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Meet Our Staff - Mercedes-Benz of Austin Family of Employees
Michael Bakiris
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 3/13/2000 Michael was born on the island of Rhodes, Greece. He is supremely knowledgeable in all things Greek. His hobby is swimming, his food is Greek Salad. He had a travel agency in Greece before he began at Mercedes-Benz, and is willing to give guided tours to those who want to pay his travel and accommodation expenses. Michael also enjoys the company of his dogs.
Dominick Binetti
White Team Technician
Hire Date 1/20/2009 Dominick moved to Texas from Washington, DC over four years ago and loves living in Austin, especially because of all the great spots that the city has for mountain biking. Dominick spent nine years in the Army and has 14 plus years of experience in the automobile industry. His interests include spending time with his two daughters, listening to music, and watching movies. It’s hard for Dominick to pick a single favorite movie, but he says that Pulp Fiction would definitely be a contender. Dominick’s favorite vacations spots are Hawaii and parts of Western Europe, although he really wants to visit Australia and New Zealand.
Dan Boone
Finance Director
Hire Date 4/19/2004 Dan Boone is a third generation auto industry professional. He is the son of a former Houston car dealer who handled many different makes from the late 60’s to the mid 90’s. Dan has worked full time in the auto industry since his graduation from the University of Texas in 1985. He has experience in every department of the dealership, and has experience with the manufacturer. Dan joined the Mercedes-Benz of Austin team in April of 2004. This gave him the opportunity to move back to the Austin area and to be closer to his Longhorns. During the spring and summer, Dan can often be found at Disch-Faulk field supporting the home team. Customer satisfaction is Dan's primary goal at the dealership. 'My job is making my customers happy.' Dan has worked with many lenders over the years and has developed the relationships and the expertise to help make his customer’s dreams a reality.
Stuart Bradford
Courtesy Car Driver
Hire Date 9/13/2007 His father was a career Air Force man so he grew up living all over the states and in several foreign countries (England, Korea, Alabama, etc.). He came to Austin from Fairfax, Virginia, circa 1970 to attend UT. After 5 1/2 years he completed a 4 year degree majoring in History (minoring in Fraternity). He immediately parlayed that degree into a related job with the IRS. He retired after 31 years when he could no longer find his office on a regular basis (they kept reorganizing). Along the way he had the good fortune to marry Debbie; they have three wonderful children (Lauren, Sam and Jackson) who are now mostly grown and only live with them infrequently. He started working for Mercedes-Benz in 2007 when it seemed like a good idea to do something other than golf occasionally. He's found the work and the people at Mercedes-Benz really enjoyable and hopes to stay until he can make it on the professional tour. One of his hobbies is limericks. "So here is one for myself...I can write one for you or your friends for a minor fee:
There is an old driver named Stu,
with the clients he was told this to do.
'Bring them from home, while you talk of new chrome,
Then to the cashier you must shoo.'"
Bonnie Bradshaw
Client Care Representative
Hire Date 12/26/2006 Bonnie has four beautiful children and a husband who doubles as her son’s Boy Scout leader. She is a true Austinite, enjoying both the live music and local arts scenes. Bonnie would love to travel around the world, and her dream vacation would be a trip to Australia with her family. Those who know sweet Bonnie know that she loves to laugh and also has a terrible poker face.
Rob Burge
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 6/1/2005 Rob was born and raised in California and moved to New York at the age of 13. He ended up in the middle of the country in Austin, Texas and has worked for Mercedes-Benz for more than 15 years. Austin is where he met his wife and had two beautiful children. He has two cats, two dogs, and 8 fish. You won’t find him attempting to climb Mt. Everest, his favorite vacation spot is anywhere warm with a beach, but he would rather be boating than doing anything else. As for work, he was selected out of 100 applicants in the country for the Master Guild Award, which is the highest recognition for Mercedes-Benz. We are so proud of him!
Andrew Burrow
New Car Sales Manager
Hire Date 4/23/2001
Andrew spent his earliest days within his mother's womb, developing the foundation that supports him today. Andrew was educated within the hedges of Rice University, where he found his stride... literally. While attending Rice on a track scholarship, he was awarded 'All-American' status 5 times. Graduating circa 1999, he floundered about for two years before finding a home at Mercedes-Benz of Austin. Andrew served his time on the sales floor, where he learned the fundamentals of the business. From there, he used his quick and penetrating intelligence to advance into a finance position, where he developed the many skills required to succeed. Today, Andrew serves as the New Car Sales Manager, where his experience continues to fertilize and water the seeds of success.
John Butler
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 4/1/2005 John is a jazz enthusiast and out-on-the-town guy who can be found listening to music at Sullivan’s almost every Thursday. His favorite musicians are John Coltrane and Billie Holiday, and he used to play percussion in a jazz band while he was in school in New York. John was born in New Orleans and is a decorated Air Force veteran, earning a Distinguish Flying Cross for rescuing five people in Vietnam. With over 30 years of experience in the car business, John is the guy to help you into a new Mercedes-Benz. Imagine driving off in a new CLK550 convertible, listening to one of John’s expertly-arranged custom jazz compilations. John makes this stuff look easy.
Daniel Byrd
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 7/9/2003 Danny was born in Beaumont and currently resides in Leander with his winsome yellow lab, Daisy. He enjoys fishing and playing music. He is the drummer for the band Wild Dogs, which has been on an extended hiatus since their last show in Wimberley. Known for howling at the moon, the Wild Dogs were true Old Time Rock and Roll specialists. Danny was in real estate before joining the team at Mercedes-Benz of Austin. He drives a Chevy pick-up because pick-up trucks are cool and tough.
Aureilo Cabrieles
Porter
Hire Date 9/28/2006 Aurelio has been with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for more than four years and has transitioned between various jobs in his department: he started washing cars, then worked in the service line, then became a porter, and now does special detailing. Aureilo and his wife have three children, so Aureilo says that McDonalds has been his favorite restaurant lately. Aurelio spends most of his free time with his family and also enjoys watching action movies.
Brian Cairns
White Team Technician
Hire Date 10/16/2008 Brian grew up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and has loved living in Austin for more than 10 years. He enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife, three step-children, and seven grandchildren. When the weather is warm, Brian spends most of his time out on the lake.
Kelly Carter
Green Team Technician
Hire Date 1/17/2005 Kelly began working with a diesel mechanic as a hobby in 1984 and then decided in 1998 to make his hobby a career. Kelly has now been in the car business for more than 11 years (over five of those years were at Mercedes-Benz of Austin) and still loves what he does. Kelly’s favorite food is Thai food, and he loves music and production. Kelly was born and raised in Wills Point, Texas.
Kamy Chana
Blue Team Technician
Hire Date 9/17/2008 Kamy is quite talented. He holds the current record for the fastest C-class engine rebuild using nothing but a five pound hammer and a Philips head screwdriver. He is Indian, born in Kenya, raised in London, and matured in Los Angeles. He followed Jim McGuane from Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills to Mercedes-Benz of Austin. Golf is his handicap. He recently sold his S-Class to finance medical school for the youngest of his three children. Of course, he also financed medical school for the other two kids. At least he's got his health…
Sybil Childers
Office Manager
Sybil began her career with Mercedes-Benz of Austin in 1979 after moving here from Izmir, Turkey, where she resided with her active duty Air Force husband Mike. Prior to her service with Mercedes-Benz, Sybil had obtained valuable and varying degrees of office experience with jobs associated with both the military and civilian corporate world while her husband was moved to various assignments within the Air Force before a final move to the former Bergstrom Air Force Base.
Sybil has worn many hats while employed at Mercedes-Benz, serving as receptionist, accounts receivable and accounts payable clerk, and now serves proudly as our Mercedes-Benz Office Manager.
"I feel as though I was born and raised at Mercedes-Benz of Austin and it is very rewarding to be a small part of such a dedicated and professional team. This is my home away from home (just ask my husband) and this is a great place to be Texas Proud."
Sybil and Mike are also the proud parents of Lindsay Childers.
"Thank you Mr. Hardeman, my co-workers, and distinguished clientele for making my job so rewarding and memorable".
Gabriel and Jose Cienfuegos (Brothers)
Detail Specialist (Gabriel) and Detail Manager (Jose)
Hire Date 1/15/1999 (Gabriel)
Hire Date 9/2/1997 (Jose) Gabriel has lived in Austin for 14 plus years and has been working with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for the majority of that time. Gabriel and Ebelia, his wife of more than 13 years, have one son and one daughter, so Gabriel spends most of his time working or hanging out with his family. Gabriel likes to go to the park, play volleyball, ride bikes with his kids, and watch Toluca, his favorite soccer team. Gabriel also enjoys cooking, so on the weekends you can often find him drinking Bud Light and grilling fajitas.
Jose is a 13 plus year veteran of Mercedes-Benz of Austin. He grew up in a small town in Guerrero, Mexico, and has lived in Austin for more than 20 years with his wife and three children. Jose’s favorite vacation was when he and his family went to Disneyworld. Jose enjoys going to church on Sunday, playing volleyball and soccer, and watching the Mexican national team games.
Mark and Belinda Cobern (Married)
Corporate Health and Safety Director (Mark) - Client Care Manager (Belinda)
Hire Date 11/27/2006 (Mark)
Hire Date 9/2/1981 (Belinda) Mark owned his own general contracting business and worked for Mr. Hardeman and the Continental Automotive Group for many years before becoming a full time employee in November 2006. Mark says that during his time as a contractor he noticed what a wonderful company this was, and he wanted to become a part of the team. Mark has been the CAG Health and Safety Manager for over four years now. Mark and his wife Belinda, who has worked for more than nine years with Mercedes-Benz of Austin, have been married for 26 plus years and have two kids: a daughter named Kara and a son named Kyle. Mark plays the keyboard and organ for a Christian rock band at his church, The Journey. Mark has been into music since he was a teenager and also plays the bass guitar, guitar, and drums. Mark’s musical talents have led him play in several bands throughout the years: from rock and roll to country and now Christian rock! Besides his music, Mark enjoys riding motorcycles, watching movies, and spending time with his family.
Belinda has been working in the car business since 1979 and began her career with the Continental Automotive Group in 1981. After taking some time off to marry her high school sweetheart and raise their two children (Kara and Kyle), Belinda worked in the medical field and then returned to Mercedes-Benz of Austin in 2000. Her husband Mark is the Health and Safety Manager for CAG, and Belinda says that she married him for his amazing hair. Apparently Mark sported an incredible afro in the early ‘80s. Belinda loves to bowl and watch movies and is learning how to play golf. She has three dogs (Tuffy, Abby, and Izzy) and a cat named Pumpkin.
Jordan Cooper
Photographer
Hire Date 3/8/2010
Jordan is originally from Tyler, Texas where he was born and lived for the first 22 years of his life. After graduating from the University of Texas at Tyler in December of 2009, he moved to Austin shortly after. He started out as a Cashier for the Service Department here at Mercedes Benz of Austin, and is now the photographer for the Sales department, shooting photos of all the new and used cars for our website. When he's not in the studio, Jordan enjoys traveling, running half-marathons and 10k's, going to concerts, and hanging out with his friends.
Victor Cu
Grey Team Technician
Hire Date 8/21/1995 Although he says he has no hobbies, that his work is his life, and everything you need to know about him you can see in the picture, Victor mentioned he plays futbol.
Debbie and Richard Dallatore
Cashier (hers) and Shipping/Receiving (his)
Hire Date 10/24/2007 (hers)
Hire Date 7/21/2008 (his)
Richard and Deborah came to Mercedes-Benz of Austin after retiring from Delta Airlines. They use their frequent flier privileges to fly between Pennsylvania and California, where their babies and grandbabies reside. They call Cedar Park home, and they share it with two dogs and a cat. They have twin grandbabies on the way, and we wish their family health and abundance.
Annie Daniel
Service Consultant
Hire Date 1/19/2009 Annie is a relatively new Austinite, but she already loves Austin and all its outdoor activities. Annie has three cats and also feeds multiple strays that live around her neighborhood. In her spare time Annie volunteers at a home for foster children and enjoys going out with her friends and reading science fiction books. Her favorite book is Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.
Harvey Dyer
General Manager
Hire Date 10/01/1993 Harvey has over 40 years of experience in the car business and has been working with Mercedes-Benz since 1979. He comes to Austin from Merced, California by way of San Antonio, Seguin, and Houston. Harvey attended the University of Texas, and his hobbies include golf and hunting. Harvey has been married for more than 38 years and has three daughters and three grandchildren. A Mercedes-Benz ML350 is the family car, but Harvey likes to drive a different car every day to ensure that our inventory meets his standards of excellence.
Kent Filleman
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 2/1/2008 Kent moved to Austin to attend UT and graduated in 1981 with a BBA in Business. He then began his career in the car business in 1982 and has focused solely on German cars since then. Kent drives a C280 and loves Mercedes-Benz because they are the best built, longest lasting, safest cars. His all-time favorite models are the old SE cabriolets of the late 1960s. Kent and his wife Priscilla have a son, and Kent’s hobbies include shooting sports, gardening, and golf.
Alex Flores, Luisa Flores and Jesse Rodriguez (Father, Daughter, Her Husband)
Detail Specialist (Alex), Barista (Luisa), Detail Assistant Manager (Jesse)
Hire Date 1/15/2002 (Alex)
Hire Date 9/21/2006 (Luisa)
Hire Date 1/19/1999 (Jesse)
Alex is from el Jefe, Mexico City. He has lived in Austin for over 10 years. He is a skilled 'Fronton' player (handball), and a gifted dancer.
Luisa and her husband Jesse have one son and one daughter. Originally from Mexico City, Louisa says that, although she enjoys living in Austin, she loves her country and frequently goes back to Mexico to visit. Luisa also loves cooking and home decorating, so if she’s watching television it’s usually the Food Network or HGTV. Louisa loves learning new things—right now she’s taking classes at ACC to perfect her English. Pretty Woman is her favorite movie, but Louisa also really likes watching scary movies. Even though she has seen all the Halloween movies, that music still gives her goosebumps every time.
Originally from Mexico City, Jesse moved to Austin more than 15 years ago and enjoys living here because there are nice people and not too much traffic. Jesse worked for Mercedes-Benz of Austin, moved back to Mexico, and then re-joined the dealership about ten years ago. Jesse and his wife Louisa, who also works at the dealership, have one son and one daughter. In his free time Jesse likes to watch soccer (especially the Mexican national team) but doesn’t play anymore because of an ACL injury that sidelined him. Cancun and Miami are Jesse’s two favorite vacation spots, and his favorite restaurants are Pappadeaux and Pappasitos.
Minh Fogel
Service Consultant
Hire Date 5/1/2009 Minh is a current Austin resident and graduated with a degree in business from the University of Texas. She has been in the car business for over 12 years and is married and has two beautiful daughters. Her favorite past time is spending time with the family doing outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
Stephen Franklin
Shipping Clerk
Hire Date: 1/21/2010 Born in the state for lovers, Virginia, Stephen moved to Austin in 1992 and admires the laid back city. A friend of his got him into the car business and he is pretty glad that they did. On Stephen's down time, he plays the drums and hangs out to no particular kind of music. Stephen comes home to his cute Border collie mix named Mia.
Lee Godfrey
Parts Manager
Hire Date 11/18/1991 When he can get away from the penny-loafing set, Lee takes his ML320 down to the family ranch in Ft. McKavett for some serious off-road testing. 'There’s nothing like a Mercedes-Benz,' Lee tells me. And nothing like a mesquite thorn... which is why Lee keeps his spare tire full of air.
Pete Gonzales
Grey Team Technician
Hire Date 4/9/2009 Pete grew up in Austin but now calls San Antonio home. He plays on a sand volleyball team and practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but also enjoys running, basketball, and pretty much any other sport. On the weekends, Pete and his dad enjoy going to the racetrack to race their Ford Mustangs.
Sheri Gordon
CAG Austin - HR Manager
Hire Date 2/14/1989 Originally from the Dallas area, Sheri has lived in Marble Falls for over 22 years and has been with the Continental Automotive Group for the past 11 plus years. She actually worked at First Texas Honda for five years before taking a break and then returning in 1989. Sheri says that working for Mr. H is the best, and that’s why she was happy to return. Family time is important to Sheri, who has two daughters, the youngest being a softball-player named “Trudy,” and an adorable granddaughter named "Lilly.” But Sheri also enjoys a good happy hour—if you see her out after work, rum and coke (specifically, Pepsi One) is the drink to order her. Sheri also loves to travel and recently took an amazing trip to Nicaragua with Trudy, where they enjoyed hiking, sailing, site-seeing, and zip-lining through the forest.
Armando Guerra
Blue Team Technician
Hire Date 11/27/2006 Doyle says of Armando: 'He was born, he learned to eat, and now he's a mechanic.'
Ashley Guthrie
Receptionist
Hire Date 3/22/2011 Ashley is a native Texan born in Duncanville, TX. She grew up in Flower Mound, TX and graduated from Flower Mound High School in 2003. Ashley received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Texas A & M College Station in 2008. Gig ‘em! She would describe herself as an ambitious individual with a lot of energy and a desire to help others achieve their goals. Ashely said, "I love life, I love being outdoors and I love people."
Ashley is also a personal trainer at Coach Mo's Elite Fitness in Austin, TX
Bryan Hardeman
Principal
Hire Date 11/2/1978 “Mercedes-Benz is my gem,” says owner, Mr. Bryan Hardeman. A terrific brand and the first automobile, Mercedes-Benz is constantly at the helm of new state-of-the-art technology and design that often awes its competitors. Mercedes-Benz was one of the first brands Mr. Hardeman acquired when he bought Continental Cars, originally located off 6th street in downtown Austin. He remembers this site ironically as the location where he bought his first car when he was 17. Now, he did not get to keep this car (a 1966 MG retailing at around fifteen hundred bucks at the time), which he bought without his parents’ knowledge and parked at his brother’s garage off campus at UT. He is humored by the memory of being caught in the first week of ownership by a teacher who spotted him cruising downtown. From there, word quickly got back to his father and, thus, the keys back to the dealership. Despite this lapse in judgment as a youngster, Mr. Hardeman is known throughout the dealership as an all-around nice guy and family man above all else.
His family includes his loving wife, Rebecca, and their three children, two of whom (Will and Genny) work at the dealerships taking on day-to-day management. Their youngest (by two and a half minutes), Joy, is attending Mr. Hardeman’s alma mater, UT, in her second year of law school. Mr. Hardeman boasts about how proud he is of the spread here at the Continental Automotive Group and how the average employee has worked for him an incredible 15+ years! “The car business is a people business, and having the right people be a part of our family here is the most important thing, and we have the right people!”
Genny, Joy, and Will Hardeman (Twin Sisters and Brother)
Executive Vice President (Genny) - Visionary (Joy) - Managing Partner (Will)
Hire Date 2/17/1984 (Genny)
Hire Date 2/17/1984 (Joy)
Hire Date 7/18/1981 (Will)
Genny likes to laugh at just about anything, but nothing gets her taste buds excited like crispy tacos from the local Taco Bell. Genny was a thespian and tennis star at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School before continuing on to SMU, where she graduated a semester early with a degree in Finance, Foreign Languages and Literature. Genny went to work for Tejas Securities in Austin but was soon recruited into the family business. Genny enjoys spending time with friends on Lake Austin and taking runs around the neighborhood with her two dogs, a Blue Lacy named Charlie and a yellow Labrador named Ellie.
When she is not making gray skies blue, Joy enjoys enjoying herself. She is a talented dog-whisperer, an avid cyclist, and a sought-after companion. She is chatty, enjoys a good crossword puzzle, and early morning swims in Lake Austin with her two puppies Ellie and Charlie. She is now attending the University of Texas School of Law.
For some it's East Coast time, for others it's West coast time; each day Will resets his watch to Hardeman time. He is known to many at the NADA Dealer Academy as Will - "The International Man of Leisure." Over the past few months he has learned that percentages don't buy you ham sandwiches; dollars do. Will is a natural green tea connoisseur and also enjoys the raw power of iced coffee during the 3 summer seasons in Austin, Texas. He also has a suave, ever so charming, dark chocolate Boykin Spaniel by the name of Nash.
Wally Hernendez
Roadside Technician
Hire Date 1/4/1988 Wally is a veteran roadside technician and says that he loves helping people on the road and that it’s fun to be the hero. Wally spends his free time working out at the gym and also loves to go Tejano dancing. He and his beautiful wife Macaria have been married for over 26 years and live out in Taylor with Angelica, their daughter. Wally says that Angelica is his angel and that she keeps him going. Amaya Restaurant is Wally’s favorite place to eat Mexican food, and Corpus Christi is his favorite vacation spot. There he and his family spend time at the beach and also go deep sea fishing. Now Wally is looking forward to taking his daughter to Disneyworld.
Enrique Herrera
Porter
Hire Date: 1/27/2000 Enrique’s favorites include Mexican cuisine and cars, which he dabbles in both almost daily. Enrique enjoys cheering on team USA in volleyball and team Cruz Azul in soccer; he is what you would call a fan. Enrique fancies Austin almost as much as Mexican food and he has been a resident here since 1999.
Christopher Hirsh
Service Manager
Hire Date 7/26/1973 Chris began working in the service department when he was 19 years old and laughs when describing his inexperienced beginnings. (“I could never hire me!”) Chris’s relatives moved to Austin from Seguin in the early 1900s and opened Hirsh’s Drug Stores here. Chris’s father was in the Air Force, providing Chris with the opportunity to live all over the world before he decided to move back to Austin in 1973. Chris worked as a technician until he was promoted to Shop Foreman in 2000 and then to Service Manager in 2001. Mercedes-Benz of Austin awarded Chris with a cruise for his 30 year anniversary with the company, but the vacation still has not been taken. Chris says that he and his wife have been talking about it lately though, so maybe they’ll be out in the Caribbean someday soon. Chris says that he likes to cook but his main hobby is taking care of his family. He has four grown children: a social worker, a blacksmith, a chef, and a specialist in the Army.
Reva Hoffman
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 5/29/2008 Reva has been in the car business for more than five years but wants everyone to know that she’s still very young. She loves playing basketball and tennis, hanging out with friends, and boogying until the night becomes morning. She dances like Usher and loves being the life of the party (and the life of the dealership). If she could describe herself in one word it would be “RockStar.”
Richard Howard
Grey Team Technician
Hire Date 7/28/1975 Richard grew up in Austin and has been with the Continental Automotive Group for more than 34 years—the third longest of any employee! Single ladies take note: Richard describes himself as “single and looking!” This career man who loves cooking and church activities is definitely a catch. Richard’s other hobbies include photography and videography. Richard used to film and produce wedding videos, and he loves outdoor and action photos.
Bucky Hutchison
Shop Foreman
Hire Date 6/13/1988 Bucky is originally from Ohio but has loved living in Austin for more than 33 years. He appreciates the diversity of the Texas landscape—he is closer to the ocean and also able to spend time out in the Hill Country. Bucky has been married for over 23 years, and bow hunting is one of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoys long distance motorcycle trips, and his favorite ride has been through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Bucky has over 35 plus years of experience in automobile servicing and has had a distinguished career with Mercedes-Benz of Austin. He joined the company in 1977 and, after an eight year departure, returned to the service department in 1988. After all those years, Bucky says that he still loves the company and his position and that the Hardeman family is great to work for.
Armando Jaimes
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 11/22/2005 Armando enjoys spending time with his four brothers, who also live in Austin, and his parents when they come from Mexico to visit. Originally from Mexico City, Armando moved to Austin over 13 years ago and enjoys living in Texas. Florida is Armando’s preferred vacation spot, and he also likes to watch soccer (Nicita is his favorite) and drink Mexican Martinis at Trudy’s.
Elvia Jaimes
Porter
Hire Date: 5/27/2010 Elvia comes to Austin from Mexico City and she loves it here mostly because she has a lot of family here. Upon meeting Elvia you will first notice her sweet character, a tidbit you may not know upon meeting her is that she is a futbol enthusiast.
Moises Jaimes
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 10/13/2008 Moises is a family man. He and his wife Rufina have been married for over 26 years and have 5 children. Moises also has three relatives who work at Mercedes-Benz of Austin! Moises grew up in Michoacan, Mexico and moved to Austin more than 15 years ago. He enjoys the Austin parks and Hill Country scenery, and, in his spare time, Moises likes to play volleyball and go to church.
Nino Jaimes
Porter
Hire Date 4/3/2008 Nino is another member of the Jaimes clan from Michoacan, Mexico. He has lived in Austin for over seven years but enjoys going back to Mexico every year to visit. Rudy’s is Nino’s favorite restaurant, and his favorite movie is Scarface. Nino also likes to play soccer and watch his favorite team, Toluca. Going to casinos is another one of Nino’s hobbies; he has fun going to Lake Charles to play the slot machines.
Lori Johns
Warranty Manager
Hire Date 9/15/1999 Lori is a native Austinite with a long career in the automotive industry. She spent 17 years with BMW before coming to Mercedes-Benz of Austin over 11 years ago. Lori says that working for Mr. Hardeman is wonderful, and she is very grateful to be working for the best employer in Austin. Lori has been riding motorcycles all her life, and on the weekends she enjoys riding her Harley and going to motorcycle rallies. Lori also spends time at home watching her two favorite television shows: The Biggest Loser and Survivor.
Bob Kadura
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 7/15/2009
Bob Kadura joined Mercedes-Benz of Austin as a New and Pre-Owned Sales Consultant. Bob is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and has been a resident of Austin since 1969. Bob enjoys outdoor pursuits, country living, organic gardening and Weimaraner bird dogs. Bob brings more than 30 years of import auto sales experience to the dealership and enjoys helping buyers shop and compare cars on the lot and online. Bob enjoys working with internet buyers because many have already chosen their vehicle, been preapproved for credit, and know their vehicle trade-in value estimate. Internet buyers appreciate Bob’s style and ability to speed up the closing process to save them time.
Brian Krauss
Technician
Hire Date: 11/29/2010 Brian has been in the automotive industry since 1990. He enjoys moto sports, hot rods, Harley's, and live music. Brian is not picky about his beer choice he says he enjoys all types of beer.
Thomas Keele
Technician
Hire Date: 6/10/2010 Thomas is into vintage cars, in fact he says his hobbies are 1950s hot rods and customs. In 1982 he started working on vehicles as a hobby. He also swing dances, two steps, and salsa. Two of his favorite clubs are the Continental Club and the Broken Spoke.
Jim Lang
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 4/18/2008 Jim 'I got Grand Funk Railroad playing in the background here' Lang moved to Austin in 1981, and is partially responsible for this city’s cool reputation. Jim is as serious as a heart attack, he puts together his own playlists, and his sales skills are becoming famous on Youtube. He likes hot rodding, stylistically provocative facial hair, collecting music, and doing a slow burn on his Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Dresser. His favorite movie is American Graffiti and he's 'got some college.' He loves his wife and son. Jim also claims responsibility for a six-toed cat named Buddy, who may in fact be a descendent of Ernest Hemmingway's cats. If you want a music recommendation, you need to let him know in advance - he'll 'have to make you a short list.'
Terry Larson
Red Team Technician
Hire Date 1/2/2006 Terry is an Austin native and graduate of Crockett High School. He has been married for more than thirty-two years and has two kids and two grandkids. His hobbies are hunting and fishing, and he drives a very well-maintained Mercedes-Benz. Terry also enjoys working on his ranch, where he raises cattle and sheep.
Darryl Lee
Retired Pilot
Hire Date 6/1/1980 After more than 30 years with the Continental Automotive Group, Darryl now spends his time playing golf, dabbling in day trading, and drinking Argentine Malbecs. He is a native Austinite and says that Matt’s El Rancho has the best margaritas in town. Darryl also loves to cook. Black bean soup is his specialty. There is a secret ingredient and technique that Darryl learned from Rachel Ray that he can’t divulge in this internet bio.
Brett Liming
Finance Manager
Hire Date 7/14/1972
A builder of cars
A writer of songs
A picker of git-tars
A righter of wrongs
A lover of life
One woman and wine
A self-proclaimed legend
In his spare time
Levi Lohrman
CAG Austin - IT Director
Hire Date 5/19/2008
Levi is a very happy person that has been working for this company over three years now (he started just 2 days after he graduated from the University of Texas). He is recently married, and just purchased his first home. He is now the master of all things IT for Mercedes-Benz of Austin, so if you have any computer-related problems (including but not limited to – why doesn’t our wireless network ever work…), feel free to ask. Oh and don't steal anything from Levi's office, car, or person... It is frowned upon.
Billy Louviere
Parts Specialist
Hire Date 6/23/1986 Billy came to Austin via Lake Charles, Louisiana. With lots of his family back in Lake Charles, Billy returns there often but has brought many of his Louisiana traditions with him to Texas. Billy loves fishing and Cajun food (specifically crawfish) and is a HUGE Saints fan. He has been to Saints games in multiple cities but has never seen a game in the Superdome in New Orleans. Billy has been in the car business for over 25 years and really enjoys working at Mercedes-Benz of Austin. He says that he likes the idea of working for a family-owned and run company.
Santiago Maldonado
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 8/2/2005 Santiago moved to Austin more than 14 years ago from Tejupilco, Mexico. He and his wife have been married for over ten years and have two children. On the weekends, Santiago likes going to parks to play volleyball and soccer. He also enjoys watching movies and television shows, and Jacqueline Bracamontes is Santiago’s favorite actress.
Fritz Masch
General Sales Manager
Hire Date 5/17/2001 Fritz started working for Mercedes-Benz in 2001. He previously worked at Lexus/BMW of Austin as a manager. When starting at Mercedes-Benz he held the position as the pre-owned manager then moved to new car manager, and now he is the general sales manager. Fritz has three boys Nick, Mack, and Jack that keep him very busy.
Glenn Mayhugh
Delivery Specialist
Hire Date 2/5/1998 Glenn Mayhugh has been associated with The Continental Automotive Group for over fifteen years, most of those years spent at Mercedes-Benz of Austin. He moved from Houston as an Air Force veteran after receiving an undergraduate degree from the University of Houston. He completed his formal education at St. Edward’s University where he earned his B.A. degree. He worked in the education and mental health fields for several years before a stint as a registered securities broker. Glenn’s love of all things cars led to his twenty three plus years in the automobile field. A forty-year follower of Formula One automobile racing, he and Mary reside in south Austin with Scout The Killer Cat. Glenn is the star of our new Video Help Section - "1 Minute with Glenn"
Jim McGuane
Service Director
Hire Date 9/13/2006 With over 30 years of experience in the automobile industry, Service Director Jim McGuane has held almost every possible position in a car dealership. Most recently Jim managed the Service and Parts departments of Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills, and, although he enjoyed the beautiful California weather and celebrity clientele, Jim says that he is glad to be back home in Texas. Jim enjoys boating, riding his Harley-Davidson, going to church, and spending time with his daughter, Megan. His other two loves are Macey and Murphy Lee, his adorable West Highland White Terriers. (Ask Jim to show you some pictures on his computer.) Jim also has a goldfish named Max who traveled all the way from California to Texas!
Daryl Meaux
Network Administrator
Hire Date 3/1/2010 Daryl is no stranger to the car industry, and after 15 years of being an outside source for the IT department, he has decided to join the group as an IT specialist. He enjoys spending time with his family when he is not at work. He loves to travel, watch sports, and stay active by being outdoors including time on the lake.
Janet and Steve Mintier (Married) Michael Boyle (son)
Assistant Service Manager (Janet) - Alignment & Tire Team Leader (Steve) Parts runner (Michael)
Hire Date 5/8/1997 (Janet)
Hire Date 7/14/1997 (Steve)
Steve and Janet's claim to fame are their 4 children, who, from the oldest to the youngest, span 18 years. James graduated from Texas State and is currently enrolled at The University of Texas in Paralegal Studies. Michael works at Mercedes Benz of Austin in the parts department, is attending ACC to attain his degree in business and is the proud father of a beautiful baby girl. Michael is also Founder and President of Seikyou Clothing.
Stephanie, currently in high school, is looking forward to attending UT to learn architecture. And Katherine is busy managing her way through grade school. The two main interests in our lives are our children and our work and we couldn't be prouder of either one!
Mario Miranda
Technician
Hire Date: 6/21/2010 Mario is from this great city of Austin and does not plan on leaving it. He likes cars; so working on them was the perfect match. When Mario is not under the hood of a car, he is an avid video game enthusiast; his favorite is Call of Duty, duh. Also, he is kind of busy with his new baby girl named Zoe. She is awesome.
Gary Nelson
Green Team Technician
Hire Date 10/9/2009 Gary is originally from Ft. Worth and just moved to Austin. Before returning to Texas, he spent ten years in Colorado and five years in Atlanta. Gary has been married for over 32 years and has four children, who all live here in Austin. When he’s not working, Gary enjoys hanging out with his family and spending time at his in-laws’ longhorn ranch in Cross Plains, Texas.
Jennifer Nokes
Used Car Department Assistant
Hire Date 1/15/2009 Jenn graduated from Marble Falls High School. She loves going out to have fun with friends, whether they are enjoying the Austin live music scene or playing BYOB bingo. On the weekends you can find her in the front row (or sometimes onstage) at Stubbs or Hills Café, listening to No Justice or other Texas country or classic rock music.
Bob Nolen
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 4/3/1995 Bob Nolen began his association with Mercedes-Benz in Houston in 1987, joining Mercedes-Benz of Austin in 1995 in the Sales Department. Since 1998, he has specialized in the Mercedes-Benz European Delivery Program, having arranged over 120 such transactions for clients, in addition to his regular duties as a New Car Sales Consultant. Bob earned his B.A. Degree in 1958 from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. After a stint in the Air Force, he worked in banking in the Houston area, and later as a Real Estate Broker and Developer in Harris and Austin Counties before moving to Austin to join the Continental Group.
Bob and his wife Deborah have five children and eleven grandchildren scattered around the country, as well as extended family in Europe. Bob and his wife live in the Northwest Hills area of Austin with their dog and cat, and when not on extended trips or family excursions, they like to spend their leisure days at Canyon Lake.
Janie and Ron Odom (Married)
Cashier (Janie) - Service Consultant (Ron)
Hire Date 6/28/2004 (Janie)
Hire Date 7/24/2000 (Ron)
Janie has been serving customers at Mercedes-Benz of Austin for more than 6 years. Originally from Midland, Janie moved to Austin over 15 years ago and is married to Ron Odem, one of our service writers. Janie has three grown children and four grandchildren! Her favorite pastimes are shopping for purses and working out. You might even run into her at her favorite restaurant, Z-Tejas.
Ronald understands the versatility needed to be a service representative at MB of Austin, and he knows how to wear many hats. He used to have a state-of-the-art fish tank which housed the most eclectic and bio-diverse marine community this side of Sea World.
Andy Olman
Courtesy Car Driver
Hire Date 7/1/1997 Andy grew-up in Chicago and was in the Air Force for 30 years as a fighter pilot. He was stationed at Austin Bergstrom before it became a civilian airport and that is how he ended up in Austin. He joined the Continental Automotive Group in 1979. During that time he was a salesman, collision center manager, and a courtesy driver. He has been married for more than 56 years and has two children and one grandchild. An interesting thing about Andy is he likes all kinds of food!
Rick Olson
White Team Technician
Hire Date 9/1/1994 Rick grew up in Detroit and is still a devoted Detroit Tigers fan. He moved in Austin in 1984 and began working at Mercedes-Benz of Austin 10 years later. Sailing is one of Rick’s favorite hobbies, and he keeps a sailboat on Lake Travis. Rick has two children.
Danny Ramirez
Grey Team Technician
Hire Date 9/1/1966 Danny was born and raised in Austin and has been working with the Continental Automotive Group for over 44 years, the longest of any employee. Mercedes-Benz of Austin has rewarded him for his longevity with two cruises and lots and lots of Christmas bonuses. Danny lives on a large piece of land and likes driving around his tractor and fishing on his property. Danny also enjoys spending time with his two children and four grandchildren.
Jose Rangel
Parts Specialist
Hire Date 6/11/2002 Jose grew up in Del Valle and has been working at Mercedes-Benz of Austin for over eight years. His sister, Sylvia, works in the Accounting department at First Texas Honda. Jose is a huge Cowboys fan (Jason Witten is his favorite player), and he’s looking forward to watching a game in the new stadium. Jose plays in the dealership’s fantasy football league every year and won first place the first year he participated.
Brisio Rodriguez
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 6/5/2009 Bricio has lived in Austin for more than 22 years and enjoys the city’s shopping and parks. He likes playing volleyball and soccer on the weekends, and Cruz Azul is his favorite team. Bricio has been married for over 18 years and has four children, so spending time with his family is very important to Brico. He and his brothers also have a ranch with horses and cattle that Bricio enjoys visiting on the weekends.
Don Rollish
Finance Manager
Hire Date 4/8/1994 Don was first hired on at Mercedes-Benz of Austin back in 1994. After a couple year hiatus Don returned to become a part time Finance Manager. Why part time you might ask? The answer lies in his calling to help others. Don has been in nursing home ministry outreach since 1997. He has performed an impressive 800 plus visits and services. If you happen to come into contact with Don he will more than likely tell you a joke or do whatever it takes to make you smile and enjoy your day!
Jackie Romero
Receptionist
Hire Date 06/01/2010 Jackie is a California girl who came to Austin in 2002. When she is not the bright face at reception, she likes to play tennis and hang out with her friends. Jackie is a licensed aesthetician and graduated from the Paul Mitchell Academy here in Austin. In her spare time she also likes to volunteer at her church. Coffee is Jackie's number one vice; she cannot get enough. A vanilla soy latte is her favorite. When she is not going to the convenient corporate Starbucks, Jackie likes to get her coffee order placed at Mozart's and listen to some good local music while she sips her tasty beverage.
Stu Rosemurgy
Pre-Owned Sales Manager
Hire Date 6/9/1998 Stuart was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, and recommends the Butter Burger at Culver's. He has two sons with his wife of more than 27 years. Stuart started changing license plates at his family's Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealership in Wausau way back in 1963. Unrelated to that, he saw the Packers lose to the Falcons at Lambeau Field. Stuart has a ’99 CLK 430 which one son drives, and a leased ML 320 for his wife. Stuart would like to tell the whole world that Mercedes-Benz of Austin is the best because 'the cars are neat and the people are fun.'
David Sanchez
Porter
Hire Date 3/6/2001 When he’s not helping out in the service department, David enjoys going to the gym, watching television (especially The Simpsons and Cops), listening to classic rock, and eating pizza or steak. David also has a beta fish that doesn’t have a name. For his 22nd birthday David went to Las Vegas with his dad and cousin and says that was his favorite vacation. David came to Austin from Killeen, Texas, and has been with Mercedes-Benz for over ten years.
Alex Saucedo
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 5/30/2001 Alex grew up on a ranch in Mexico and has lived in Austin for more than nine years. He and his wife Ana have been married for over ten years and have two sons, plus a daughter! Alex says that his wife is very excited to have another girl in the house full of boys. When he’s not working Alex is usually with his family at the park or watching movies. Toluca is his favorite soccer team.
Steve Schermerhorn
Red Team Leader
Hire Date 10/7/1996 Steve has been in the car business for 17 plus years and has been with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for all but the first two. He was born near Houston but has spent most of his life in Austin. Steve loves to run and enjoys the competition of triathlons. He has won almost 20 different triathlons and has completed 25 races just this year! When he’s not working or racing, Steve enjoys relaxing in South Padre Island.
Timothy Shook
Director of Marketing and Internet Sales
Hire Date 5/15/2004 I room at home with a hot, firm-bodied, G37-driving, blonde attorney and three needy beagles, Diesel, Turbo, & Skippy! I have a passion for excellence, multi-tasking, website design, Internet marketing, and mowing my own yard. I enjoy ice cold Mexican Coca-Cola and good pizza as often as possible. Those who know me best would describe me as 'extremely excessive' or 'excessively extreme.' Others would say I am just plain lucky.
Ray Terranella
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 6/23/1994 Originally from Houston, Ray has been loving life in Austin for over 30 years and has been serving customers at Mercedes-Benz Benz for the past 17 plus years. Ray’s hobbies include tennis and waterskiing.
Richard Thrush
Wholesale Buyer
Hire Date 3/9/1998 Richard is a former Airborne paratrooper with the 101st Airborne with 55 jumps. He is married with three daughters and one granddaughter. Richard and his wife reside in Lakeway, Texas. His automotive career started in 1978 and he has been in highline and Mercedes-Benz business since 1980. Richard loves his current job because it offers him many different challenges plus flexible work schedule.
James Tillman
White Team Leader
Hire Date 1/5/2000 James loves off-shore fishing and heads to Port Aransas, Texas, to fish for snapper, tuna, and shark whenever he has a chance. James also enjoys a good glass of wine, and the California wine country (specifically, Sonoma and Napa Valley) is another one of James’s favorite vacation spots. Originally from New Braunfels, James has enjoyed making his home in Austin for more than twenty-eight years.
Shannon Tursam
Parts Specialist
Hire Date 4/11/1996 Shannon has been working in the car business for over 15 years, all but two of those years spent with Mercedes-Benz of Austin. Shannon was born and raised in Houston but has lived in Austin for more than 20 years. Austin activities that Shannon enjoys include hiking around the Greenbelt and cycling when he gets a chance. Shannon is a history buff, so he loves visiting museums, and he also enjoys attending air shows and traveling. He is hoping for an opportunity to visit both England and Japan.
Roger Vallejo
White Team Technician
Hire Date 11/12/2001 Roger is badder than Shaft, Dolemite and Bruce Lee all rolled into one. Fortunately he’s on our team. Born in Nebraska and raised in Jarrell, Texas, Roger has been with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for over nine years. His hobbies include drinking beer and eating Italian food and then working off the calories at the gym. Roger loves football and cheers for the Cowboys and Longhorns. If he could go anywhere in the world, Roger would go home and get in bed.
Patrick Van Den Nieuwenhuysen
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 7/18/2005 Patrick Van Den Nieuwenhuysen joined Mercedes-Benz of Austin in 2004. Patrick lived in Belgium his whole life until the summer of 2003, when he moved to Austin. He speaks fluent Flemish, French, and German, as well as some Spanish. Patrick has always worked in the automotive industry, working for Toyota and Lexus in Brussels, BMW in France, and Shell Europe Oil Products until he moved to Austin. Once in Austin, he worked for Audi before joining Mercedes-Benz of Austin. Patrick lives in Wimberley and offers a special deal for people from Wimberley and Dripping Springs. Call Patrick to find out more about it at 512-917-6904
Scott Walker
Green Team Technician
Hire Date 4/19/2000 L. Scott Walker, started his tech career in 1992 after graduating from the St. Phillips College in San Antonio, Texas, with an AAS degree in automotive technology. He is a Mercedes Benz Master Technician, who joined the Mercedes Benz of Austin family in April of 2000. He's also an ASE Master Technician, and Adjunct Professor with the Austin Community College automotive program, where he is head of Diesel Technology curriculum development, and teaches two full time classes per semester. He and his wife Amy make their home in west Austin. They enjoy the company of their two Corgi's, Ziggy and Nigel, and like to travel to Florida annually for beach front lounging, and off shore fishing.
Wade Wells
Service Consultant
Hire Date 4/19/1990 Wade was born and raised in Killeen (Go fighting mighty Kangaroos!) and has been in the car business since 1989. When he’s not helping customers in the Mercedes-Benz service department, Wade enjoys off-road motorcycle riding. Wade and his beautiful wife of more than twenty years have a son who is an avid lacrosse player. His wife loves festive holiday decorations, so they currently have seven Christmas trees around their house.
W.C. Wright
Mercedes-Benz Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 4/19/2000 WC Wright has been in the Austin area for over 15 years and has more than 11 years of experience selling cars. He has been working in sales at Mercedes-Benz of Austin for 10 plus years now, and his biggest accomplishment so far is that he has been New Car Salesperson of the Year for two years. His goal is to sell 100 cars in three months, and he wants to make purchasing a new Mercedes-Benz the “funnest” experience you have ever had. WC is a pretty energetic personality who doesn't just want to just be your salesperson—he wants to be your friend. In his free time WC plays tennis (he is better than Ray) and enjoys a good run. He drives an E350, but his favorite models are the SL-Class. He is addicted to Starbuck's Chai Latte Tea, and if you want to win him over with food “just show me some lobster.”
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