North Bay Woman

46 NORTH BAY WOMAN | S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2014 Laura Bertolli Auto Body Shop Frank Bertolli, an Italian immigrant, married Mary, a first generation San Franciscan, and moved to Marin County to raise a family. Laura is the oldest of four girls and is a product of the Dixie School District, Marin Catholic High School and the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Frank started an auto shop, an auto body shop and a gas station in the 1970's. All the girls worked in the family business doing odd jobs, and Frank passed down his strong work ethic. In 1985, Laura was asked to leave her staff accountant job and join the family business. Laura did not know much about running an auto shop, but with hard work, and a knack for sales, she successfully grew the business. In 1985, she purchased Bertolli's, making it one of the few woman owned auto shops at the time. Laura credits her father for teaching her to treat people the way she would want to be treated (the golden rule), along with incorporating a feminine style of leadership, for her success. She has always given back to her community through service and joined Rotary, the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, the Las Gallinas Lions club and other non profits. Laura has expanded her passion and experience in women's issues to include being the organizer for a local meetup called Women Owned Marin Businesses (WOMB) with over 180 members; and is co-chair of the Women of Industry committee at the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, which puts on a luncheon honoring women in business. Laura Bertolli, President/CEO Bertolli's Auto Body Shop, Inc. 1345 East Francisco Blvd., San Rafael | 456-1992 | www.bertollis.com Women of Ross Valley Rotary Non-Profit Top row, left to right: Sue Schneider, insurance; Sue Barstow, insurance; Tami Lyon, banking. Bottom row, left to right: Joan Capurro, community advocate, Joanne Whitt, pastor, Rozan Donals, advertising. Not in photo: Sandy Jones, enrolled agent; Pat Swensen, retired; Jan Boas, integrated trucking. Ross Valley Rotary is a diverse group of local professionals, who believe in the importance of high ethical standards and enjoy working together toward the improvement of the quality of life in Ross Valley and worldwide, through community service. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious and open to all cultures, races and creeds. As signified by the motto "Service Above Self", Rotary's main objective is service – in the community, in the workplace and throughout the world. Some of the local and international organizations and projects that the Ross Valley Rotary provides financial support to: Fairfax Youth Programs, Fairfax San Anselmo Children's Center, Tam House I and II – Senior Living, Drake High Interact Club, Scholarship Program for youths attending COM, Salvation Army Annual Bell Ringing Campaign, Shelter Grants for many International Disasters, and many more. The Rotary Club of Ross Valley was chartered on May 21, 1925 and is one of the oldest clubs in Marin County. We have over 88 years of Service. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME - Our meetings are every Wednesday, 12 Noon until 1:30 pm at Deer Park Villa, 367 Bolinas Road in Fairfax. Ross Valley Rotary P.O. Box 415, San Anselmo | 225-6139 | rossvalleyrotary.org

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