Joe Saputo Named CARSTAR Franchisee of the Year

Following the closing ceremonies of CARSTAR’s recent 2023 conference, the fanfare has faded, but the celebration continues for Joe Saputo, owner of CARSTAR Ancaster, CARSTAR Ancaster West and CARSTAR Guelph.

Joe has been a staple in the CARSTAR franchise since even before he officially joined the network as an owner. His parents, Sam and Rosa Saputo, were first-year CARSTAR owner-operators and Joe attended his first CARSTAR conference as a teenager in 1994, alongside his brother Paul.

Growing up surrounded by the automotive industry, it wasn’t long before Joe worked his way up to becoming an owner in his own right. By 2016, Joe had become the owner of the legacy location, CARSTAR Ancaster, and success coupled with substantial growth quickly followed.

“Since officially joining the CARSTAR family in 2016, Joe has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to success,” said Sabrina Thring, chief operating officer, CARSTAR Canada. "His proactive approach to technician development and adaptability to the evolving collision industry landscape have set him apart.”

However, Saputo’s success was not without struggle and a comprehensive understanding of the industry landscape. Joe recognized the high demand and low supply in the collision space and sought advanced solutions that would benefit both the consumer and the technician doing the work.

CARSTAR Ancaster was the first CARSTAR facility in North America to bring on the Glasurit 100 Line, an eco-friendly refinish paint and innovative pigment technology that accounts for the vast spectrums of colors in the automotive sphere.

Industry evolution will continue to be not only vast, but fast as well. The electrification of vehicles and the tremendous changes in electric vehicles alone have revealed an even higher degree of importance to stay ahead of the curve and lean on OEM partners to proactively understand changes. As a seasoned pro, Joe Saputo has become adept at predicting the unpredictable. But, there was one industry announcement he could not predict: receiving the honor of CARSTAR’s franchisee of the year

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as CARSTAR’s franchisee of the year,” said Joe Saputo, owner of Saputo Capital Collision. “I do this for my family, my community and for the industry. I feel more charged than ever to finish out 2023 continuing to deliver operational excellence and stay ahead of the curve.”