Tony Pendola bridged the gap between daunting environmental mandates and the practical realities of the shop floor for North Carolina
In the world of the automotive aftermarket, we often focus on the roar of the engine or the precision of a robotic repair arm. Yet, behind the scenes, there are individuals who ensure that the independent shop owner can keep those engines running without being crushed by the weight of regulatory confusion. Tony Pendola is one such individual.
For over a quarter-century, Tony has stood as a sentinel for the small business owner. He bridged the gap between daunting environmental mandates and the practical realities of the shop floor. As he prepares for his retirement, I’m proud to present this definitive look at his career — a story of vocational virtue, technical brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to the human element in an increasingly automated world.
The High-Tech Sentinel of Vocational Virtue
One must acknowledge the individual who stood for over 26 years as the Small Business Ombudsman for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. Tony was not a mere bureaucrat. He was a tireless advocate who recognized that the free market is often slowed down by the heavy weight of complicated rules. He worked at the exact spot where the complex demands of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met the daily needs of the local auto body shop.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, Pendola had a talent for efficiency. He famously led a team to save citizens tens of millions of dollars every year. They did this by removing unnecessary rules about gasoline mixtures used during the summer months. He understood that true leadership requires a balance: the law must be followed, but the government must also provide practical help to the people doing the work.
This balanced approach earned him acclaims for his work with small businesses across the US and Canada. As he retired in September 2025, he left behind a program that has been named the best in the nation three times. This achievement shows his belief that a healthy small business sector is necessary for a healthy environment.
The Architecture of Compliance Assistance
Tony believed that a great society is built by skilled professionals who know their craft and he helped create the EPA Registration Navigation Tool. This digital tool helped auto body shops handle complex safety forms without needing to hire expensive experts.
It proved that technology should be used to make work easier, not to replace human effort. He was a trusted expert who wrote for magazines that reached over 11,500 automotive professionals. He was a master at turning difficult legal codes into simple instructions that a shop owner could use.
His commitment to teaching others through the National Steering Committee ensured that his vision of “help first, punish later” spread across the country. Whether he was helping a business reduce harmful chemicals or advising a new shop owner on how to get a permit, he always focused on helping people help themselves.
Tony understood that the biggest problem for small businesses was not a lack of effort, but a lack of clear information. As he moves into his new roles as a Chief Judge for the Board of Elections and a local business owner, his impact remains. He proved that a government worker is at his best when he acts as a guide rather than a roadblock.
Collaboration on Air Quality and Safety
I offer high praise for the work we performed together regarding chemical limits in the shop. Tony was instrumental in helping shop owners understand the thresholds for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs). These are the chemicals found in paints and solvents that can harm both workers and the environment if not managed correctly.
Tony did not just tell owners what the limits were — he taught them how to stay under those limits through better training and certification. We worked together to show that a well-trained painter is a safer and more efficient worker. Tony’s focus was always on the “final check,” the idea that while machines can mix paint, a certified human professional must ensure the air stays clean and the job is done right. This partnership helped take the fear out of environmental inspections for many local shop owners.
The Important Lesson
Tony’s career teaches us an important lesson about the future: as technology changes, the need for human experts will only grow. We are moving into a world with self-driving cars and robotic tools, but we still need people to check the work. Machines can do repetitive tasks, but they cannot show empathy or handle complex human problems.
The best businesses in the future will be those that invest in their people. Certifications and training will be more important than ever. These programs prove that a worker has the skills to keep the public safe. Tony showed that when we combine technology with expert human oversight, we create a better world. His legacy is one of education and excellence. He proved that the most important duty of any leader is to pass on knowledge to the next generation.
The Takeaway
The story of Tony’ Pendola’s career is one of cooperation rather than conflict. While environmental rules can be difficult, they also offer a chance for shops to improve. Leaders who focus on training and modern technology, as Tony did, will have a successful future. His career is a map for how to build a stronger and more skilled workforce.
We must recognize that leadership awards are not just for show — they represent a promise to the public. As we move into an era of more automation, the value of the certified professional will only go up. It is the ability to handle difficult jobs with care and precision that makes a human worker special.
The future belongs to those who understand that the best rules are the ones that work in the real world. Tony Pendola’s work ensures that the American worker is protected by education and the pride of their craft. The passing on of knowledge is a sacred duty.
Steven E. Schillinger is an accredited Professional Engineer and often speaks at auto industry meetings about EPA, OSHA and Fire Marshal regulations. He is certified for ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2014 and works with companies to resolve and remove environmental, health and safety violations.
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