Oct. 29, 2015—On Wednesday, The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) announced Pamela Gatto, president of Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service, as the recipient of its 2015 Female Shop Owner of the Year Award.
Gatto will receive the award at the WB press conference and reception on Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Sands Expo, room 310 during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.
The award is given out annually to an auto care shop owner in recognition of her involvement in the industry and commitment to the advancement of women.
Gatto is president and owner of Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service, which has six locations in Florida. She gained national attention in 1997 when she became the first female president of the Tire Association of North America (now the Tire Industry Association). She is also a past president of the Florida Independent Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association and is one of only three women to be inducted in the Tire Industry Hall of Fame.
She has been recognized in her community for her business and philanthropic endeavors. In 2010, she was named the Founders Forum’s Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2014, she was inducted as a Laureate to the Junior Achievement of the Space Coast Hall of Fame. She has served as the president of Junior League of South Brevard (Fla.), chairman of the board of the Brevard Workforce Development Board, Space Coast Tiger Bay Club and Brevard Art Museum Board.
"Pamela is an inspiration to me and the many female shop owners across the country," said Amy Mattinat, president, Car Care Council Women’s Board and owner, Auto Craftsmen, Montpelier, Vt. "Not only does she run six locations of Gatto's Tires & Auto Service, but she still finds time to be involved in the tire industry and give back to her community. This award is truly a well-deserved tribute to her leadership abilities and commitment to the advancement of women within the auto care and tire industry.”
“Pamela has accomplishments both nationally and locally, in the industry and in her community, making her a great role model for any woman in the industry,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO, Auto Care Association.
“Pam Gatto is that rare example of a person who works harder than everyone around her and makes it look easy. Her national achievements are numerous and her tireless support of the community she lives in is commendable,” said Bill Ronat, vice president and co-owner, Brandt Ronat & Co. “Pamela leads by example. She leads by consensus. And her example as a woman in a leadership position has created a path that many more have followed.”
