Staff

Eric Breitman, General Sales Manager, has risen through the ranks at Porsche Gold Coast, starting as a salesperson over 12 years ago. “I have always been a car nut since I could remember. My father always had a sports car and every car magazine laying around the house.” Attending the New York Auto Show was an annual family pilgrimage, and as a teenager, Eric began collecting matchbox cars, a collection which numbered in the hundreds, and 1:18 scale model cars. “My first car was an Acura CL Coupe.”

Eric graduated from Syracuse University in 2003 with a degree in finance and accounting. Prior to joining Porsche Gold Coast he was a financial advisor and worked for a major advertising firm as a financial analyst. “My journey to the car industry was not a straight path, but my work experiences gave me a strong foundation of how the ‘numbers’ world applies to any business, especially the car business.”

Since joining Porsche Gold Coast Eric has won two major global “top 100 worldwide” sales contests, as the dealership has consistently grown its annual sales. “I started in sales in 2005 and was promoted to General Sales Manager in 2014.” In the past, Eric has been invited by Porsche Cars North America to attend three dealership roundtables to discuss the dealer and customer needs in the U.S. and how best Porsche could fulfill its brand promise.

A car should fit a person’s personality and lifestyle and every Porsche is unique to its owner. “The best part about a Porsche: when even before you turn the key, it makes you smile. You know its performance will never let you down, it returns the best driving feedback and connects to your emotions, and if you haven’t driven one, words can’t explain it.” Eric’s clients compliment him on his accessibility. “As I have said before, it goes beyond the initial sale, it’s about the relationship and trust you build with a customer. That’s an integral part of the Porsche experience. Everyone at Porsche Gold Coast feels like my family and we want our customers to be a part of it.”

Family has always been important to Eric, he states, “We are always there for each other.” Born and raised in New Jersey, today Eric loves exploring New York City, where he resides, and all it has to offer, and is completing his bucket list to travel to as many states and countries as possible.

George Mengisopoulos, Director of Finance, has been working in the automotive industry for over 20 years and brings with him a wealth of experience. “My first car was a black 1986 Honda CRX Si 5-Speed. I’ve always loved cars, to me they’re metal sculptures, true works of art, in addition to their function.” Porsche cars set themselves apart from all others. “I love the living, breathing passion that Porsche design and performance inspires. If you consider all of the best companies of our time, Apple, Rolex, Amazon, Nike, Google, they all redefined their industry. It’s not a mobile phone, it’s an iPhone. It’s not a watch, it’s a Rolex. Porsche is in the same caliber: it’s not a sports car, it’s a Porsche. The Porsche experience is about two things: the car and its driver. “People remember how you make them feel and I always keep them laughing. I feel like I am giving out trophies every day: make it special, make it personal.” My favorite compliment from a customer was “You made this easier than ordering a pizza!”

In addition to his financial prowess, George is a Certified Child Seat Technician, educating people on child seat safety and checking car seat installations for over 15 years. Porsche Gold Coast is a special place, because of its people. “I have never met a more dedicated, professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic group of car nuts.” George regularly meets socially with his colleagues and customers at the local watering holes, driving events and charity functions. “This brand is a culture, a lifestyle, and we all enjoy it together.”

Born in Manhattan, New York, George currently resides in Merrick, NY and is a drummer in a working band since college and has rescued and adopted three dogs, Roofus (may he rest in peace), Kareem and Kobe.

Sam Gadkar is a Porsche Certified Brand Ambassador and a Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Partner with over 16 years of experience in the automobile industry. He is also a recipient of Porsche’s Top 100 Worldwide Sales Excellence Award for 2017, one of only 23 recipients in the U.S.! His career experience spans the areas of sales, management and finance across a variety of automotive brands, attaining the title of “Most Valuable Employee” from a former employer. Sam’s love of cars is something he was born with; the design, the technology, the connection with the road. “My first car was a 1981 Jeep CJ7, a great car for me at the time. It connected my love of the outdoors and nature with my love of cars.”

“The feeling you get when you drive a Porsche is something that never leaves your soul. I love Porsche because of how it makes the driver feel- all of you senses are energized. Porsche is not just a sports car; it’s a culture of intelligent design, performance and efficiency. Porsche itself is an iconic brand.” Our dealership sets itself apart by treating customers like family. “Anyone who walks in the door knows this and feels it, I know it sounds cliché, but in our case, it’s true.” When working with one of his clients on searching for a rare Porsche, Sam remembered, “We found the Porsche at another dealership, and I was about to refer my client to them, at which point the client refused and said he wouldn’t want to do business with anyone else.” One of Sam’s favorite quotes read from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Sam is active in the Long Island and New York City luxury sales community, having been asked to speak as a thought leader in areas of luxury sales and marketing. He is also active in several local and national car clubs, including the Jaguar Drivers’ Club of Long Island, Jaguar Clubs of North America, Mercedes-Benz Club of America, and of course, the Porsche Club of America (PCA), and Metro NY PCA.

Born in New Hyde Park, New York, Sam and his husband share a passion for cars—“our weekends are spent open-air motoring whenever possible in our Jaguar XKR and our Porsche 911 Targa” and love the day-to-day performance of their Porsche Cayenne S. While they don’t have children of their own, they love to spoil all six of their nieces, their nephew, their goddaughter and her brother. Sam also enjoys traveling, biking, hiking, driving, fine dining, live theatre and hanging out with the family dog, Sebastian.

Sharika Fuchs has over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry and is a Certified Porsche Sales Ambassador at Porsche Gold Coast. In years prior, she worked as a realtor. Sharika loves cars for their design, sound…and speed! “My first car was a 1990 Toyota Celica, and I remember how excited I was when I got my license. I was only 5 years old when I saw and sat in a Porsche for the very first time, a 1983 911 Cab in Guards Red with Black interior and a black top. My father’s friend dropped by to show off his new ride. They allowed me to sit in the driver seat.”

Sharika never imagined she would be selling Porsche cars one day. “It’s about exceeding customers’ expectations in both expected and unexpected ways. I am a genuine salesperson in every sense of the word, I treat every customer with a personal touch, to fulfill their needs and ensure their trust.” One of Sharika’s customers said, “You treated me like family, when I asked questions, you didn’t read from a script, you didn’t just try to sell me.”

Originally from Brooklyn New York, growing up with family dinners every Sunday, Sharika currently lives in Nassau County, Long Island. She loves cooking, pilates, boating, car meets, traveling and fine dining.

John Del Tatto, having accomplished two Porsche certifications, is a Porsche Certified Global Brand Ambassador. He started his automotive career over 42 years ago with a car leasing firm. He’s from Glen Cove, New York. John became enamored with Porsche cars for their performance, stability and reliability. “I tell my customers to trust the car, it will not let them down, point it on a course and push the limit. Porsche cars are timeless and if you choose the right one, it never gets old.”

You don’t need to oversell a Porsche, you customize a Porsche to match its driver. “I can still remember my first car, a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle. The Porsche cars I sell today are far superior, but I want my customers to feel just as excited as when they first got their license.” Porsche Gold Coast is an efficiently run dealership, with a commitment to customer service. “The Porsche brand is always first and foremost when it comes to how we craft a Porsche experience for our customers.” The Porsche team pitches in to get the job done. “Being in the business as long as I have, other dealerships can’t keep up with ours.” Recently, a five-time customer thanked John for treating them like family.

John and his wife Patrice of 16 years have one child, Olivia. When not selling Porsche cars, John actively follows his daughter’s lacrosse and basketball teams, plays golf and is on the Board of Education at the Locust Valley School District.

Jessica Arce, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador at Porsche Gold Coast, has over 21 years of experience in the automotive industry. Prior to joining Porsche, she was a Finance Manager and has experience in all phases of vehicle accounting. Jessica believes customer service is now more important than ever, and she treats her clients accordingly. “There is No Substitute” is not an overstatement. “Precision with classic design, it sets a Porsche apart from all the rest.”

Better than friends, the Porsche Gold Coast team spends time together both professionally and socially. “We have an amazing team at Porsche Gold Coast, they are the most well rounded, caring, knowledgeable sales team I’ve seen in my two decades in the business. It’s a game changer when it comes to the customer experience.”

Jessica was born and raised in Queens, New York. “I’m a Queens girl!” My first car was a 1989 VW Cabriolet that my Dad painted for me in a lavender pearl. Outside of work, Jessica’s motto is “family first.” She has two amazing young men and being part of a large family there is always something going on, “We try to put cars aside but end up on the track on weekends anyway.” She loves biking, skiing, running and anything with speed.

Panos Antonopoulos, born in Bayside Queens, has been in the auto industry for almost 7 years, starting his career right here at Porsche Gold Coast. “I started jockeying cars at Porsche Gold Coast fresh out of high school. After a couple of years, I moved into a sales/management position for a Subaru dealership. After about 4 years there, I made my way back to my true home, my family here at Porsche Gold Coast.” Panos has been recognized with several of Subaru’s Top Performer awards and has attained his full certification as a Porsche Global Brand Ambassador.

Panos’ first car was a 1990 BMW 325is. “Cars are in my blood! As a child I would tag along on Saturdays with my father at his dealership. I remember jumping from car to car in a showroom since I could remember. My father was one of the biggest influences in my career.” At age 16 Panos got a summer job working at an auto body shop learning how to work on cars.

“Porsche has been able create the perfect blend of performance, comfort and exclusive tailoring for each and every customer, whether they’re looking for a car to drive daily, a car to take out for a beautiful weekend drive or a car that can terrorize the track!”

Porsche Gold Coast offers a level of professionalism unlike any other dealership. Every client gets treated like family from start to finish, whether they’re buying a Porsche, servicing one or buying parts for it. “Being in a business that revolves around customer service, I feel that every customer, regardless of what they’re buying, deserves a truly exceptional experience. That’s what sets you apart from everyone else. People remember you when you’ve gone above and beyond for them. The best compliment I’ve received was when a customer said they now considered me a friend, it was the most rewarding feeling in the world.”

Panos is a true car enthusiast, spending much of his free time around cars, even getting under the hood from time to time. He plans to travel the world, one country at a time. He takes pride in helping his self-described “big Greek family” in ever capacity he is capable and feels that selflessness is the one of the best qualities one could have.

Aleks Ivanovic began his automotive career in 2002 and has been Service Director for Porsche Gold Coast since 2014, but he was obsessed with anything with wheels since he was born.

“I have always been intrigued with these amazing performance machines.” His first car was a BMW 325e 5-speed, “I took my driver’s license exam in it and as soon as the instructor looked down and saw it was a manual, he passed me on the spot.” Currently Aleks drives a Volcano Grey Macan GTS which he refers to as the swiss army knife of all vehicles, able to hanlde any task with sports car precision and SUV practicality.

Aleks oversees the AfterSales Operations for our dealer. With the exceptional support of Porsche Certified technicians, customer care specialists, drivers, detailers and other staff, all vehicles that come to Porsche Gold Coast for maintenance and repair are incredibly well cared for. “Porsche has always been about superb engineering and intricate details, how they masterfully tweak and tune for every little nuance until the car is perfect, it’s an evolution of design. We apply this strategy to our Service & Parts process, it’s all about the details.”

We’re a family at Porsche Gold Coast, all departments including Sales, Service, Parts, work together to accomplish the ultimate goal of taking great care of our clients. The synergy between them is what makes us special. It’s our mantra. “It’s the relationship that makes all the difference. We treat our clients the way I would expect to be treated if I was in their position, with empathy and respect. I want every client to be a client for life. We have many who have been purchasing and servicing at Porsche Gold Coast for decades, and now their children, relatives and friends are here as well.”

Aleks was born and raised in New York City and currently resides in Queens. He and his wife met in high school and have been together ever since. He has one daughter and son, two years apart in age. “Family, above all else!.” While not working at Porsche Gold Coast, Aleks loves to swim, scuba and anything else he can do at the beach, travel, and especially attend local track / motorsport events with family and friends.

Joseph Bernardo, Certified Service Advisor and Porsche Brand Ambassador, has over 16 years of experience in the automotive industry, which started as a hobby before turning into his profession, and has been with Porsche Gold Coast for two years. “As a Porsche Brand Ambassador I’m all about attention to detail, I treat everyone’s Porsche as if it were my very own.” Joseph’s first car was a hand-me-down 1987 Carbureted Nissan Sentra. “I love the act of driving more than the actual car, it’s pure freedom! You disconnect from the confines of the human body and explore sensations that you can only experience when driving. When a car gives you an unfiltered connection, it speaks to you, it bends perfectly to your will, you become almost unaware that you’re driving a car, and that’s the moment you fall in love with it.”

Porsche cars are unlike any other. “I like to drive and discover the mechanical workings of a car, bringing it to the edge of its ability, and that’s when it shows you its personality (and gives you a wink).” Porsche cars were very nostalgic for Joseph while growing up, it was a rarity to even see them. “Now I am lucky to be surrounded by these beautiful creatures every day!” Porsche maintains its simplicity and secret formula to make its cars special. “I have driven many cars in my past, and when it comes to performance and handling, a Porsche is hands down the best I have ever, ever driven.”

The Porsche client experience is as important as the car itself. “Your Smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.” We are a team and a family, and it shows in how we strive to be the best and go above and beyond our client’s needs. “We love personalization and ensuring our clients feel as if they are visiting relatives rather than a doctor’s office.”

Joseph was raised in Brooklyn and Queens, but now resides with his wife in Long Island. Besides all the fun car stuff, Joseph enjoys DJ’ing, kickboxing and traveling. Joseph has two loveable fur babies, Olivia, a Boston Terrier and a French Bulldog named Maxwell.

Jacqueline Ostrowski, Service Advisor, has over 18 years in the automotive industry working with Volkswagen and Audi before coming to Porsche.

Jacqueline’s first car was a 1987 Volkswagen Fox 4-speed. “I love the power and performance of a car, the handling and speed, I love to get on the racetrack and see what a car can do.” Jacqueline has always been very mechanically included and a self-described “girly gearhead.” “What I love most about a Porsche is its performance, its handling…nothing drives like a Porsche. Both my fiancé and I are passionate about cars and the racetrack, we enjoy tracking our racecar at Drivers Education events and through MetroPCA, a local Porsche enthusiasts group.”

Porsche Gold Coast provides a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for its clients. “It feels good to work in a place that feels like you’re home. The best compliment I ever received from a client was ‘I can see you love what you do.’ Everyone should be treated like a good friend, that’s what sets us apart from the rest.”

Jacqueline and her wonderful fiancé have been together since 2011. Both share a love for cars, tasting different foods and caring for their nephew, family and friends. Jacqueline loves camping and being outdoors, she surfs and is currently restoring her 1992 Jeep Wrangler. She has lived on Long Island for 32 years.

Susan Koeppel Chernick, Certified Dealer Customer Experience Manager, was born and raised on the North Shore of Long Island. As a single mom raising two children, Susan found various jobs throughout the years. But when she landed her first job in the automotive industry over 20 years ago, she was hooked. “I never looked back, I just kept moving forward. I am proud to be the first Dealer Customer Experience Manager of Porsche Gold Coast, a position created by Porsche Cars North America.” Susan is also the recipient of the International Five Star Diamond Award from the Academy of Hospitality for Outstanding Customer Experience. “I’ve been working with Porsche cars for four years now and am in love with our cars and customers, this is exactly what I specialize in now.

“My first car was a Datsun B-210 stick shift and a part of my college life at SUNY Brockport. I needed affordable and economical with gas.” With the last name of Koeppel, the car business is in Susan’s blood, with a family history going as far back as the 1930’s. “Growing up with an older brother, he gave me a jump start into loving cars. As a teenager I have fond memories of friends who drove Cameros, Firebirds, Corvettes and Mustangs, to name a few.”

With Porsche, there is no substitute. It rings true for both the car itself and the customer experience. “We treat clients the way we ourselves would like to be treated, we are not a service department, we are a service experience. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. That’s what our dealership is all about.”
“My family is my world. I have been lucky to raise two amazing children who have both followed their passions.” Susan’s daughter Paige created her own social media firm and lives in Manhattan with two rescue dogs (who have become their own social media sensations). Her son Harrison graduated from the Culinary Institute of Hyde Park to pursue his passion for the culinary arts and now is the Executive Sous Chef to Michael Mina Restaurants traveling the globe. “My family and I have been active in rescuing animals in need of homes. I had the wonderful opportunity to rescue a Maltese poodle from California, hence why her name is Cali. She joins me practically everywhere outside of work, and also visits the dealership regularly, where we nicknamed her ‘Porsche Puppy.’” Susan loves all outdoor sports, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and skiing. And for sheer relaxation, she loves gardening.