In Massachusetts, some names become part of the cultural landscape. Ernie Boch Jr. is one of them.
For decades, his influence has extended far beyond the showroom floor, touching music stages, classrooms, and communities across New England. Now, that legacy brings him to Endicott College, where he has been named the 2026 Distinguished Patron of the Misselwood Concours d’Elegance.
The Distinguished Patron Award honors a rare mix of passion, innovation, and community impact—qualities which Boch embodies through his work in the automotive world and his commitment to the arts and philanthropy.
Boch’s story begins as many in the automotive industry—in the family business. At 13, he was painting walls and taking out the garbage at his father’s auto dealerships. At 16, he bought his first car—a 1971 Volkswagen Beetle—marking the start of a lifelong passion.
Music pulled him just as strongly. After studying at Berklee College of Music, he left to tour with bands before eventually returning home to Norwood and rejoining the family business. “And I just got hooked,” he later said.
Following his father’s passing in 2003, Boch expanded the business into one of the most influential automotive enterprises in New England. At the same time, he deepened his commitment to giving back and his passions.
Through Music Drives Us, Boch’s nonprofit, founded in 2006 through the Boch Family Foundation, he has supported and funded hundreds of music education programs across New England, grounded in the belief that creative expression can open doors for youth. His support of the Boch Center, home to the historic Wang and Shubert theatres, has helped preserve these iconic venues while expanding access to live performance.
“I’ve been fortunate to build a career around the things I love—cars, music, and community. Along the way, I’ve learned that true success isn’t just about your achievements, it’s sharing them with and creating opportunities for others. Helping young people discover their potential and find their passion has been one of the most rewarding parts of that journey,” Boch said, reflecting on the responsibility that comes with success and the importance of creating pathways for others.
At his core, Boch remains an enthusiast. His personal car collection reflects both design and craftsmanship—values shared by those who gather each year at the Misselwood Estate, where cars are seen as stories of innovation and identity. Boch is drawn to the event’s mission to support first-generation college students through Endicott’s Inspire Scholarship, closely aligned with his belief in expanding opportunity.
“Ernie comes from a lineage of automotive dealership excellence and advertising creativity,” said Brian Kelly, the 2025 Distinguished Patron. “He has an extensive and enviable car collection. He is a philanthropist as well as a car enthusiast. He is a proficient musician and has always beaten to his own drum.
At Misselwood Concours, where elegance meets purpose, Boch’s story resonates—not just for what he has built, but for what he continues to give back.