From BodyShop Business
             
Anthony “Tony” Martino, founder, former chairman and CEO of MAACO, was posthumously inducted into the International Franchise Association (IFA) Hall of Fame on Sunday, Feb. 23 during the opening general session at IFA’s Annual Convention in New Orleans.
 
The honor recognizes figures that exemplify the optimum in franchising and have contributed significantly to the advancement of franchising and the franchising community.
 
Accepting on his behalf will be son, Mark Martino, who has served the MAACO brand in a number of capacities since the company’s founding.
 
Martino began his career in 1959 with a simple shop specializing in automatic transmission repair. The founder of AAMCO Transmissions significantly grew the business throughout the 1960s before selling it and turning his automotive knowledge and business insights to MAACO.
 
When Martino opened a pilot MAACO Auto Painting & Bodyworks center in 1972, he positioned the brand between low-cost auto painters and expensive dealership work. The company rapidly grew into the MAACO known today – “North America’s Bodyshop” – offering easy and affordable repairs for accident damage, dents and faded paint for close to 500,000 drivers annually.
 
“We are honored to induct these five franchise icons into the IFA Hall of Fame,” said IFA Chairman Steve Romaniello, CFE, managing director of Roark Capital Group. “Each of these leaders has made significant contributions to the growth and sustainability of franchising in the U.S. and around the world. The elements of their success have informed franchise leaders of today and will continue to contribute to the success of franchise leaders well into the future.”
 
Added MAACO President Jose Costa, “Tony Martino was honored this year for his business acumen, but his real legacy includes much more. Tony’s understanding of people and ability to listen made him the great franchise leader and customer advocate that he was. Following in the footsteps of a visionary like Tony is both humbling and challenging in the best way. While we continue to build the MAACO brand, we retain the passion for people and putting the customer first that is Tony’s legacy.”