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.

Eric Blumen, Director of Pre Owned, has worked with Luxury and Exotic vehicles since 1997. Over that time, he has built a stellar reputation across the country with his peers and lists among his many talents a unique expertise at selling consignment vehicles and working with clients located both nationally and internationally.

Eric’s first car was a 1992 Nissan 300Z Stick shift in Black. He wishes he still had it now, but would most likely sell it if he did!

A Long Island resident, Eric lives with his very understanding wife, his twin daughters and son.

When he’s not assisting another client find that special car, he loves to play golf and has convinced us all he actually runs 2 miles a day. An avid Islanders fan, he attends as many hockey games as he is able to.

Daniel Blatt joins the Porsche Gold Coast team in the position of Service Manager.

His first car was a 2000 Ford Mustang. “From when I was younger I have always enjoyed restoring classic cars and currently have a 1972 dodge charger as my project car”. While in college, Daniel studied business/finance and automotive engineer/design, management & restoration.

Growing up in Commack and now a resident of Kings Park, he entered the automobile business in 2006 and moved into a dealership environment in 2015.

“I have a passion for cars and always have enjoyed all aspects about the vehicle from the design to the mechanical operation”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wade Hui is a Porsche Sales Professional with Porsche Gold Coast. Wade is very excited to pursue his passion for Porsche and the automotive industry. With an extensive background in sales, he joins the Porsche Gold Coast Team with over 15 years luxury sales experience.

Cars have always been in my blood. Ever since I was little boy, my father used to show me the technical built drawings of different brands and we had quite a collection of matchbox car models. My first car was a 1988 Pontiac Bonneville, I have great memories exploring many interesting places in it.

At Porsche Gold Coast, there is no substitute. It provides the perfect platform for Wade’s specialty for providing the optimum client experience on the showroom floor. Finding the right car for each customer and attention to detail are among his many attributes, everything is tailored to the unique needs of each client. By understanding Asian culture and speaking in several native dialogues, Wade is able to work with clients in both English and Chinese. Working as a team creates success, that’s what our dealership is all about and sets us apart from the rest.

Born in China and now residing in Long Island with his wife and children and their furry rescue “Molly”, Wade studied Marketing & Interior Design at FIT. Besides enjoying the Porsche Gold Coast work environment, Wade also enjoys hanging out with the family & friends, camping, biking, hiking, and is an avid amateur photographer.

Sales team member Luis Tinoco joined the Porsche Gold Coast family from the Volkswagen Group in the role of Sales Professional.

A native Long Islander, he calls Nassau County home where he lives with his family.

Luis’ first car experience was with a much-loved Black Golf GTI, a car that inspired his passion for the car industry and a brand that he became associated with for his first three years in the industry.

He enjoys introducing vehicles to people and prides himself on delivering an experience our guests will not forget.

Rea is a member of the Porsche Gold Coast team in the position of Porsche Pro. From her early days driving her first car, a BMW X3, she set her sights on a career in the car business.

Born and raised in Suffolk County Long Island, Rea still lives there with her family and her inspirations, 2 energetic sons.

It is while playing with her sons and answering their many questions about matchbox cars she discovered her desire to share her knowledge about cars with others.

Having learned to drive a manual transmission car in her mom’s Porsche Boxster, the journey to becoming Porsche Gold Coast’s first Porsche Pro began.

With aspirations to one day own her own Porsche Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid, Rea is well on her way to reaching that goal while sharing her Porsche knowledge, One customer at a time.

Mark Bennet is a service team member in the position of Service Advisor. With more than 3 decades experience in the car business, Mark who at college studying architecture worked at a Ford dealership in Brooklyn, discovered that the road called life pointed him in a new direction and has never looked back. “The dealership life took hold of me”.

His first car was a Ford Escort GT which he modified to try to get as close as possible to a Cosworth Escort. “With pretty good success mind you”.

Born and raised in Brooklyn to Jamaican parents, he worked with his father, a general contractor “which is why I fell in love with the design and building aspects” but the love of cars and people proved to be Mark’s calling.

Mark Enjoys spending time with his family and is married with 4 children “albeit they are now grown and gone but holidays are especially fun”.

“The service department is like no other part of the dealership. No two days the same. Always something going on”.

Jimmy Tudor brings his more than Two decades experience in the car business to the Porsche Gold Coast service team in the position of Service Advisor.

Growing up in Wantagh Long Island, Jimmy now calls Bethpage home. His first foray into car ownership came in the form of an AMC Gremlin, perhaps his career in vehicle maintenance began right there.

It did spark his passion for repairing cars, something he enjoyed in his younger years and through his passion for customer service, he now assists clients at Long Islands most central, factory authorized Porsche dealership.

Barbara Grau is a member of the Porsche Gold Coast service team in the position of Customer Experience Manager.

A native of the South Shore of Long Island, Barbara has always called Long Island home. Her first car experience was with a much-loved family hand me down Ford Fairlane, which presented the challenge of learning to drive a manual transmission vehicle.

After a long-term career in the Travel and Hospitality space, Barbara made a switch to the automobile industry to work with the fastest growing Porsche dealer in America.

Ish Brings his years of experience to the Porsche Gold Coast parts department in the position of Parts Manager.

A Long Island Native, Ish enjoys all that living just outside New York City has to offer. His fist car was a Plymouth Barracuda. It was his initial introduction to car parts as it always seemed to need parts.

A passionate car enthusiast, Ish is delighted to work with his favorite brand Porsche