ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Michael Cardone Jr., owner and chief strategy officer, CARDONE Industries, was presented the prestigious Triangle Award, the highest honor awarded by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), during the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) Golisano Conference, held in Rochester, N.Y., on Sept. 24. MERA is the remanufacturing division of MEMA. 
“It is fitting that as this prestigious award marks its 40th year, we recognize an individual who has had such a longstanding influence on the motor vehicle parts industry and an impressive record of service to MEMA and MERA,” said Steve Handschuh, president and CEO of MEMA. “The growth of CARDONE Industries and MERA is a testament to Michael’s drive and commitment.”
Cardone founded CARDONE Industries with his late father, Michael Cardone Sr., in 1970. Beginning in just a single room in Philadelphia, the business has grown to become a major global supplier with more than 6,000 employees. CARDONE Industries now spans three generations, and is the largest family-owned remanufacturer of motor vehicle parts in the world.
“Michael humbly credits his service to a strong calling to engage with his peers to improve the industry,” Handschuh said. “He willingly shares his expertise and thought leadership as a frequent keynote speaker at industry and business events.”
Cardone has been an active member in many industry associations, especially MEMA and its supplier-focused divisions. He has served on the Board of Governors of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), MEMA’s light vehicle aftermarket division; as a past chairman of the MEMA Board of Directors; and as the founding chairman of MERA.
“Michael’s most recent contribution to our industry — and perhaps closest to his heart — is the establishment of MERA,” said John Chalifoux, president and chief operating officer of MERA. “He was the driving force behind the association’s launch in 2011. Under his leadership and guidance, MERA has grown to more than 100 member companies, and has become a leading voice for the global remanufacturing industry.”
Cardone’s years of service to industry groups also have been recognized by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and the Automotive Hall of Fame.
Other past recipients of the MEMA Triangle award include Bob McKenna, retired president and CEO of MEMA; Bill Glasgow Sr., retired president of W.T. Glasgow Inc.; Pete Kornafel, vice chairman of CARQUEST and chairman of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Committee; Gene Ezzell, retired president of Crane Cams; David O’Reilly of O’Reilly Automotive Inc.; Pete Joy of Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems; the late Joseph M. Magliochetti of Dana Corp.; Tom Gallagher of Genuine Parts Co., Atlanta, Ga.; Robert H. Raff, MAAP; L. Gene Stohler of Masco Tech Inc.; Frederick J. Mancheski of Echlin Inc.; John M. Riess (then of The Gates Rubber Co.); the late Larry McCurdy (then of Moog Automotive); and Jack Reilly (then of Tenneco Automotive).
