Tom Brouillet will be the next featured resident guest speaker in the Getting to Know You series at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, in the Great Room of The Atwater at Nocatee.
At 75, Brouillet is as classic as the cars he loves — a life full of craftsmanship, heart and unmistakable character.
A proud native of New Hampshire, Brouillet now calls The Atwater at Nocatee home. Brouillet decided he wanted to move to Florida a few years ago to get out of the cold and be closer to one of his sons, daughter-in-law and two precious grandchildren, who light up his world. He visited Nocatee and all the options it had to offer and finally decided on The Atwater, primarily because of the people he met and the myriad of activities available every day.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Brouillet spent his entire career managing auto dealership repair shops, earning respect and dedication with his knowledge of automobiles as well as his honesty and respect for the customer.
Off the clock, his passion for cars was never idle. Over the years he built a remarkable car collection, buying and selling whatever he fancied with a particular fondness for two American icons: the Corvette and the Mustang. When asked which car had been his all-time favorite (up until now), he didn’t hesitate: “The 2006 Corvette Convertible blue. That was one sweet car.”
But there was always one elusive dream machine that stayed just out of reach. It was a 2005 Saleen Mustang — more precisely, a SALEEN S281 “Ranty” in rare, factory-custom green finish. Saleen, the high-performance manufacturer founded by racing driver Steve Saleen, takes standard Mustangs and transforms them into limited-edition street beasts. With only three models of this specific configuration known to exist today, Brouillet’s acquisition is nothing short of extraordinary. The car boasts Saleen’s signature body kit, race-tuned suspension, upgraded exhaust and a supercharged V8 engine capable of pushing out over 400 horsepower.
“It’s a real head-turner,” Brouillet says with a grin, “but more importantly, it’s a dream realized.”
The opportunity to own the car came thanks to one of his three sons, all of whom share Brouillet’s automobile passion. After spotting the Saleen for sale, Brouillet’s son alerted him, and not long after, the deal was done.
Brouillet’s Saleen has only been owned by two other people. During the last 15 years, the car has sat in someone’s private collection, and Brouillet bought it in like-new condition with just 14,000 miles on it.
The bond with Brouillet and his sons goes beyond horsepower. Brouillet gifted his personal 1995 Ford Lightning Performance Truck to his Nocatee son, Ben, for his birthday three years ago.
For all of Brouillet’s love of cars, it’s clear that family is the fuel that powers his engine. He beams when talking about his grandchildren here and back in New Hampshire, where he travels frequently to spend time with his other two sons and their families.
“I babysit any chance I get,” Brouillet says proudly.
At the Atwater, Brouillet is known not just for his cool car but for his generous spirit. He’s the kind of neighbor that always shows up, whether it’s to lend a hand or listen when a friend needs someone to talk to. In many ways, Tom Brouillet is a lot like the cars he loves: classic, well-built and cherished by those lucky enough to call him “friend.”
Light refreshments will be served at this presentation.
For more information on the Getting to Know You Program and schedule contact The Atwater at Nocatee, 904-320-1056.
