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Meet Our Staff - Mercedes-Benz of Austin Family of Employees
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. These days she can be seen hopping around, sporting a plastic boot from Austin Regional Clinic. It's going to be a couple weeks before this diva gets cleared for take-off in her brand new E-Class!
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 one of the most involved employees in the company; she sleeps and eats at Mercedes-Benz of Austin! She is chatty too, 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.
Michael Bakiris
Mercedes 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, 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.
Oscar Becerra
Loaner Car Agent
Hire Date 3/17/2008 Oscar was born and raised in Lima, Peru. He moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1996. There he worked for Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills and met his wife Keara. They married and had three beautiful girls: Ashlie - 12, Desyree - 7, and Kylie - 3. With four girls in the house alone with Oscar, he felt he needed some male companionship, so he now has a boy dog named Chase who is 2 1/2. In February 2008, the family packed up and left Los Angeles and moved to Round Rock, TX. Oscar began working for Mercedes-Benz of Austin almost immediately after he arrived in Texas. When his three daughters and wife aren't making Oscar's life too busy or crazy, he likes to travel, go to the ocean, spend time with friends, and take nights out with his wife.
Carlos Benitez
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 10/3/2000 Carlos came to Austin 20 years ago from beautiful Acapulco, Mexico, and gets back to paradise whenever he can to visit his family there. Carlos and his wife have been married for 15 years and have four children. Carlos loves all types of music (especially Cumbia), and DJ-ing is one of his favorite hobbies. We’ll see if we can get him to show off his turntable skills at the next CAG Christmas party.
Dominick Binetti
White Team Technician
Hire Date 1/20/2009 Dominick moved to Texas from DC 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 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.
Jennifer Bottoms
Accounts Payable
Hire Date 6/28/1993 Jennifer is from Rockdale, Texas and she styles her own hair. She is devoted to her two children and two cats. Outside the office, Jennifer is treasurer of the Pflugerville High School Marching Band Booster Club. She loves to read romance novels, the Bible, and interesting vampire stories. She recently saw the movie 'Twilight' and will now begin to read the book.
Stuart Bradford
Courtesy Car Driver
Hire Date 9/13/2007 My father was career Air Force so I grew up living all over the states and in several foreign countries (England, Korea, Alabama, etc.). I came to Austin from Fairfax, Virginia circa 1970 to attend UT. After 5 1/2 years I completed a 4 year degree majoring in History (minoring in Fraternity). I immediately parlayed that degree into a related job with the IRS. I retired after 31 years when I could no longer find my office on a regular basis (they kept reorganizing). Along the way I had the good fortune to marry Debbie; we have three wonderful children (Lauren, Sam and Jackson) who are now mostly grown and only live with us infrequently. I started working for Mercedes in 2007 when it seemed like a good idea to do something other than golf, occasionally. I’ve found the work and the people at Mercedes really enjoyable and hope to stay until I can make it on the professional tour. One of my 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.
Chris Branum
Photographer
Hire Date 8/1/2008 Chris moved to Austin with his girlfriend, two dogs, and two cats in June of 2008. Chris was hired at Mercedes-Benz shortly after his arrival. He has college experience at Indiana University and the Art Institute of Pittsburg. He is happy to be working with other professionals and is currently developing stylistically provocative and intellectually stimulating videos of MB of Austin products. He recently purchased a 1996 C280. Chris enjoys good beer, grilling and canoeing.
Rob Burge
Mercedes 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 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 last year 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!
Suzette, Andrew, and Justin Burrow (Married and Andrew's Brother)
Public Relations (Suzette) - New Car Sales Manager (Andrew) - Group Buyer (Justin)
Hire Date 1/14/2003 (Suzette)
Hire Date 4/23/2001 (Andrew)
Hire Date 1/28/2010 (Justin)
Suzette was born and raised here in Austin and considers herself an Austinite through and through. At the age of 17 she started working for Mercedes-Benz of Austin as a receptionist. While working part-time she acquired her education right here in central Texas at Texas State University. Upon graduating she was a small fish in a big pond and floundered around a bit. She left the group for a little while to pursue other dreams, but realized her home was with the Continental Automotive Group (It is hard to do much better than us). She now works as the Public Relations representative for all four dealerships. Our favorite quote from her is, "I drove a Hyundai today....I am SO blessed to drive a Mercedes-Benz!"
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.
After three years in Seattle, Justin and his family moved back to Austin, Texas. He started working for the Continental Automotive Group as a buyer. He graduated high school from Lake Travis and then went to college in Houston at Rice University. He loves to travel and says if he can go anywhere he would go to Europe with his wife, Jackie, and his daughter, Milana. One of his favorite past times, when he isn't spending time with his family, is learning about architecture. He is also working on his own vegetable garden, so he can have organic veggies all the time.
John Butler
Mercedes 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 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 one of John’s expertly-arranged custom jazz compilations. John makes this stuff look easy.
Daniel Byrd
Mercedes 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 MB 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 three 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, ages 5 to 15, 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 the past nine 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 11 years (the past five years 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.
John Cascio
Parts Specialist
Hire Date 6/5/2002 John loves his wife and children, and spends practically every free moment in their company. Sometimes he gets to go hunting and fishing, after which, he loves his family that much more. Born in Liberty Hill, he is a twelve year veteran of the automotive industry. His bumper sticker says: 'My other car is a kayak.'
Raul Castillo
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 4/12/2007
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 MB of Beverly Hills to MB 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
Hire Date: 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 who is currently in her second year of study as a graduate student at Texas State University.
"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 years and has been working with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for the past 11. Gabriel and Ebelia, his wife of 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 12 year veteran of Mercedes-Benz of Austin. He grew up in small town in Guerrero, Mexico, and his lived in Austin for almost 20 years with his wife and three children (ages 12, 6, and 2). 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.
Brian Clevlen
Mercedes Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 6/5/2009 Brian is a man of versatile athletic talents—beginning with his memorable childhood performance as a skunk in an ice skating recital, Brian continued on to success with the Southwest Texas State University swim team and, most recently, to his December victory in the CAG bowling tournament. In addition to these more active pursuits, Brian also enjoys good food and good Chardonnay. While Chez Noux is his favorite restaurant in Austin, Brian also likes to cook meals at home for friends. Brian is a native Austinite and graduate of Reagan High School.
Mark and Belinda Cobern (Married)
Corporate Safety Inspector (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 three years now. Mark and his wife Belinda, who has worked for nine years with Mercedes-Benz of Austin, have been married for 26 years and have two kids: a 24-year-old daughter named Kara and a 23-year-old 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.
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.
Annie Daniel
Loaner Car Agent
Hire Date 1/19/2009 Annie is a relatively new Austinite (she’s been here a year and a half), 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.
Debbie and Richard Dellatore
Cashier (hers) and Shipping/Receiving (his)
Hire Date 10/24/2007 (hers)
Hire Date 7/21/2008 (his)
Richard and Deborah came to MB 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.
Harvey Dyer
General Manager
Hire Date 10/01/1993 Harvey has forty 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 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 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 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 an 11-year-old 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)
Ale is from el Jefe, Mexico City. He has ten years now in Austin. 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 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 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 anymore play because of an ACL injury that sidelined him a few years ago. 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 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.
Adam Fontenot
Service Booker
Hire Date 9/29/1997 Adam is a balanced man, and cool under pressure. He doesn’t lose money when he plays poker. His four kids don't get in trouble. And although he knows Mercedes inside and out, he drives a Chevy.
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,' 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 22 years and has been with the Continental Automotive Group for the past 11 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-playing 13-year-old named “Trudy,” and an adorable 2-year-old 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.
Mark Gracie
Green Team Leader
Hire Date 10/10/2002 Mark has been with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for 7 years but has 17 years of experience as a professional technician. He is a Certified Mercedes-Benz Master Technician and was a BMW Master Technician before making the switch to Mercedes. Mark’s hobbies include gardening, spending time with his wife and daughter, and sitting on one of the best front porches in South Austin.
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.'
Frederick Hashagen Jr.
Inventory Clerk
Hire Date 1/1/2001 Fred is originally from NYC and has a twin sister in Connecticut and another sister in Marietta, Georgia. Fred served as a cryptanalyst and signals intelligence officer (aka a spy) in the Air Force and actually reenlisted after he was released from active duty so that he could finish out 20 years of service and retire as a Major. After seeing Turkey, Germany, South Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and Japan, Fred fulfilled his plan and retired as a Major in October of 1976. He then went to work for various California-based defense contractors and was actually working in Iran in the late 1970s when the Iranian Revolution began. Another defense contractor job brought Fred to Austin, and his love for Mercedes brought him to his position at the dealership. Fred bought his first Mercedes (a 1961 220S sedan) in Germany in 1961 and has been a customer of Mercedes Benz of Austin since 1985. Fred says that he knew everyone in the service department and agreed to help out one day when they were short a cashier. From cashier, Fred moved to courtesy driver and then to his present position in inventory. Fred started the local chapter of the Mercedes Benz Club of America (the Lone Star Section), and he drives a 2009 E320 BlueTEC Diesel.
Bill Henline
CAG Austin - CFO
Hire Date 1/15/1977
Wally Hernendez
Roadside Technician
Hire Date 1/4/1988 Wally is a veteran roadside technician and says that he loves helping people on 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 26 years and live out in Taylor with the Angelica, their 6-year-old 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.
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 Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 5/29/2008 Reva has been in the car business for four and a half years but wants everyone to know that she’s only 24 years old. 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 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.
Todd Hume
Red Team Technician
Hire Date 1/5/1987 Born in Oakwood, Illinois, Todd moved to Austin in 1983. An hour after he got here, he had his first job. A week later, he had his second job. Todd is a real family man, and a guitar picker to boot.
Bucky Hutchison
Shop Foreman
Hire Date 6/13/1988 Bucky is originally from Ohio but has loved living in Austin for the past 32 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 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 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.
Bricio Jaimes
Detail Specialist
Hire Date Bricio has lived in Austin for 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 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.
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 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.
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 12 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.
Moises Jaimes
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 10/13/2008 Moises is a family man. He and his wife Rufina have been married for 25 years and have 5 children, ranging in age from 23 to 7. Moises also has three relatives who work at Mercedes-Benz of Austin! Moises grew up in Michoacan, Mexico and moved to Austin 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.
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 BWM before coming to Mercedes-Benz of Austin 10 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 Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date
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.
Jim Lang
Mercedes 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 25 year old 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 thirty-one years and has two kids and two grandkids. His hobbies are hunting and fishing, and he drives a very well-maintained Mercedes. Terry also enjoys working on his ranch, where he raises cattle and sheep.
Darryl Lee
Retired Pilot
Hire Date 6/1/1994 After 29 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 for almost 2 years now (he started just 2 days after he graduated from the University of Texas). He is recently married, just purchased his first home, and is a huge fan of his Motorola Droid (you know you want one). 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 the car business for almost 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 13 years ago from Tejupilco, Mexico. He and his wife have been married for ten years and have two children, ages eight and three. 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 fifteen years, ten years 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 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 17-year-old daughter, Megan. His other two loves are Macey and Murphy Lee, his adorable West Highland White Terriers. (Ask to Jim to show you some pictures on his computer.) Jim also has a 6-year-old goldfish named Max who traveled all the way from California to Texas!
Julie McLeod
Receptionist
Hire Date Julie McLeod is originally from Weatherford, Texas, and she recently graduated from Texas State University. In her spare time she enjoys playing tennis and water sports, attending galleries, and watching live music. Julie is an artist and works in oil paint and ceramics.
Janet and Steve Mintier (Married)
Assistant Service Manager (Janet) - Purple Team Technician (Steve)
Hire Date 5/8/1997 (Janet)
Hire Date 7/14/1997 (Steve)
Neither Janet nor her husband Steve ever actually applied for a position at Mercedes-Benz of Austin. Janet did apply twice at First Texas Honda, but each time it was the Service Manager at Mercedes-Benz that called her back. The second time she applied, Janet wanted to interview but couldn’t find a babysitter to watch her 3-month-old daughter. The Service Manager said to just bring the baby with her, so Janet brought her infant with her to the interview, wowed the management, and began serving customers in the service department. Janet says that she has sold cars, managed an auto parts store, and worked in other service departments, but now, after joining the Continental Automotive Group, she wouldn’t work in the car business for anyone else.
Janet has four children, ages 5 to 23, who are all still in Austin. She loves going to the gym and taking yoga classes and really enjoys traveling and flying, especially to visit her family in Arizona. Janet has also been taking classes at ACC periodically since 1984 and is determined to get her degree one day.
Steve Mintier was born in Brady, Texas but has lived in Austin for most of his life. Even outside of the service department, Steve enjoys working on cars as a hobby. Steve also follows the Dallas Cowboys and Longhorn football team and likes watching old horror movies. He recommends Christine, a 1983 Stephen King movie about a Plymouth Fury that goes on killing spree. Steve and his wife Janet, our Assistant Service Manager, have both been with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for 12 years.
Max Myers
Grey Team Technician
Hire Date 10/4/2004 Max was born and raised in Rose Bud, Texas, a town with one flashing traffic light and a Dairy Queen. Five years ago Max moved to Austin and began his career at Mercedes-Benz. Max’s favorite restaurant is Romano’s Macaroni Grill, so Italian is probably his favorite type of food. His hobbies include playing Call of Duty and fixing things, such as his co-workers’ Playstations. If Max could travel anywhere in the world, he would like to visit Paris.
Gary Nelson
Green Team Technician
Hire Date 10/9/2009 Gary is originally from Ft. Worth and just moved to Austin in October. Before returning to Texas, he spent ten years in Colorado and five years in Atlanta. Gary has been married for 31 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
Receptionist
Hire Date 1/15/2009 Jenn graduated from Marble Falls High School and is currently taking business classes at ACC. 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 Sales and Leasing Consultant
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, and like to spend their leisure days at Canyon Lake.
Paula Norman
Boutique Manager
Hire Date 11/20/2006 Paula has been working with Mercedes-Benz USA since 1987. Her car is an '07 E350 sport. She is a very cheerful person, and a pleasure to be around. She has three children, four grandchildren, and three dogs. Two of the dogs need to lose five pounds each, so cheese snacks will be hard to come by at her house.
Janie and Ron Odom (Married)
Service Coordinator (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 5 years. Originally from Midland, Janie moved to Austin 15 years ago and is married to Ron Odem, one of our service writers. Janie has three grown children and three grandchildren, with a fourth grandchild on the way! 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 manger, and a courtesy driver. He has been married for 55 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 who are both getting ready for graduation: his daughter is a senior at Texas Tech and his son is a senior at McNeil High School.
Doyle Perkins
Blue Team Technician
Hire Date 12/29/1997 A man of many words... 'If you can't work for a living, you can always manage.' Born in Odessa and began quipping soon thereafter, Doyle has taught college on the High Plains, been a company clerk in the Army and is ASE master certified. He has been working on Mercedes engines since 1972. When he is not tending to his gladiolas and pecan orchard, he builds hot rods and race cars. Discerning speed demons can contact him for more information regarding 'street legality.'
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 40 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 seven and a half years. His sister, Sylvia, works in the Accounting department at Austin Infiniti. 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.
Don Rollish
Finance Manager
Hire Date 4/8/2004
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 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 last fall. 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 MB of Austin is the best because 'the cars are neat and the people are fun.'
James Ross
Courtesy Driver
Hire Date James grew up as an Air Force brat and lived in Austin from 1967-1973. He moved back to Central Texas in 1983 and has lived in the country outside of Austin for 25 years now. James and his wife have a martial arts school in Liberty Hill where they teach tae kwon do. Although he says that he will eat anything, Tex-Mex is James’s favorite major food group. James is a people person who enjoys meeting and chatting with customers and also appreciates the company of his co-workers.
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 almost nine years.
Alex Saucedo
Detail Specialist
Hire Date 5/30/2001 Alex grew up on a ranch in Mexico and has lived in Austin for eight years. He and his wife Ana have been married for nine years and have two sons, plus a daughter on the way! 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 16 years and has been with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for 14 years. 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.
Natalie Schott
Service Coordinator
Hire Date 8/16/2007 Ms. Schott graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2007 with a BFA in printmaking and photography. Her many talents include photography, cooking, baking cookies, and film criticism.
Timothy Shook
CAG Austin - Internet Sales Director
Hire Date 5/15/2004 He puts the "UN" in unpredictable. When he's not hiding under his desk playing a prank on Sandee, he can be found at one of the stores improving Internet processes. His early morning/night, and weekend job is Call of Duty. When the Internet is down he entertains his life partner/roommate Kelly and their pups Turbo, the face-eating beagle, and Diesel, the loveable beagle. Here are a few words people have given when asked to describe him in one word: Colorful, Sarcastic, Smart, Nerd, Brilliant (he came up with that one), Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Lucky. Want to meet him? Good luck finding him. He just recently cleared his office to make it seem like he "left for good."
Ray Terranella
Mercedes 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 for the past 16 years. Ray’s hobbies include tennis and waterskiing.
Richard Thrush
Wholesale Buyer
Hire Date 3/9/1998
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 the past 27 years.
Gilberto Tovar
Purple Team Technician
Hire Date 6/15/1998 Gilberto has lived in Austin for 12 years and has been with Mercedes-Benz of Austin for 11 years. He was born and raised in Morelia, Mexico and says that, if he could anywhere in the world, he would return to Morelia. Gilberto likes Texas but also misses Mexico. In his free time Gilberto enjoys playing soccer, and chicken is his favorite food.
Shannon Tursam
Parts Specialist
Hire Date 4/11/1996 Shannon has been working in the car business for 15 years, the last 13 with Mercedes-Benz of Austin. Shannon was born and raised in Houston but has lived in Austin for 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 eight 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
2008 Mercedes-Benz of Austin Salesman of The Year!
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 after falling in love with a Texas girl. 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 Scott is currently restoring his offshore Grady White boat. He came to Austin from Oklahoma/Arkansas and spent his younger years in rock bands. He describes himself as a 'recovering hipster' (which will become a theme for his generation, methinks) and is finally embracing the fact that he is not in his mid-20’s anymore. In fact, he knew it was time to buy a boat to restore about five years ago, when he woke up on his 34th birthday and his ribs were literally broken, as all the hard rock, rad parties, and late nights from the previous decade caught up with him simultaneously. To prove he has become an old man, Scott has several years of data and a wholly original theses regarding the correlation between weather and car repair.
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 19 years have a son who is a senior at Stony Point High School in Round Rock. Wade’s son plays lacrosse and plans on starting college in the fall. His wife loves festive holiday decorations, so they currently have seven Christmas trees around their house.
W.C. Wright
Mercedes Sales and Leasing Consultant
Hire Date 4/19/2000 WC Wright has been in the Austin area for 15 years and has 11 years of experience selling cars. He has been working in sales at Mercedes-Benz of Austin for 9 years now, and his biggest accomplishment so far is that he has been New Car Salesperson of the Year for the past two years. His goal is to sell 100 cars in three months, and he wants to make purchashing 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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