In 1995, Laura Bertolli purchased Bertolli’s Auto Body Shop, Inc., in San Rafael from her family (her father, Frank Bertolli, founded it in 1977). “I went to college and thought I’d become a CPA,” she says. “I’m a numbers person and loved math—crazy, I know! I worked for a local CPA firm for a couple of years after graduating college until my father had a bookkeeper that embezzled. I helped him through that crisis—and never left.”
Now president/CEO, she admits she’s a bit of a groundbreaker. “When I started in 1988, I was a rarity in the automotive industry,” she agrees. “But by now, most people know I own the business. Still, there can be sexism from some vendors, who come in looking for ‘the man in charge.’” I bet that only happens once.
In addition to running the business, Bertolli is deeply involved in her local community. She’s always volunteered her time, starting in her teens, and she continues to give her time (and now money) to public schools, local youth sports, Girl Scouts, Hospice of Marin’s Concours D’Elegance, and Marin Catholic’s parent association. She’s served or is serving on several local boards, including the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, where she’s chair-elect, and has been a licensed real estate broker since 1999. She’s the proud mother of three children and enjoys outdoor activities in her spare time (like she has any of that!).
Do you have a big family?
We’re Italian! I’m one of four daughters to my parents. All four of us live in the North Bay with our families. Just a simple get together involves 22 adults and kids.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I spend time with my kids, extended family and friends, of which there are many since I’m living in my hometown. I also like to listen to live music, read, go off-roading and cook when I can find the time.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
I was happiest when each of my kids were born. Most recently, I was extremely happy to celebrate my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary. That event, held in 2011, was full of family, friends and tons of love.
When was the last time you laughed out loud?
I laugh out loud every day. I enjoy the humor in everyday living.
Would you describe yourself as more of a feeler or more of a thinker?
I’m a thinker, first, but definitely use my heart for major decisions.
Have you ever had a premonition that actually came true?
I frequently have synchronicity, which is the coincidence of events that seem related, but aren’t obviously caused by each other. Often, I think of someone who I haven’t seen or heard from in a while, and they’ll call or come see me!
If you could do any job in the world for one day, what would it be?
I’d love to be a racecar driver. I like to drive fast!
How competitive are you?
I’m competitive when I drive and in business. As far as the rest of my life, I’m pretty laid back.
Who was your favorite musical group in high school?
I loved AC/DC, “Highway to Hell.”
Who is your favorite movie actor?
Tom Hanks just seems so likeable, someone I’d want to hang out with. I really like “Forrest Gump.”
What’s your favorite quote?
“Well-behaved women rarely make history.”
What’s something you should throw away but can’t?
I have a toy cat from when I was a baby. My kids hate it and make fun of it and ask me to throw it away on a weekly basis. I just can’t.
Growing up, did you have any family rules that seemed unfair?
In our family, we weren’t allowed to sleep over at friends’ homes. My father wanted us all under his roof at night.
What’s the most important value you try to instill in your children?
Treat other people the way you want to be treated. It covers everything.
What’s the most embarrassing thing you did in high school or college?
As a junior in high school, I indulged in a bit (lot) of pre-dance libations that resulted in my spending the night in the hospital getting my stomach pumped. I was suspended and dropped from clubs and sports for that year.
What cartoon character are you most like?
The Grinch. I’m not a fan of the Christmas hoopla and stress involved in buying gifts, decorating the house and making it “perfect.” In the end, however, I enjoy being with loved ones and, in our family, we always have crab cioppino for Christmas dinner. Yum!
What’s needed to make the world a better place?
Manners
