WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Ron Katz eloquently summed up what it means to be a humanitarian in the tire industry.
"It's great to give back!!" the Midas of West Palm Beach owner wrote on LinkedIn last month after his latest contribution to a person in need.
Katz, with help from a variety of community stakeholders, donated a refurbished automobile to a local woman named Marie, a cancer survivor in need of transportation. The presentation was made March 20 before several members of the West Palm Beach community.
Marie was diagnosed with cancer in June 2015, given three months to live. The single mother of three defied the odds and is now cancer-free, but since the diagnosis, she has faced additional health issues. A former Uber driver, she needed transportation in order to support her family.
A local non-profit tipped off Katz — the 2021 winner of the Tire Business Tire Dealer Humanitarian Medal, for above-and-beyond service to his community — about the woman's plight.
Katz, a bundle of energy, sprung into action. Florida Direct Cars of Stewart, Fla., donated a vehicle; O'Reilly Auto Parts of West Palm Beach provided the necessary parts; and Katz's Midas of West Palm Beach crew refurbished the 2010 Honda CRV to mint condition, helping her re-establish her family's financial security.
"Our team, our community is behind what we are doing today," Katz told the crowd of onlookers during the presentation.
The donation reflects the intent of Project Spark, a national Midas initiative that inspires Midas dealers to help families, veterans and first responders to return to the road.
"This is what the community is all about," said Linda Collymore, a community champion and overseer of Operation Kingdom International, a ministry focused on helping make the world "a better, happier place."
"We never know when we, or someone we love, might be in that position," Collymore told the crowd.
"I don't care what people say; there's still hope," she said. "I don't care what people say; we're still one. I don't care what people say; there's still work to be done. And I personally believe we are the answer. We need to savor moments like this."
Collymore then turned her attention to Katz, a community icon who, like his mentor and fellow dealer former Humanitarian winner Mark Smith of Midas of Richmond, never met a cause he didn't support.
"Ron is always running around, trying to help somebody," Collymore said. "I am so honored to collaborate you.
"Ron, you're the MVP here today. We celebrate you."
This is just one pixel of the image that is today's independent tire dealer: Someone who cares deeply about their area and gives back as often as possible.
Those dealers often conduct these charitable deeds without any fanfare or notoriety; their only goal is to make a difference in the community they serve.
We at Tire Business have been bringing their dedication to life for more than three decades. And it's time to honor another humanitarian.
Tire Business is seeking nominations for its Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award.
The award, in its 32nd year, recognizes an independent tire dealer or retreader who during the past year has made significant contributions to the betterment of their community through charitable and/or public service work.
The award has become one of the most coveted honors in the tire industry. The person selected as winner will have demonstrated an unselfish commitment to the betterment of others.
Nominations will be judged by an independent committee outside of the tire industry. The winner will receive the Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award Medaland a $2,500 donation to the charity of his or her choice.
Last year's winner was Gus Herlong, president and chief operating officer at Palmetto Garage Works of Columbia, S.C.
"We view it more as this is part of our culture," Herlong told Tire Business after learning of winning the honor.
"This is part of our business. If we have been accepted into a community to do business in, it's our obligation to reciprocate."
The award is open to any independent tire dealer or retreader in North America, regardless of business size or sales volume. Nominees must have an ownership stake in the business. Self nominations are welcome.
This is important: Nominators are encouraged to renominate candidates if they are not past winners. Each year, we receive testimonials about several deserving candidates. We want to honor as many of these dealers as possible.
To enter your nominee, complete the nomination form, attach detailed support material and mail as soon as possible. Detailed support material is required for the nomination.
If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected] or Managing Editor David Manley at [email protected].
Deadline for entry is July 31.
Thank you, tire dealers, both big and small, for everything you do for your community.
I look forward to meeting the recipient of this year's Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award.
