Tony Mammone’s blueprint for modern leadership
From the Royal Canadian Navy to the world of auto claims, Tony Mammone has charted a leadership journey defined by adaptability, intentionality, and empowering others. Now VP of Claims Management, Tony brings a unique leadership perspective to Driven.
Tony Mammone’s approach to leadership can be defined by three core values: adaptability, intentionality, and a commitment to empowering others.
“Success comes from clarity and empowering people to make the right decisions,” explained Tony, Vice President of Claims Management at Driven Brands.
He developed this mindset early on in his career and has carried it with him as he continued to hone his own leadership style and approach. Tony’s professional journey began in the Royal Canadian Navy, where he served as a bridge watchkeeper and Naval Warfare Officer After seven years of service, he transitioned to civilian life, but the lessons he learned stuck with him through the next 18 years in the property and casualty industry. Tony joined CARSTAR Canada in 2018 leading Operations and Strategy & Analytics, then made the transition to his current role in January 2025.
Navigating complex transitions with adaptability
When Tony initially joined Driven Brands and then most recently, with Driven Glass Canada in January 2025, it was a significant shift from the insurance payer side of business to the supplier side. This change, along with moving from a focus on collision repair to managing claims for windshield repairs and replacements, came with a steep learning curve. However, Tony has been able to leverage his deep understanding of the insurance industry and leverage that with the opportunity to learn something new and value the input and advice of others
“There was a lot I didn’t know at first,” he admitted. “But I really leaned into learning about the unique challenges our franchise owners and insurance partners face. That understanding helps me lead better.”
This understanding came from gathering a frontline perspective. Tony made it a point to listen to those doing the work every day, seeking out their insights and using them to inform broader decisions. By actively engaging with frontline teams and franchisees, Tony ensures his leadership remains grounded in the realities of the business.
“I always say, go to the source,” he shared. “You’ve got to talk to the people closest to the customer if you want to learn and lead well.”
Adaptability remains a recurring theme in his career—and one he actively models for his team.
Leading with intent
At the core of Tony’s leadership style is intentionality. He was first exposed to intent-based leadership through David Marquet, retired U.S. Navy Captain and author of Turn the Ship Around! A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders.
“One of my biggest takeaways from this idea of intent-based leadership was the idea that if people understand the mission and have the right context, they’ll make good decisions,” he explained. “You don’t need to control everything if the team is aligned.”
In a virtual environment, clarity of purpose is critical. Tony navigated this challenge by doubling down on his commitment to clear communication and making sure the team is aligned on the same page.
“You’ve got to be deliberate about how you share information and how you support people,” he said.
Empowering leadership at every level
Tony places a strong emphasis on developing the leadership potential of those around him. He credits his own growth to mentors and role models and encourages new leaders to actively seek the same.
“My job isn’t to have all the answers,” he said. “It’s to create the right conditions for other people to thrive.”
He’s found that creating a culture of trust and shared responsibility does more than boost the morale of his team—it fosters innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. It’s also good for business.
“To me, leadership is about asking good questions, staying curious, and building a team that makes each other better,” explained Tony.
Looking ahead
In his new role as VP of Claims Management, Tony is especially excited about the opportunity to support Driven’s network of independent businesses. With his background in insurance and deepening understanding of the supplier side, he’s uniquely positioned to bridge perspectives and drive progress.
“There’s something really rewarding about helping local business owners grow,” he said. “It’s not just about claims—it’s about building something meaningful together.”
As he looks to the future, Tony remains focused on dynamic principles that drive both organizational success and individual growth: be adaptable, lead with intent, and empower others.