A Balancing Act: Catching Up with Molly Brodeur

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

The Massachusetts auto body industry is built on the backs of passionate advocates who refuse to back down when it comes to fair reimbursement and the integrity of safe repairs.

Molly Brodeur of Al Brodeur’s Auto Body (Marlborough) is a prime example of that dedication. From her early days transitioning from a career in news radio to the shop floor, Brodeur has been a powerhouse in the Commonwealth’s collision repair world. She didn’t just participate; she led, serving as president of AASP/MA, sitting on the AASP National Board, and even hitting the road to produce a video documenting the industry’s fight for fair labor rates.

While New England Automotive Report typically checks in with those who have retired or moved on, this month we’re catching up with Brodeur. Although she remains a fixture at her family’s shop, she has shifted to a “behind-the-scenes” role in industry advocacy to prioritize the busy, fleeting years of raising her four children. Read on to learn about her journey from the airwaves to the front lines of collision repair and how she’s finding balance today.

New England Automotive Report: When and how did you get involved in the collision repair industry? Tell me about your experiences and how that led to you becoming a shop owner.

Molly Brodeur: My father approached me in 2005 and asked if I was interested in working at the shop, with the goal of taking it over after he retired. I left my career as a producer for WBZ News Radio, joined the team at Al Brodeur’s Auto Body and haven’t looked back.

New England Automotive Report: Tell us about your shop. When and how did it get started, and when/why did you take over?

MB: My father opened the shop in 1970 at 19 years old. He started off renting a two-bay garage which he quickly outgrew. He then built a shop on his parents’ property here in Marlborough. In 1983, he bought a piece of property and built another shop which is still our main production facility. In 2013, we purchased our second site which allowed us to add several ancillary services such as mechanical, auto detailing and towing.

My father stepped back from the business in 2014 to care for my mother whose health was failing. At this point, I was already running the day-to-day operations, so it was a pretty seamless transition. My mom passed away in 2017, and my dad decided to formally retire at that point.

New England Automotive Report: At one point, you were pretty heavily involved with association work. When did you first get involved with the auto body association?

MB: My father had been involved in the auto body associations throughout his career and was a Board Member of the Central Auto Body Rebuilders Association (CMARA). He brought me to meetings as soon as I started working at the shop. I loved the information, robust discussions and comradery.

New England Automotive Report: How did you wind up on the Board of Directors, and what role did you play?

MB: In 2007, CMARA joined forces with MABA and AASP/MA-RI to work on labor rate legislation. I was so passionate about this issue that I traveled the state with Peter Abdelmaseh, the executive director of AASP/MA-RI, to interview shop owners, working with a videographer to produce a video that illustrated the struggles, disparity and danger of a suppressed labor rate. In 2008, all three associations filed the first labor rate bill that was largely written by Peter Abdelmaseh, Rick Starbard and Tom Ricci with the help of longtime legal beagle in our industry, Jim Castleman.

In 2010, all three associations voted to merge into AASP/MA. I was asked to serve as an Executive Board Member, which ultimately led to my tenure as president of AASP. Concurrently, I also ran local chapter meetings in Central Massachusetts and served as a Board Member of AASP National. My involvement in the association is a testament to my father, Tom Ricci, Rick Starbard and Paul Hendricks all believing in me and teaching me how to lead an organization that was much bigger than the four walls of our shop.

New England Automotive Report: What led you to take a backseat from serving on the Board?

MB: When I started working at the shop in 2006, I had one son. In 2009, we welcomed our second son, and two years later, we welcomed our twins! While I was honored to serve on the AASP/MA Board, my children were young and needed me. It was becoming increasingly difficult to have a healthy work/life balance, and I felt that stepping away from the association was the right move for me and my family. We always had a very strong Board of Directors, and I knew that the association would thrive.

New England Automotive Report: Since leaving the Board, how have you maintained involvement with the association? How do you keep up with MABA these days?

MB: I attend meetings when I can. I also read New England Automotive Report and Damage Report, and I stay connected through social media.

New England Automotive Report: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over the course of your career?

MB: Hands down, the biggest changes I’ve seen over the course of my career are vehicle technology and the evolution of smartphones creating the distracted driving phenomenon. Both were frightening – the liability that comes with repairing these technology-rich vehicles was a huge wake up call for our industry.

New England Automotive Report: What is the one thing you think you got out of this industry that you would not have gotten if you didn’t pick this career?

MB: It has definitely created a deeper sense of empathy. Our customers are here due to unfortunate circumstances; learning how to understand their fears, help them interpret the complex claims process and being a listening ear has really changed the way I engage with the public.

New England Automotive Report: What is your favorite thing about this industry?

MB: The comradery amongst shop owners. Some of my most rewarding friendships were born in this industry.

New England Automotive Report: What do you dislike the most?

MB: I think it goes without saying that dealing with insurance companies is the most frustrating aspect of the industry, along with our 30-plus years of labor rate suppression.

New England Automotive Report: Any plans to get more active with MABA in the future?

MB: I don’t have any plans to re-engage with the association beyond attending meetings as time allows.

New England Automotive Report: Are you doing anything fun or exciting with your “spare” time since stepping away from the Board?

MB: Yes! I’ve been doing a lot of traveling, concertgoing, attending theater, ballet, comedy shows, Celtics games and just trying to have as much fun as possible with my family. Before long, they will be on their own adult journeys, and I want to make as many memories as possible – this time is fleeting, and I’m enjoying every minute!

Want more? Check out the July 2026 issue of New England Automotive Report!