Stu Cordova - Owner, Sales

I was born in Seattle and raised in Bellevue. After graduating from Bellevue High School in 1971, I went to work for my Dad, who owned one of the first grocery stores in Bellevue. I also began restoring and selling old cars, a hobby that helped pay for college. I eventually received my Bachelors degree in Counseling and Education from Western WA. University and went on to work as a counselor for troubled kids, helping to bridge communication between school, home, and the community. After 15 years as a counselor, my youthful hobby of selling cars led me to a part-time sales position at a small dealership, and out of social work. After only a couple years of selling cars, I realized that in order to conduct business the way I wanted - which was to sell cars with honesty and integrity - I needed to start my own company. I'm now proud to say that this year, 2007, marks my 10th year as owner of Auto Connections in Bellevue.

Pete Cassaday - Wholesale and Retail Sales

My grandfather owned a car lot when I was a kid, so motor oil is in my blood. Everyone in my family has been in the car industry at one time or another. I love selling cars because everybody needs a car, whether they want one or not, and I like helping people save money, as opposed to them spending more money at a retail dealer. I work at Auto Connections because our philosophy is to take care of the customer and give them a fair deal. I've been married 13 years-I met my wife on a blind date-and we have three kids. I coach my son's little league team, and I love to cook Italian food.

Keith Dinsmore - Wholesale and Retail Sales

I've been in the auto industry for 35 years; I started in eighth grade washing cars at my Dad's car dealership. I'm passionate about cars because they're versatile, and they mean different things to different people: they can be fashion or art; they can be utilitarian or marvels of engineering. I work at Auto Connections because it's important for me to sell cars for a place that has a professional work ethic, a place I feel proud of and that represents my personal values. Stu has a genuine agenda-he wants to help people find the appropriate vehicle, one that fits their lifestyle emotionally and practically. One of the most difficult things about buying a used car is having a sense of assurance. Stu goes to great lengths to make sure every car we sell is safe, reliable, and of high quality. If he can't put his mom in it, he won't sell it. I was born and raised in Seattle, and I've been married for 23 years and have 4 boys. I'm also very involved with Christ Church in Kirkland.

Kurt Geibel - Sales

A native of Seattle, I've lived in and around the city my entire life, except for a few college years in Santa Rosa, California. I consider myself an entrepreneur, and I love the art of making deals. My true passions in life-in no particular order-are skiing and snowboarding, selling, boating, more selling, playing with my daughter, and closing deals. Whether its cars, boats, motorcycles, or houses, I'm either buying or selling, and somehow I keep a roof over my head. It used to be about how much money I could make, but now it's about my quality of life. Working at Auto Connections, and for Stu, gives me that quality, and I hope to pass that on to my customers. The reason I sell cars at Auto Connections is because I want to change the stereotype of the used car business. Everyone thinks it's a place where you're going to be misled and mistreated, and end up with a lemon. But our company offers its customers more, because our business plan is simple: we treat people with respect and honesty, we deliver a reliable product, and we stand behind that product.

Frank Vena - Wholesale and Retail Sales

I've been in the car industry for thirty years; I began selling new cars back in 1977. I used to play professional baseball on the Philadelphia Phillies farm team in Grays Harbor. Since few people can make a career in baseball, eventually my Dad--who spent his life in the auto industry--got me a job selling Hondas. Over the years, I came to hate working for the traditional dealerships, because people expected to be treated poorly, so they were already unhappy when they walked in the door. I decided to work at Auto Connections because of Stu's integrity and philosophy. There's a lot of dealerships out there who give lip service to the concept of being "different"-they advertise that they are no pressure and honest-but I knew Stu's business was the real deal. At Auto Connections, the customers are treated honestly, they aren't subjected to games, and the salespeople are upfront. I work as a buyer and wholesaler. I was born and raised in Seattle, where I still now live in Bellevue. I still play sports: I golf, ski, and although I no longer play baseball, I do play softball!

Mike Wallace - Sales and Financing

I've sold cars for five years now and I chose to work at Auto Connections because our cars get serviced, inspected, and I can sincerely stand behind our products. I'm passionate about cars in general, but I'm also passionate about what I do, and I believe in customer service. My favorite cars are the beautiful cars like Porsches, Audis, and BMW's. Of course, we sell all makes and models here, and the most important thing for me is that Auto Connections puts a reliable safe product on the road. I'm a lifelong resident of Washington State and when I'm not working I like to spend time with my black lab Jet, and I like to travel. I have enjoyed visiting Greece multiple times, Hawaii is a blast and Eastern Washington is a great weekend getaway.

Mark Walesby - Sales

I've been in the car business about five years. I love people and cars. It's nice being associated with Auto Connections because I can deal with people honestly and without pressuring them. I'm able to provide people with a vehicle they want at usually a below-market price. I like to treat people how I want to be treated, and I'm proud to be able to honestly represent our cars. With us, there's no smoke and mirrors. We tell the truth. When I'm not working, I like fishing, golfing, skiing, and am active in my church. I'm very proud of the fact that I've been married 27 years.

Rusty - Official Greeter

I came from a shelter in Idaho where I was scheduled to go to W.S.U. for research when Stu adopted me. I've been working at Auto Connections for three years now and my job is to greet everyone that comes in. Unlike some auto dealerships, Auto Connections is an honest business, and I'm a symbol of that because dogs don't lie. In fact, I couldn't work here as the greeter if I didn't believe in our business philosophy. I'd just stay at home instead. It's important to me that customers feel relaxed, and I'm looking forward to greeting you when you visit. When I'm not working, I like to work out, walk in the morning, and jog in the afternoon. I also love to chase squirrels, and chew on stuffed teddy bears. Of course I love to chase cars, too!