Click on one of the team members below to find out more information.
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- Robert Alvine
- President/General Manager
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- ralvine@premierkiact.com
- (888) 604-3597
Bob Alvine is the President and General Manager of Premier KIA of Branford. Bob started the business in August, 2011 with the desire to create a Connecticut KIA dealership that would consistently exceed the expectations of customers. Bob also wanted a company that was active and invested in the community in which it serves.
Bob is a graduate in Finance from the University of Rhode Island (and a Rhody Basketball Fan) and has a MBA from the University of New Haven. Bob started his career in the banking industry and worked in various positions in Commercial Lending and Finance.
Bob is active with the University of Rhode Island Alumni Association, The University of New Haven, the Branford Chamber of Commerce (Board Member), the Amity Club of New Haven and other community organizations. Recently, Bob was named to the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut and to the Board of Directors of Jane Doe No More. Most recently, Bob was named to the Advisory Board of the University of Rhode Island College of Business.In addition to Premier Kia, Bob also owns Premier Subaru (Branford, CT) and Premier Subaru Middlebury (Middlebury, CT).
Bob is also Chairman of the Subaru of America National Dealer Advisory Board - a position that he cherishes - as he works to help the Subaru brand in the United States.
Bob is an avid fan and supporter of the University of Rhode Island, and the URI basketball program! Go Rhody!
Bob has an open door policy - if you have questions, or simply want to say "hi", please stop up. You can also email him directly or just pick up the phone. Bob can be heard saying "The Customer is the Reason for Our Existence", so, he would love to hear from you.
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- Kerri Pacheco
- Vice President
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- kpacheco@buyatpremier.com
- 860-417-0309
Kerri comes to us with over 25 years of automotive experience, including retail and manufacturer experience. As a native Litchfield County resident, she looks forward to assisting our existing and future customers in the area, in all of their automotive needs.
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- Jeff Irzyk
- General Sales Manager
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- jirzyk@premierkiact.com
- 203-315-2050
Jeff has been a part of the Premier Auto Group since 2005, having previously been a top-ranked sales consultant, finance manager, and sales manager. His longevity with the company guarantees that, if you need something in the future, you'll see a familiar face, not a brand new one.
Jeff is an incoming class of 2019 at the prestigious NADA Academy in Virginia where he will study all facets of the automotive retailing industry.Jeff says, "Our goal here at Premier Kia is to help you find the perfect vehicle to fit your needs, and to help fit it into your budget."Originally from Branford, Jeff lives in nearby Guilford with his wife Angela, and his two children - 7 year old Julianne, and 3 year old Lennon.
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- Mario Quito
- Certified Kia Sales Manager
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- mquito@buyatpremier.com
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- Juan Peguero
- Finance Manager
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- Rita Ruhland
- Service BDC Mgr/Community Outreach Coordinator
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- rruhland@premierkiact.com
- (888) 372-9696
Day off: Wednesday
Currently residing in Stratford, Rita got into the car business in 1998. She sincerely enjoys working on-line and works hard to promote the great customer satisfaction Premier offers it's on-line customers. Rita brings a lot of "smarts" to the team and she's a lot of fun and really wants to help everyone!
Rita and her boyfriend, Jimmie, enjoy their two puggles, Zoe and Ace. Rita also likes to hang out with her family as much as possible.
Rita's favorite saying is, "They always can hear you smile when you're on the phone."
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- Laurie Anne
- Director of Social Media
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- lanne@premiersubaru.com
Laurie Anne is responsible for implementing the Automotive Group's Social Media marketing plan, which includes blogging, creating online presence/ engagement, monitoring, and reputation management. Laurie is a social butterfly in the social media world!
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- Sales Department
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- sales@premierkiact.com
- (203) 315-2050
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- Nathan Glazewski
- Non-Commissioned Kia Product Consultant
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Day off: Tuesday
Nathan has not only been with our Kia store for a long time, but he has also worked at our Premier Subaru store as a Subaru Certified Sales Consultant. When Nathan is not at work, you might find him on his bicycle or at the gym. He is also an avid coin and currency collector.
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- Tyler Acampora
- Non-Commissioned Kia Product Consultant
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- Michael Jones
- Certified Product Consultant
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- Joseph Pelliccio
- Non Commissioned Product Consultant
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- Virginia Augustine
- Title Clerk
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- vaugustine@premiersubaru.com
- (888) 372-9696
- AKA "Ginny" or "Ethel"
Ginny was born and raised in East Haven, CT but now resides close by in Branford, CT. She has 20+ years in automotive accounting, billing and reception.
She's a mother of 3 grown children and is a grandmother to 5 lovely grandchildren--her pride and joy.
She enjoys time to herself relaxing. She also loves cooking, spending time with family and friends, and taking grandchildren for sleepovers on weekends. She can use those relaxing weekends...after all, her desk is right outside Bob's office.
She lived in the South for 2 years and loved it there. She's traveled extensively up and down the Eastern coast . She hopes her future holds even more adventure!
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- Lisa Pogwizd
- Administrative Assistant
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- lpogwizd@premiersubaru.com
- 1(888) 372-9696
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- Service Dept.
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- (203) 315-2070
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- Christopher Happy
- Service Manager
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- Daniel DeMarco
- Service Advisor
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- Parts Department
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- (203) 315-2080
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- Greg McLaughlin
- Parts Manager
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- gmclaughlin@premierkiact.com
A native of Shelton and current resident of Branford, Greg went to Gateway Community College for Automotive; he is currently there again to further his education and finish his college degree. When he's not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. His goal one day is to own his own classic restoration shop.
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- Brian Rodriguez
- Parts Associate
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