Writing a Different Story: Catching Up with Former Industry Journalist Joel Gausten

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

For the past couple years, New England Automotive Report has been catching up with former industry leaders from the Commonwealth, but as we were reminded in the September cover story (available at grecopublishing.com/near0925coverstory), some industry professionals never worked in a shop. Long-time readers will certainly be familiar with Joel Gausten, former editorial director at Thomas Greco Publishing, who curated this magazine for many years before he decided to take his talents to other fields. Keep reading to find out what he’s been doing and what exciting projects he has in the works!

New England Automotive Report: What was your role within the collision repair industry, and how long were you in that role? 

Joel Gausten: I was the managing editor (later editorial director) for Thomas Greco Publishing (TGP). In this role, I oversaw the editorial content and direction for the company’s automotive industry-related publications, including Damage Report and New England Automotive Report. My first stint at the company was from the summer of 2000 to the spring of 2003. After spending some time in Los Angeles – where I served as the managing editor for a biweekly gambling publication – I returned to New Jersey and TGP in the early winter of 2006. In 2009, I relocated to New Hampshire and began working remotely for the company – quite a rarity at the time. I left my position at TGP in the fall of 2021. 

NEAR: How did you land in this field? Tell us about your experiences and how that led you to become a journalist in this field.

JG: Anyone who spends five minutes with Tom Greco knows he’s a big music fan. In addition to his decades-long history of publishing automotive industry trade magazines, he published a music magazine called Liner Notes for several years until 2001. Tom was looking for a new managing editor for the company, and I figured my experience writing for a weekly music newspaper in the area would make me a great fit. Tom agreed concerning the music magazine, but he was reluctant to hire a 23-year-old kid fresh out of school who didn’t have much experience covering hard news, let alone the auto industry. Well, I figured it was my job to convince him. As Tom can confirm, I called the office relentlessly until he finally caved in and hired me. 

NEAR: What challenges did you face when you first began writing about collision repair?

JG: At 23, I knew nothing about the collision repair industry and didn’t know how to change a tire. Now, at 48, I know a few things about the collision repair industry…and still don’t know how to change a tire! How did I survive for so long as an automotive journalist? I’ve always believed that good journalists focus on people. Once you understand the people for whom you’re writing, you can write anything. As soon as I started at TGP, I scheduled time to meet with various shop owners to learn about their lives and careers. They all struck me as hardworking individuals who genuinely wanted to do the right thing for their customers. I was always proud to cover their industry. 

NEAR: Anything memorable from your time reporting on the association that you’d like to share or reflect on?

JG: There are so many things, but certain people stand out. First, how lucky is this industry to have Rick Starbard in it? He was by far the most active industry member I covered – and he somehow always returned a phone call. I’m convinced he has a superpower that enables him to live without sleep. Former AASP/MA President Bill Cahill had a warmth, calmness and quiet strength that guided the association through some very challenging times, and Jeff Loeser’s wit and no-BS attitude had a way of cutting through tension in a flash. The Western Chapter always made me feel welcome, and the events organized by Joann Nalewanski were legendary. 

Tom Ricci is one of the best people I’ve met in any walk of life, and his work with Rick and Paul Hendricks in merging CMARA and MABA into AASP/MA reshaped the association in inspiring ways. And speaking of Paul, the joy in that guy’s smile and sense of humor is matched only by his serious, tough-as-nails advocacy for this industry. Oh, and who’s nicer than Mike Penacho? 

Gary “Cloots” Cloutier is a great guy who is always ready to roll up his sleeves and help others, and Molly Brodeur’s selflessness and dedication are peerless. And let’s face it, Lucky Papageorg is one-of-a-kind – endearingly eccentric, smarter than the average bear, big-hearted, generous and passionate about what he does. I miss working with him, even if I don’t miss those after-hours texts! (Just kidding, Lucky. Text me anytime.)

I’m also grateful to have crossed paths with the late Mike Beal, Walter Thomas, Peggy Cahill and the incomparable father-and-son team of Tom and Chris Colo. I miss them all and think of them often and fondly. 

NEAR: When did you decide to “retire,” and why?

JG: Honestly, after 20-plus years, the constant travel started to get to me. As much as I loved my job and the industry, I began to feel like a stranger in my home. When I watched my stepson get in his car and leave for college in Arizona, I realized just how many milestones I had missed by being on the road so much. When the pandemic subsided and the national events returned, I decided I didn’t want to live out of a suitcase again. After I left TGP in 2021, I spent about 18 months working in the social services field here in New Hampshire. It was rewarding to apply my skills in ways that helped people in my direct community, and it was everything I needed at the time. I left TGP on very good terms and have remained in touch with everyone there.

NEAR: Do you think the industry has changed since you stepped away? In what ways?

JG: I say this respectfully, but it hasn’t changed enough! Why is the industry still debating the importance of ADAS repairs – or repair standards in general – in 2025? Why aren’t vocational school advisory boards overrun with volunteers from the collision repair industry? Why hasn’t the ADALB [Auto Damage Appraisers Licensing Board] been forced to actually serve its purpose? I know I’m not alone in asking these questions. 

NEAR: What is the one thing you think you got out of writing for this industry that you would not have gotten in another industry?

JG: I learned the value of doing things with a full heart and standing up for what’s right. Association leaders are mostly volunteers – they do this in their own time and at their own expense. How many hours has someone like Rick, Cloots, Molly, Tom Ricci or Jim Marshall spent away from work and their families to better their industry? It takes a rare breed of person to do that. The auto body community is built on resilience and firm beliefs, and I’ll always respect and treasure that.

NEAR: What was your favorite topic in collision repair to write about? Do you have a favorite article you’d like to share? 

JG: Photographing and covering President Obama’s commencement speech for Worcester Technical High School at the DCU Center for the July 2014 issue of New England Automotive Report was a highlight. It was wild having the White House call my apartment in New Hampshire to confirm my official press credentials and then having the Secret Service escort me to the photo pit when I arrived on site! I received invites from the White House to cover President Obama for months after that event, but my schedule prevented me from accepting those offers.

NEAR: Anything you want to say to NEAR readers?

JG: If you’re not a member of AASP/MA, join today. The association – and your industry – needs you to be involved. Don’t just complain – contribute! 

NEAR: What are you doing/writing about now? Do you have any hobbies you’d like to share?

JG: I left the social services job to accept a position as a media editor for a major international nonprofit. In the role, I did everything from editing video to polishing press releases – often in the middle of the night at a moment’s notice when late-breaking news hit in Japan, India or anywhere else in the world. You haven’t been an editor unless you’ve had to remember and apply the nuances of Australian English at 2am on a Sunday after being called out of a dead sleep to review a press release that needs to go out in 30 minutes! 

Editing content with celebrity spokespeople was an interesting part of the job. Working on campaigns with actresses Alicia Silverstone and Bella Thorne and serving on the editing team for a docuseries executive-produced by comedian Bill Maher were among the highlights. 

Currently, I work remotely as a full-time ghostwriter for an agency based in the Pacific Northwest. I have more than 40 clients and write everything from true crime stories to pop culture pieces to Bible lessons. Ghostwriting requires confidentiality, so I can’t reveal my clients. That said, there’s a strong chance you’ve encountered my work without knowing it!

As for life outside of work, I’m currently negotiating with two publishers for a major book deal. Although it’s too early to announce, it appears I’m at the point where I just need to see which one will present the best offer. My fingers are crossed and ready to get to work.

I’ve also been a drummer for the better part of 40 years. Most recently, I performed on an album with members of Nine Inch Nails and TOOL. 

I wish everyone reading this much success and happiness in life. It was an honor covering your industry for so many years, and I look forward to seeing where AASP/MA goes next. In the words of musician Joe Strummer, “The future is unwritten.” Make your story a great one! 

Want more? Check out the November 2025 issue of New England Automotive Report!