---
title: "34-Year Tenured Veteran Wins Maaco’s Tony Martino Hall of Fame Award at 2024 Annual Convention"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/36eed405-2703-4463-8bb5-1b5f8f330dd8
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20241216_34year_tenured_veteran_wins_maacos_tony_martino_hall_of_fame_award_at_2024_.html
category: "Collision"
industry: "Automotive"
segment: "Collision"
published: 2024-12-16T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T18:23:38.059Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1450101499163-c8848c66ca85?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# 34-Year Tenured Veteran Wins Maaco’s Tony Martino Hall of Fame Award at 2024 Annual Convention

**TL;DR:** Maaco announced Joe Houghton, a 34-year veteran and owner of Maaco West Springfield, as the 2024 recipient of the Tony Martino Legendary Hall of Fame award. Houghton was recognized for his exceptional service and commitment to the brand and his local community.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2024-12-16. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20241216_34year_tenured_veteran_wins_maacos_tony_martino_hall_of_fame_award_at_2024_.html).*

## Story

As part of the mainstage session, Maaco announced the 2024 recipient of the Tony Martino Legendary Hall of Fame award, presented by this year’s title sponsor, Sherwin Williams.

The Tony Martino Award is an award created to recognize individuals who truly exemplify Maaco’s values as a retail brand. This award celebrates someone who is not only an exceptional brand ambassador but who also consistently operates with excellence and serves as a positive influence for both the brand and their local community.

Joe Houghton, veteran and owner of Maaco West Springfield in Massachusetts, was selected for this honor. As a veteran, this owner’s commitment to service extends beyond his business. He selflessly devotes his time to supporting fellow veterans in his community. When a local veteran’s car was vandalized, he stepped in to refurbish it, ensuring that this veteran had a reliable vehicle. And last winter, he organized a coat distribution drive for military members and their families.

“I feel privileged to honor a franchisee who has been with the brand for over 30 years,” said Dave Gross, interim president, Maaco. “Thirty-four years, to be exact, of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to their team, their customers, and their community. Joe and his wife Kris are a remarkable example of what it means to represent Maaco—individuals who embody positivity, resilience, and a constant drive for excellence.”

“We take great pride in serving our community and none of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our amazing customers,” said Joe Houghton, owner of Maaco West Springfield. “I owe so much to my incredible managers, Ashley and Chris, whose dedication and leadership make our business what it is today.”

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Automotive (sector)
- award recognition (topic)
- community service (topic)
- franchisee award (topic)
- Maaco (company)
- Sherwin-Williams (company)
- Joe Houghton (person)
- Dave Gross (person)
- Kris Houghton (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20241216_34year_tenured_veteran_wins_maacos_tony_martino_hall_of_fame_award_at_2024_.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/36eed405-2703-4463-8bb5-1b5f8f330dd8).