Hilton Hotel gym manager and a founding member of the Beijing beer and darts club. He played rugby for many teams throughout Asia; Beijing Devils, Shanghai Hairy Crabs, Guan Jo Rams, Hong Kong Happy Valleys and the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur. When his playing years came to an end, he continued to share his passion for rugby by coaching local young teams, making lifelong friends all around the world through the sport.

During his time in Asia, Steve discovered the relocation industry, which very quickly became a new passion. In 2015, Steve joined the Voerman Group after a long career in the international moving industry working for leading global companies. Throughout his career at Voerman, he managed corporate clients, trained and mentored young talent, and began establishing Voerman’s presence in Asia with Asian Mobility Services, serving as supporting talent in the area as well. Steve was passionate about our industry, and as a FIDI trainer he shared his passion and knowledge with the movers of the future. 

We will always remember how committed Steve was to the industry. In addition to his role as Chair of the Hall of Honor Selection Committee, FIDI trainer, conference host (who will ever forget his opening role call in Cannes?), he also volunteered for many association committees and was highly vocal about improving our industry—particularly the implementation of technology.

Steve always had a cheeky smile, and was a storyteller; he had a warm and welcoming personality and an ability to make everyone feel special. He has been described as having all the charisma of a De Niro-esque superstar.

Steve’s passing leaves a tremendous void—he was a true legend of the moving industry and he would want his family, friends and industry colleagues to live life in his same spirit.

Jim Putt

In 1981, Jim Putt created American International Forwarding based on the idea that forwarding and logistics companies were not enough when managing a major life event for a client. American International Forwarding eventually grew to become Aires, a leading global mobility firm, and Jim served as Aires’ leader for more than 20 years. Jim was focused on innovation and a customer-first approach; he was the first person in our industry to create a video that explained the international move process, making it far more tangible for families when preparing for a move. This included sending a VHS video to every relocating family, long before streaming video on the Internet was an option. He was also critical in changing the mindset of the industry, with a philosophy of “we move families, not just freight,” which raised the bar for customer experience in international moving. 

Forty-two years after founding American International Forwarding, Jim’s legacy remains not only intact but an inspiration to leaders focused on the employee experience, both internally at Aires and in the broader relocation industry. His impact continues to be seen throughout the moving industry as Aires continues to be a leader as a freight forwarder and global mobility company. When interviewed prior to his passing in 2022, Jim humbly stated, “I couldn’t be more proud of the organization that has been built and that I was responsible in some tiny way for the beginning of it.” In truth, his legacy and philosophies were paramount to Aires’ success. Aires has grown to be a technology-focused, people-and-process-driven, full-service global mobility company, and that all started with Jim Putt’s dream, vision, and grit.

In addition to his work with Aires and within the industry, Jim was a loving father and grandfather, a veteran of the United States Army, and a loyal friend to those who knew him. He was known for providing sage counsel in business, invaluable life lessons, and a contagious zest for life and laughter. His legacy continues to impact and inspire those who work to continually evolve the employee experience.

Stephen J. Weitekamp

Stephen J. Weitekamp has spent his professional life working in the moving industry on a career path that has led him through almost every job in moving and storage. Working for one employer for 26 years has helped to make him uniquely qualified to represent the industry. He personally handled moves for President Ronald Reagan, along with numerous dignitaries and celebrities, including traveling from Hawaii to New York City to oversee unique moving installations. 

Steve has been active in California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA), a not-for-profit trade association representing over 350 licensed California moving companies and almost 200 affiliated businesses operating within the state, for more than thirty five years. He has served at both the chapter and state level of CMSA since 1988. Steve was elected to CMSA’s Board of Directors in 1991 and elected Chairman of the Board for the 2001–2002 year. Since March 1, 2006, he has served as President of the California Moving and Storage Association.

Steve’s goals for the CMSA are to work with its members to improve the image of our industry with the moving public and the government agencies that regulate it. His goals include educating the public that an “internet only” mover is not a viable option when selecting a mover, and to offer quality endorsed programs and continuing education to make the CMSA an increasingly valuable asset to its members. 

Steve serves on numerous industry committees and boards including ATA MSC, MSI, IAM, and NCMA. He also has been a member of the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services Advisory Council since its inception. 

The chart below provides a full picture of Steve’s ongoing legacy of industry engagement:

California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA)

Los Angeles Chapter President: 1988 – 1990

Board of Directors:  1991 – 2005

Chairman of the Board:  2001 – 2002

Association President:  2006 – Present

American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)

Board member:  2015 – 2020

Committee Membership

• ProMover Brand 

• Oversight Committee (PBOC):  2012 – 2020

• Government Affairs Committee

Moving and Storage Institute (MSI)

Board member 9-7-17 – Present

ATA/Movers Conference 

Board member (inaugural board):  2020 – Present

Government Affairs Committee:  2020 – Present

• Leader ATA GAC 

• Enforcement Task Force 2020 – Present

International Association of Movers (IAM)

Agent Advisory Committee:  2015 – Present

IAM External Relations Subcommittee:  2017 – Present

Task Force DAB (domestic asset-based movers):  2020

DAB Management Board (inaugural member):  2021 – Present

National Council of Moving Associations (NCMA) 

Member:  2006 – Present

Director:  2012 – 2015

Chair:  2015 – Present

California - Department of Consumer Affairs

BEARHFTI Advisory Council member:  2017 – Present