Meet The Team

Bruce Barden; Founder | Bruce has been in the Auto Repair field since 1976. He worked at another repair facility until 1990 at which time he opened Bruce’s Auto Service Inc. The business started at a gas station with a 2-bay garage. It had moved to a couple of different locations as he continued to gain the trust of the community and required more space before building a permanent shop here in Arundel. Bruce and Carol were the owners and faces of the business for 33 years before selling it to their son Craig Barden. The business continues to thrive due to the foundation that Bruce and Carol built over the past three (3) decades. That foundation is built on their pride in having caring, direct, honest conversations with their customers either via telephone or in-person about their car repairs to ensure their safety on the road.

Bruce, Carol, and their son Craig worked together on a daily basis for over two (2) decades and during that time, Bruce taught Craig how to work on ‘older’ vehicles, gain community trust, and manage a business. They spent nearly 57,000 hours together at Bruce’s Auto and many other hours snowmobiling, boating, fishing, hunting, etc..… on the weekends. Bruce and Carol officially retired in June 2023 and sold the business to their son Craig who will continue to serve the community with the education and principles his father instilled.

Craig Barden; Owner and Automotive Technician | Craig has been an employee since January 2001 and has been the proud new owner of Bruce’s Auto since July 2023. Craig grew up at his parents’ business since Bruce and Carol opened the doors in 1990 where he pumped gas as a kid. He worked here part-time in his early adult life and helped the business move to different locations until the shop was built in Arundel. Craig graduated from SMCC with an Automotive Technology Degree and is a Re-Certified ASE Master Technician. In addition to holding the basic inspection licenses, Craig holds a Class E License for Cumberland Emission Inspections. Craig values the importance of education in this ever-changing field and ensures our automotive technicians keep up with the technology and education needed to stay ahead. He takes pride in being honest, and fair and carrying on the reputable name and business his father established. Craig wants to know his customers and ask how they and their families are doing when they see each other in the grocery store.

Brett Lacasse has been with us since 2016. He has prior experience from his time at Quirk & Prime. Brett is a Massabesic High School graduate and willingly takes any/all training offered since he’s been with us.

Rob Membrino has been working on vehicles since he was a kid. Rob has worked for other reputable small family businesses in our area and we welcome his knowledge as our newest member of Bruce’s Auto.

Ken Bratcher, Service Writer | Ken has been working here since 2021. He is ASE Certified with over 30 years in the automotive repair business. He has years of training with Mercedes, VW, Chrysler, and GM vehicles. Ken thrives in an upbeat, friendly work environment and is known for his positive and caring customer service. When not at work, Ken enjoys spending time with family, fishing, and singing and/or playing instruments in his rock band.

Whiskey, Shop Dog | Whiskey will excitedly greet every single customer at the front counter with his tail wagging and eyes begging you to pet him. He enjoys being at the shop with our employees and customers. When he’s not at work, Whiskey enjoys bird hunting with Craig and Hunter, playing fetch and swimming. He never seems to release all his energy but happily snuggles with his people in the evenings watching TV.