8/19/09

First Female Technician at Weed Family Automotive

Photo: Weed Family Automotive, Owner, Dan Weed (right), explains the fuel injection system of the Chevrolet Impala to his first female automotive technician, Brittany Dodge (left). Dodge is a LRCC GM-ASEP student beginning her second year in Laconia and is being sponsored by Weed Family Automotive.

Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM-ASEP) incoming student, Brittany Dodge (Laconia), made a request for a sponsor and got what she wanted. Dodge got a sponsorship from Dan Weed (Concord), Owner of Weed Family Automotive, Storrs Street, Concord, 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."