Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Conlon.
Jen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My passion for all things automotive began at birth. I spent my childhood downtime in a hot garage in Florida working on my uncle’s 1969 front end dragster and helping my Dad restore his ProStreet 1957 Chevy. I idolized Shirley Muldowney (the First Lady of Drag Racing) and couldn’t wait until the day I could drive my own hotrod. Into adulthood, I continued spending summer weekends up at the racetrack with the family. Eventually, we upgraded the front end dragster to a 1937 Fiat Topolino Blown ProComp Altered aka “The Boston Monkey”.
Spending time at the track with The Boston Monkey and attending local car shows with my Dad’s club, Spindles Auto Club, was good enough for a while until my Dad purchased a 1955 Chevy gasser as a side project a few years ago. After a little bit of nagging, he finally let me drive it and that sealed the deal for me. I HAD to finally get a hotrod of my own. He sold the 55 and I was heartbroken – but it inspired me to start the search for my own. I searched high and low for about two years until I found the perfect fit – a 1956 Ford Customline. (This was devastating to my family of Chevy lovers – believe me.)
Once I had a car to call my own, I hit the ground running with maintenance, upgrades, and customizing the car. Next, I made it official and became a member of Spindles Auto Club, where I was quickly promoted to Secretary. It feels great to bring my marketing and event management experience to something I am truly passionate about.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road, but as they say – smooth seas never made a skilled sailor. Owning and maintaining a vintage car is a constant lesson in patience, humility, and ingenuity. My car has brought me places I never would have gone before, connected me with so many great new friends, and constantly pushes me outside my comfort zone.
As a woman in a male dominated industry / past time, I have struggled to be respected and taken seriously. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people ask me if my boyfriend knows I am driving his car, or try to educate me about my own car. Recently, I’ve connected with other female car owners at local shows and online. It is a small community, but it is growing. It is my hope that we can inspire other women to become more involved in the automotive world even if it is just to become more knowledgeable about their non-vintage car. Women actually hold more driver’s licenses than men in the US and we order 65% of service work on vehicles. Most of the women I know outside of the vintage car community don’t feel comfortable in a car repair shop and feel like they are often being taken advantage of. There is a great event coming up in July here in New England for ladies of all automotive skill levels (from basic to professionals) to learn about cars in a supportive environment with other women. “Women and Machine – New England”. (https://www.facebook.com/events/1880292322045074/) The event will feature classes including welding, basic car maintenance, electrical, and more. There will also be a women owned / driven car show! The best part of all, it is only $10 to attend the classes. Knowledge is power, ladies!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Spindles Auto Club story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a mild mannered Brand & Marketing Manager for Humboldt Storage & Moving by day and a hotrodder with Spindles Auto Club by night. Spindles Auto Club is a car club based out of a 28 car garage located in Weymouth, MA. Founded in 1957, it is one of the oldest continuously operating clubs in the country.
The Club was started in 1957 at the request of local kids, with the assistance of the local court Judge. The Judge then referred many “bad boys” to membership in the Club. Once referred by the Judge you were a member or else. Currently, there are 50 members (including a handful of women) and since the beginning, 300 people have been members. The club is like a second family to me now.
Nowadays, we run various cruise nights and car shows throughout the year. What sets us apart is our commitment to giving back to our community. We consistently support and donate to local charities (Cops for Kids with Cancer, local food pantries, local animal shelters, Special Olympics, Toys for Tots – to name a few.) I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to work together to accomplish.
You can catch us on Tuesdays at “Food Truck Tuesdays” at the Hanover Mall. Or come to our big show of the year September 2nd at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. With over 700+ cars, there is something for everyone. Visit us online: www.spindlesautoclub.com or www.facebook.com/spindlesautoclub
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I often joke that my car is cursed with bad luck because I am constantly chasing a problem with it. Truth is – that’s just the “joy” of owning a 60+ year of piece of machinery. It is a blessing in disguise because I learn something new every time something needs repairing / replacing.
There is a great Thomas Jefferson quote about luck: “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spindlesautoclub.com
- Email: jconlonphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/slay.belle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/spindlesautoclub
Image Credit:
The main photo and “Eat My Dust” photos are courtesy of Karen Sullivan of Girls ‘N Garages magazine.
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
