LRCC student from Laconia is first female auto technician at Concord repair shop

Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM-ASEP) incoming student, Brittany Dodge of Laconia made a request for a sponsor and got what she wanted. She got a sponsorship from Dan Weed, owner of Weed Family Automotive on Storrs Street in Concord and became his first female automotive technician in 14 years of business.

That was one year ago and Dodge is now entering her senior year as a GM-ASEP student at LRCC, doing well, and still employed at Weed Automotive. Dodge plans to continue with the business following graduation in May.

“I took an automotive class at Laconia High School and really enjoyed it,” says Dodge. “Then I had the chance to continue in LRCC’s GM-ASEP Program, with Dan’s sponsorship, and took it. Everything is going very well.”

When asked about being a female in a male dominated field, Dodge responded quickly and favorably. “All of the guys were pleased that I was in college and made the business very inviting,” continues Dodge. “Male students at LRCC also accepted me. I have had a lot of fun in college and in Weed Automotive, being able to apply what I’ve learned on a regular basis.”

“Having three daughters myself, it works out well having Brittany in the business,” says Weed, a veteran of 30 years in the automotive field. “Being a TSS (Total Service Support) shop through AC Delco, the relationship between Weed, GM, and LRCC’s automotive program has been outstanding. Sponsoring Ms. Dodge has been a great experience and we would be open to considering new sponsorships in the future, female or male.”

Photo: