Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/164136
FEATURE STORY Van Beek's courage earned him decorations from the governments of Canada, Great Britain and the Netherlands. He is particularly proud of the decoration awarded to him in person, shortly after the war by Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight Eisenhower. Gys and Zwaantje with Congressman Raul Labrador, who holds the Congressional Record honoring van Beek's accomplishments. During the Holocaust, van Beek was instrumental in helping others. In 1999, he was also recognized as an Aid Giver for helping to save Jewish lives by the Shoah Foundation (founded by Steven Spielberg). ica have been further honored, as entered into the Congressional Record of July 24, 2012 by Idaho Congressman Raul Labrador. Gys emigrated to the United States in 1948, aboard the ship, the Ernie Pyle. In 1954 he moved to Idaho, where he started a dairy farm. He and his wife Zwaantje soon became citizens. Unfortunately, he ultimately lost the farm that had been his family home for 40 years as a result of legal difficulties, which he continues to contest. But Gys van Beek is resilient. In 1995 he decided that he'd (literally) invent his way out of these challenges (which, after all, paled in comparison with fighting the Nazis). And so began a successful career as the inventor of hand tools (and more). Insert Trucker's Friend.jpg Innovation Factory is very proud to be the exclusive licensee of the Trucker's Friend™. As the name implies, Gys invented this multi-purpose tool to meet the needs of professional long-haul truckers. But the Trucker's Friend has now attracted a broad (and vocal) follow- One of Gys' most popular inventions is the Trucker's Friend, a multi-purpose tool to meet the needs of professional long-haul truckers. The more than two hour interview with Gys by the Shoah Foundation is now available on YouTube. Van Beek's selfless acts of service to Amer- ing among fire and rescue workers, outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists and preppers, as well as truck drivers and other motorists. The serious tool has even been adopted by the community of zombie hunters! For more information about Van Beek and other inventors, please visit www.innovationfactory.com. OO / OWNER OPERATOR / SEPTEMBER 2013 / / 36 OO 0913 text.indd 36 8/7/13 8:31 AM