Ziebart Doubles Down on Success Recognizing Franchise Growth and Meaningful Partnerships

March 31, 2026 // Franchising.com // TROY, Mich. – Ziebart, the vehicle appearance and protection services provider, brought its franchise family together to celebrate a year of standout achievements, meaningful milestones, and the people behind the brand’s continued momentum. Centered on the theme “Double Down on Success” as a fitting nod to the host city of Las Vegas, the conference recognized franchise owners, store leaders, and operators from across the Ziebart system for their performance, leadership, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

The Heart of Ziebart

Among the most meaningful moments of this year's conference was the presentation of the inaugural Heart of Ziebart Award to Zach Mattiacio, Chief Financial Officer. Unlike traditional awards that recognize store owners and leaders for KPIs, sales excellence, or customer ratings, the Heart of Ziebart Award was created to recognize an individual who captures the essence of the Ziebart brand; someone who inspires others across the franchise system, is always willing to lend a helping hand, brings people together, and exemplifies the values at the core of Ziebart.

“Success at Ziebart has always been about more than performance metrics alone,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. “The Heart of Ziebart Award was created to recognize someone who reflects the values of this brand in everything they do, and Zach is that person. His leadership, character, and ability to bring people together have made a lasting impact across our franchise family.”

Zach Mattiacio co-owns a franchise operating group alongside his siblings. He was unable to attend this year's Ziebart conference. His siblings accepted the Heart of Ziebart Award on his behalf, which included an inspiring video that was played in his absence.

Leading the Way

In addition to the Heart of Ziebart Award, nine traditional awards were recognized. Among those, the Dealer of the Year Award.

• Customer Experience Rising Star (Fort Myers, FL)
• Z-Gloss Performer (West Seneca, NY)
• Ziebart Credit Card Performer
• Maintenance Ticket (Fort Myers, FL)
• Multi-Unit Achiever
  • Total Sales (West Seneca, NY)
  • Retail Sales (West Seneca, NY)
  • Associate Sales (West Seneca, NY)
  • Maintenance Sales (Rochester - Henrietta, NY)

Celebrating Systemwide Excellence

Ziebart recognized dozens of owners for achieving sales success and delivering exceptional customer service. Other franchisees honored included:

• 2025 Most Improved Dealer: Pacesetter Truck & Auto Accessories, Inc. (Bourbonnais, IL)
• 2025 Corporate Store Manager of the Year: Darren Weyand (Wexford, PA)
• Outstanding Customer Service: V2 Corp (Appleton, Milwaukee, and Waukesha, WI)
• Outstanding Customer Service: NMC Lambie Services (Morgantown, WV)
• Outstanding Community Service: NMC Lambie Services (Morgantown, WV)
• 2025 Single Store Achiever in Total Sales: Shinkauto, Inc. (Warsaw, IN)

“These awards reflect the strength of our franchise system, the momentum of our brand, and the kind of leadership that drives Ziebart forward,” Wolfe said. “The successes we’re celebrating is the result of franchisees and store leaders who continue to raise the bar, invest in their businesses, and create meaningful growth while staying true to the values that define Ziebart.”

New Era of Technology and Innovation

Beyond recognizing achievements across the franchise system, the conference also offered a look at what’s ahead for the brand. Ziebart shared updates on the Gold Shield Protection Program, an initiative that allows car dealerships across the country to offer Ziebart’s trusted protection products directly to customers. Executives also introduced plans for the iBart app, technology and innovation aimed at enhancing the franchise owner and customer experience.

SOURCE Ziebart

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