Martin Auto Color – History
Martin Auto Color began as a humble startup, driven by a passionate group of dedicated individuals who aspired to be the most trusted supplier of auto body shop products on the West Coast. Founded in 1989 with just two locations, the company has grown to 34 distribution centers serving California, Oregon, Washington as well as Western Nevada.
At the helm of this journey is Glenn Martin, who entered the automotive industry in 1971 as an energetic nineteen-year-old, delivering supplies for a family-owned auto parts and paint store. Over the next nine years, he immersed himself in every aspect of the business, ultimately purchasing the store chain from his employer and embarking on his entrepreneurial path. Through relentless dedication and hard work, Glenn expanded the business to 26 locations in just seven years. However, as the company grew, so did Glenn’s vision and goals.
Recognizing the importance of personal customer service, Glenn made the bold decision to sell the business and start anew. Partnering with respected industry colleagues—including Daryl Fielder, Lisa LaMacchia, Rich Mathiesen, and Fred Gebert—he founded Martin Auto Color with a mission to provide not only quality products but also comprehensive training and operational services to help customers enhance profitability and streamline their operations.
To realize this vision, Martin Auto Color became a PPG ™ Platinum Distributor, leveraging PPG’s high-quality products and support. With this partnership, Glenn and his team transformed their operation from a modest staff of six in 1997 into a thriving multi-million-dollar enterprise with over 200 associates, solidifying their position as California’s largest PPG ™ distributor. This expansion also marked Martin Auto Color’s evolution into a multi-state firm, becoming a PPG ™ distributor in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada.
Despite this remarkable growth, Glenn and his team remain committed to a tight-knit organizational culture that prioritizes personal customer service above all else. At Martin Auto Color, the focus is not just on products, but on building lasting relationships that empower customers to succeed.
