Michael Cardone Jr.

Michael co-founded CARDONE Industries with his late father, Michael Cardone, Sr., in 1970. Prior to the sale in 2019, CARDONE was the largest privately-held remanufacturer of automotive aftermarket parts in the world with over $1B in revenue and close to 6000 employees headquartered in Northeast Philadelphia, with locations in Mexico, Canada and Europe. Michael Jr. retired in 2012, but remained chairman and led the majority independent board of directors. His two children continued to run the business with a non-family CEO until May of 2019 when they sold the company to one of the largest private equity firms. Michael Cardone, Jr. has received numerous awards for his achievements over the years, including the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association’s (AWDA) Automotive Leader of the Year Award, 2001; American Society of Quality Control Leadership Award for Outstanding Support, 1994; Northwood Institute’s Automotive Aftermarket Education award, 1990; Automotive Hall of Fame Young Leadership and Excellence award, 1982; and Automotive Service Industries Association’s Remanufacturer of the Year award, 1974 and 1987.

While in active management of the company, he was also involved in many automotive industry organizations, including: Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) – Chairman 2004 to 2006; MEMA Pension Trust Board of Directors; AWDA Government Affairs Committee; Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association Government Affairs Committee; MEMA Board of Directors; AWDA Advisory Council; AWDA University, Lifetime Trustee; AWDA Manufacturing Council 1992-1993.

Cardone is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, where he received his bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1970 and honorary doctor of laws in 1988. He is a frequent keynote speaker at industry and business events.