Category: Real Life Legacies

Collision Repair

Retiring Right: Owners of Romeo’s Garage and Bodyshop retiring after 50 years in business

Ottawa, Ontario — After decades of hard work and long hours, Romeo and Genuia Donatucci feel now is the time to retire as owners of Romeo’s Garage and Bodyshop and welcome in a new generation.  Since 1970, the couple has been repairing cars for over 50 years and they will tell you it’s not easy […]

February 9, 2021

Collision Repair

Not Ford But Foss: The tale of Canada’s first gas-powered vehicle, the ‘Fossmobile’

Sherbrooke, Quebec — George Foote Foss was the first in Canada to invent his own gasoline-powered automobile in the spring of 1897.  He was only 21-years-old and called his masterpiece, the “Fossmobile.”  “We grew up listening to my grandfather and father tell stories of the ‘Fossmobile,’ and it was just something my whole family grew-up […]

February 8, 2021

Trade Shows

Remember the Name: Nominate the next inductee into SEMA’s Hall of Fame

Diamond Bar, California — On Jan. 26, 2021, SEMA announced that they are now accepting nominations for the Hall of Fame award.  SEMA established the Hall of Fame award in 1969 to honour the outstanding persons in the automotive specialty industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness, and accomplishments, on a national basis.  “It is designed […]

February 3, 2021

Business

Leading the Way: 2020 Outstanding Leadership Award presented to Paul McCarthy

Toronto, Ontario — Paul McCarthy, president, and COO for Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has been awarded the 2020 Outstanding Leadership Award in honor of Jack Creamer by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWAD). The award is considered as the automotive aftermarkets’ highest honor, and was presented on Mon., Nov. 16, 2020, during a virtual […]

November 17, 2020

Business

A Family Dynasty: APT Auto Parts — 40 years of Quality Service

Burnaby, British Columbia – The mid-70s saw the start of the Lebanese Civil War, which was around the time Salim Abu-Ata was running a successful Fiat dealership in Beirut. Salim knew once rumours of a civil war came to a head, he would have to leave his business to ensure his children’s safety. In 1979, […]

October 7, 2020

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Sam Mercanti

What drew you to the Collision Repair Industry? I needed a job and loved the business and the people Years in the Industry? 51 years Do you still work in the industry? : NO What is your current position? If no, why not? If retired, when did you retire?: President and CEO of Mercanti Management […]

February 24, 2020