Ernie Boch Jr. Net Worth

What is Ernie Boch Jr.'s Net Worth?

Ernie Boch Jr. is a renowned American businessman with a net worth of $600 million. He inherited Boch Enterprises from his grandfather, Andrew Boch, who laid the foundation of this vast automobile sales and service empire in 1945. His father, Ernie Boch Sr., furthered the business by pioneering the 'Automile' concept, where numerous car dealerships were located together. Ernie Sr. became a familiar face in Massachusetts due to his iconic commercials and catchphrase, 'Come on down!'

Early Life

Ernest Alexander Boch Jr. was born on February 15, 1958, to Ernest Boch Sr. and Barbara Ann Boch (née Lyons). Barbara worked at New England Merchants National Bank when she met local businessman Ernest Boch. They married and had four children: Ernie Jr., Donna, Karen, and Beth Joyce.

Boch Automotive

In 1945, Andrew Boch, Ernie Jr.'s grandfather, returned from the US Army and purchased a Nash/Rambler car franchise in Norwood, MA. This dealership eventually became America’s best-selling Rambler dealership. Ernie Jr.'s father, Ernie Sr., transformed this thriving business into a significant automotive empire, famously appearing in commercials promoting his memorable stunts and signature phrase, 'Come on down!'

Automile & Oil Crisis

Ernie Sr. innovated the 'Automile' concept, where multiple car dealerships were congregated along one stretch, allowing shoppers to browse through various options conveniently. The 1970s oil crisis increased demand for fuel-efficient Japanese cars, which Boch had presciently included in his business. These models, such as Subaru and Toyota, eventually represented up to 50% of the US car market.

Boch Enterprises

Ernie Sr. diversified Boch Enterprises into a conglomerate featuring dozens of car dealerships and nearly 20 other companies, including Boch Broadcasting. Ernie Boch Sr. passed away in 2003, leaving the business to his son, Ernie Jr.

Ernie Boch Jr.

Ernie Jr. began working in the family business at age 13. He attended Berklee College of Music and toured briefly before committing to Boch Enterprises full-time. Upon his father's death in 2003, he expanded the business by adding Ferrari and Maserati franchises. In 2015, he sold five family dealerships but retained the Ferrari and Maserati outlets, continuing as the President and CEO of Subaru of New England.

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Music Drives Us & Philanthropy

Ernie Jr. founded the charity Music Drives Us, which supports music education, awareness, and preservation. In 2005, he joined the Berklee College of Music's board of trustees and continues to play music with his band, Ernie and the Automatics. Notably, he donated $1 million to Dave Portnoy's Barstool Fund in 2021 to aid small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Private Jet & Car Collection

Ernie owns several private jets, including a $15 million 2005 Citation Sovereign, and leases Gulfstream and Bombardier jets for international travel. His car collection is equally impressive, featuring rare vintage models like a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 and a replica Batmobile. His primary vehicle is a customized Subaru Forester stretch-limo, reflecting his ownership of major Subaru dealerships.

Massachusetts Mansion

Ernie's main residence is a sprawling estate in Norwood, Massachusetts. Initially purchasing two acres for $430,000 in the 1990s, he expanded his property to nearly 8 acres by buying and demolishing surrounding houses. He has invested around $100 million in developing the estate, which includes a 22,000-square-foot mansion and a 40-car garage. He also owns properties in Vermont, Boston, and Vineyard Haven.

Nevis Island Estate

In 2006, Ernie purchased land on Nevis island, commissioning a Boston designer to build a 4,200-square-foot British Colonial-style home. Located within the Four Seasons Resorts Estates, the property provides access to resort amenities for a $40,000 annual fee. Ernie listed the home for sale in 2016 for $7.2 million.