Don Hannah

Don Hannah’s career in automotive spanned over 5 decades. Always a salesman at heart, Don began working in an automotive dealership in the 1950’s, before being recruited in 1960 by PPG Canada as their first Technical Service Representative. His natural salesmanship and witty charm allowed him to rise through the ranks of PPG, becoming their National Director of Sales in 80’s, and then Director of Automotive Refinish. Don eventually rose to the rank of President and CEO of PPG Canada, before his company moved him and his family to Strongsville, Ohio as VP Regional Sales for PPG North America. 

As their new adventure began in the USA, Don’s infectious optimism, and enduring customer loyalty, would lead PPG to new heights in the ever-changing collision business. Loved by customers and employees alike, Don was always ready with a joke or mood changer, and he never had a challenge he didn’t meet with enthusiasm and tenacity. And he knew everyone, and they knew him. He knew every collision distributor personally, and most of the major repair shops. Affectionately known as the “Round Man”, when Don was present, smiles were plentiful, and laughs were on their way. It was those relationships that would shape the last few chapters in his working career.

As his career with PPG was winding down, and despite a promise to his beloved wife Ellie to return to Canada, it was a personal relationship that Don had with one of his customers that would start the next adventure. Don had one more chapter to write, and he and his wife then moved to Grosse Pointe Michigan, to help unlock the “sleeping giant” that he felt Painters Supply and Equipment was. As President of Painters Supply, Don successfully integrated the acquisition of over 10 collision distribution businesses, and propelled PSE to become a major collision player in the Mid-West and Southern Ontario. He made it look easy, but heh.. he knew everyone!

Don was an avid golfer and lifelong member of the Credit Valley Golf club. He was an accomplished hockey player in his day, and he loved being around people. 

He was the beloved husband of Ellie for almost 60 years, father to Ron (Phyllis), Susan, and Lisa (Matt) Kohler and grandfather of Kelsey, Hannah, Jane and Ryan.

Don was also an original and active Board Member of Shad’s R & R Golf Tournament. Don made a special effort to attend Shads every year, and in the later years, his daughter Susan would always make sure was he was “delivered” to annual event. “Afterall, Don would say, it’s for the Kids”.