There was dry humor but few dry eyes when the National Automotive Finance Association gave the first Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award to Tom Hudson last Thursday at the Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference in Plano, Texas.

After playing a 10-minute tribute video the NAF Association compiled, Hudson cracked a one-liner when immediate past chair Jim Bass began to get emotional like nearly everyone in the filled ballroom. Bass said just before handing the handsome trophy to Hudson, “It makes it so much more special that it’s in honor of Jack.”

Tracey was the only executive director the NAF Association had until his sudden passing in June 2021. Hudson and Tracey not only were industry colleagues but close friends, too.

“I get my best advice from Lily Grace, my best buddy and my wife,” Hudson began when it was his turn to address the gathering. “She said when people give you an award, you stand up, say thanks and sit down. I can’t quite do that here because of the impact of Jack, Mary Ellen and others in my life.”

The video contained tributes from more than a half dozen industry leaders and representatives. One of the first came from Mary Ellen Tracey, who served the association as associate director with her late husband.

“This award recognizes two of my favorite men,” Mary Ellen began. “I met Tom about 45 years ago in the late 1970s. Jack worked for one of Tom’s banking clients and they became long-time friends. Tom had a life-changing impact on me. After Tom and others hatched the idea to create the association in 1996, he was instrumental in the selection of Jack to be its executive director. Jack named me the associate director and we worked together for 24 years.

“The association — and the marriage — survived,” she continued with more of that dry humor drawing laughter.

“When I heard an award bearing Jack’s name was being initiated, I knew Tom would be an obvious candidate,” Mary Ellen went on to say. “Others will speak on the impact he made on the industry. I can speak to his importance to the National Automotive Finance Association. From its inception, Tom was committed to help build it and promote it, to praise it and to improve it by encouraging and supporting the development of the consumer credit compliance certification program. Tom, you have received many recognitions and awards, but I think this one will hold special significance in your heart. Congratulations!”

PassTime’s Corinne Kirkendall spoke to the impact Hudson had on multiple portions of the automotive industry, showing he was more than just an attorney and founding partner of the firm that bears his name.

“Tom built an institution at Hudson Cook that embodies the highest standards of professionalism and expertise,” Kirkendall said. “His influence extends far beyond Hudson Cook and the legal community. His mentorship and guidance have helped shape the careers of countless members of the auto community. From helping to create the NAF compliance certification to talking to the AG’s office to speaking at countless conferences, the list goes on and on. Tom’s generosity in sharing his knowledge and expertise has made a lasting impact on the future of our industry. He’s truly changed the way outsiders view our see the automotive industry.

“I know our dear friend Jack is looking down from above and smiling from ear to ear,” Kirkendall added.

Perhaps, it will be emotional when the NAF Association gives the Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award to future recipients. But in this humble scribe’s opinion, it will be tough to top the inaugural installment.

“First of all, I want to congratulate whoever it was who had the sense of humor to name this thing the Pinnacle Award for a guy who was pushing 7 feet tall. The Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award, that’s perfect.  Jack always said if you’re looking for me, just look for the tallest one in the room,” Hudson said.

“There’s no better person to name the award for than Jack. Jack and Mary Ellen were the living, breathing heart of this place for years. I know those of you who know them know the tremendous amount of work done by them both, especially Mary Ellen,” Hudson continued.

“To the board and the organization, I’m very appreciative for this award. Thank you,” Hudson went on to say.

Nick Zulovich is senior editor at Cherokee Media Group and can be reached at nzulovich@cherokeemediagroup.com.