Marty Gallagher is a devoted family man deeply engaged with his loved ones. Born and raised in Northern Ohio, he has spent his entire life there, growing up amidst a large family of thirteen siblings. He has been happily married to Joanna for 31 years and is the proud father of four children. Throughout his children's upbringing, Marty remained actively involved in their lives, coaching them in a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and football. During his free time, Marty enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, indulging in activities like softball, golf, fishing, and boating.
Marty realized the importance of giving back early in life and has become a principal volunteer and fundraiser for his community. Marty currently serves as a board member for the Avon Lake Historical Society where he has been instrumental in fundraising for museum development. He is also a board member for Avon Lake’s Beach Park Railway Station and has actively fundraised for the museum’s construction and exhibits. Furthermore, Marty Gallagher was the president for the Avon Lake Athletic Boosters from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, he raised the annual budget from $30,000 to $500,000. Marty returned for the 2023-2024 school year and has raised over $1,000,000 of funds per year for Avon Lake athletes, benefiting from new batting cages, stadium/gymnasium sound system, strength training, new uniforms and equipment, scoreboards, and athletic software.
Additional charities where Marty continues to influence include: CRS, Boy Scouts, Lorain County Port Authority board member, Northern Ohio Coordinating Agency Alternate Member, and Avon Lake Community Council. Marty Gallagher’s community recognized his extensive service by granting him the 2021 Avon Lake Citizen of the Year Award.
Besides Marty’s philanthropic contributions, Marty is a successful business owner in Avon, Ohio. In 1987, Marty began a small distribution business in his basement with his family. Through perseverance and dedication, his company now employs approximately 40 people, is a national wholesaler of suntan products, and manufactures commercial carpentry. Marty is also a notable Northern Ohio real estate developer. Marty has been recognized for his business contributions with the Economic Impact Award-City of Cleveland and the Smart Tan Industry Achievement Award.
In addition to Marty’s business endeavors, Marty has had a role in positively influencing legislation. Marty chaired his industry's Political Action Committee, raising money to fight an excise tax placed on his industry. Additionally, he worked with federal legislative and regulatory bodies to move legislation in Congress to remove the excise tax. As the state level, Marty has worked with the Ohio legislature in presenting testimony during hearings to defend bills restricting parental rights.
Marty currently resides in Avon Lake, OH with his family.
