Ernie Boch Jr., president and CEO of Subaru of New England, delivered the morning keynote address to Northwood University’s Class of 2025 during its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10. Speaking to graduates about leadership, risk-taking, and building a lasting legacy, Boch shared lessons from his family’s three-generation journey in the automotive industry.
“Always get in the car,” Boch advised graduates. He explained that when his grandfather launched the family business in 1938, second-generation automotive companies had a 30% success rate. By the time he took over, that number had fallen to 12%. Despite the odds, the business grew into a multibillion-dollar enterprise under his leadership.
“So I have learned, as you have learned, it’s all about getting in the car,” he said.
Boch also emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with capable people rather than trying to be the smartest person in the room. “The people that you surround yourself with will be your success,” he told the graduates. “I am very fortunate that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer — ever. I never want to be. I always want to surround myself with people with more talent.”
Before delivering his address, Boch was awarded an honorary doctorate, Northwood University’s highest honor, given to individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to society. He was also inducted into the university’s Gallery of Distinction.
Boch leads Subaru of New England, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across six states, as well as Ferrari of New England and Boch Maserati. His contributions to the industry and the community include founding Music Drives Us, a nonprofit that provides musical opportunities for underserved individuals, and the Boch Medical Center in Wajinja, Uganda, which improves health care access in rural areas.
