2026 Wall of Fame Recipient - Michael Pallotta

Congratulations to Michael Pallotta on being named the 2026 Wall of Fame recipient!

Michael Pallotta

Michael Pallotta embodies steady leadership, community dedication, and relationship-driven business. His commitment to reinvesting in the community that embraced him and contributed to his personal and professional success has left a lasting impact on Wooster.

Pallotta grew up in Parma Heights, Ohio, graduating from Valley Forge High School before earning a business degree from Kent State University in 1980. His interest in cars started young, with early jobs washing cars and changing plates at dealerships, but his professional path in the automotive industry began after joining Ford Motor Company following graduation. In that role, he worked closely with dealerships throughout Northeast Ohio, gaining valuable insight into the business.

In May 1987, Pallotta left Ford Motor Company to enter the retail dealership industry alongside the Mathews family in Marion, Ohio. Two years later, he relocated to Wooster as General Manager of what is now Pallotta Ford. Over time, he gradually acquired ownership of the dealership, purchasing it in 1998. This milestone reflected years of dedication, trust, and earned leadership.

Under Pallotta’s leadership, the dealership has grown from 35 to more than 60 employees and expanded its offerings to include a collision center, detailing services, and Quick Lane maintenance. Pallotta Ford has earned the President’s Award seven times, an honor given to the top one percent of dealers nationwide.

Pallotta strongly believes in being a good corporate citizen. He emphasizes treating people the way you want to be treated and being present in the day-to-day operations of the business. “I’m here every day,” he shared, noting the difference hands-on leadership makes for both customers and employees.

Since arriving in Wooster more than three decades ago, Pallotta has witnessed significant growth and change in the community. He notes that what has remained constant is the city’s strong sense of collaboration and mutual support among businesses and residents.

“If it’s to build something to enhance or even support the community, I think that’s just wonderful because so many people get together to help each other out, and that probably doesn’t happen everywhere,” he shared.

Pallotta’s commitment to the community extends well beyond the dealership. He has supported numerous initiatives, including donating land to the City of Wooster in 2005, facilitating a research partnership between Ford Motor Company and OARDC, and supporting various local organizations. Each Veterans Day, the dealership also provides free oil changes to veterans. Alongside his wife of 29 years, Duper, Pallotta has supported local schools, helped fund company vehicles for organizations, and contributed to other community needs. Duper also coached Wooster High School cheerleaders for 22 years, reflecting the family’s long-standing commitment to the community.

A longtime leader within the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, Pallotta served on the Chamber board for nearly a decade, including as board chair in 2009. He credits the Chamber for creating connections that led to meaningful relationships and partnerships with lasting community impact.

“The Chamber is so important because it’s such a catalyst for Wooster and the Wayne County area,” he reflected.

Pallotta’s leadership extends beyond the local level. He has served on national and regional boards and committees, including Ford’s National Dealer Council, Product Committee, advertising boards, and Chairman of the FordDirect board, extending Wooster’s broader influence.

He is grateful to his parents for instilling in him the value of helping others and to the Mathews family for giving him the opportunity to become a dealer. Pallotta also acknowledges the guidance of mentors Ron Holtman and Dan Waldron, as well as the dedication of his team and the loyalty of customers who have supported the dealership over the years. He remains especially grateful for the steady support of his wife, Duper, who he says “keeps everything on track.”

Pallotta is humbled to be recognized as a Wall of Fame honoree, noting that those who give back are rarely keeping score. More than recognition, he hopes his story encourages others, especially younger generations, to see the value in community involvement, not just financially, but through both time and effort.

Chamber President & CEO Samira Zimmerly reflected:

“I have seen firsthand the impact Michael Pallotta has had on our business community and beyond. Michael leads with integrity, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the place he calls home. His philanthropic efforts from supporting local nonprofits and veterans to advancing partnerships and quietly investing in community needs reflect a genuine commitment to making Wooster stronger for everyone. He understands that true leadership is not just about building a successful business, but about lifting up the community alongside it. We are incredibly proud to recognize Michael as a Wall of Fame honoree.”

A plaque in Pallotta’s office captures a principle that has guided much of his life and work: “If you want to get even with someone, start with someone who helped you.” Whether through business leadership or quiet acts of service, his legacy reflects a belief that the most meaningful success comes from helping others and recognizing the impact of those who lend their support along the way.

The Wall of Fame Award is presented annually to an individual(s) for a lifetime of achievement in the Wooster area. To reward an individual ’s philanthropic efforts based upon time, energy and monetary contributions aiding both the business and social environments of the community.