The Car Care Council Women’s Board (WB) has announced that Pamela Gatto, president of Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service, is the 2015 recipient of the Female Shop Owner of the Year award. Gatto will be presented with the award at the WB press conference and reception at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Sands Expo, room 310, during AAPEX 2015 in Las Vegas.
The Female Shop Owner of the Year award is bestowed annually to an auto care shop owner in recognition of her involvement in the industry and commitment to the advancement of women. Several industry leaders commented on Gatto’s recognition.
“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, Vermont. “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.”
Gatto is president and owner of Gatto’s Tires and Auto Service, with six locations in Brevard County, Florida. Many years ago, she dove into the family business, founded by her father, and in 1994 became president. She oversees the thriving retail and commercial tire and automotive service business, now run with the help of her sons.
Gatto 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 Florida Independent Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association. She is one of only three women inducted into the Tire Industry Hall of Fame (inducted in 2001), and her business was recognized as Tire Review magazine’s Top Shop Award winner in 2007.
She has been consistently recognized in her community for her business and many philanthropic endeavors. In 2010, she was 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.
Gatto has served as the president of Junior League of South Brevard (Florida). She served as the chairman of the board of the Brevard Workforce Development Board, Space Coast Tiger Bay Club and Brevard Art Museum Board.
Her board service with Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center began in 2001 and provided leadership in the areas of quality initiatives and governance. Gatto has been a trustee at Health First Inc. since 2007 and starting October 2015, Gatto will serve as vice chair of the board and chair of the Brevard Health Alliance.