Our People
They could have been poets, doctors, or circus acts. But our MINI Motoring Advisors passed all that up just to help you fulfill your dream of owning a MINI.
Chad Carey
One thing I share with a few of my coworkers is that this is my second time around at Otto’s. I was here part time while I was in college, eventually migrating into BMW sales. I left to become finance manager at another dealership – which was a good experience – but when I heard that this position was being created, I knew I wanted to come back.
The cars and the customers are a perfect fit for me. While I don’t consider myself a complete gear head, I did grow up with a dad who really enjoyed automobiles. I remember his taking a short hiatus from the family electrical contracting business to run the Carlyle Fairgrounds, which was famous for its car shows. I used to enjoy going there with him.
I’m actually overwhelmed by the performance of our MINIs. The statistics don’t really reflect what the car is like on the road. It’s probably one of the best handling automobiles I’ve ever driven – and those include Ferraris and Porsches. There may be a difference in horsepower, but the actual experience of being behind the wheel is what tells the story.
I know these cars have reenergized drivers like me whose first automotive passion was the BMW 2002. They love the high-revving engines, the manual transmission, the tight handling, the complete experience. And with its very accessible pricing, MINIs are making a lot of high performance enthusiasts very happy.
One thing I’d like our customers to know is that whether they choose to lease or buy, I’m here as an unbiased resource to answer any questions related to financing. I make it a priority to see every client during their time at Otto’s, usually at the point where their transaction is being finalized. It’s my job to make sure all the terms are clear and accurate, and that all the paperwork has been finalized in a way that meets all our legal and ethical responsibilities.
In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, listening to music, and going mountain biking. And, of course, getting behind the wheel of the most available MINI at any given moment!
The cars and the customers are a perfect fit for me. While I don’t consider myself a complete gear head, I did grow up with a dad who really enjoyed automobiles. I remember his taking a short hiatus from the family electrical contracting business to run the Carlyle Fairgrounds, which was famous for its car shows. I used to enjoy going there with him.
I’m actually overwhelmed by the performance of our MINIs. The statistics don’t really reflect what the car is like on the road. It’s probably one of the best handling automobiles I’ve ever driven – and those include Ferraris and Porsches. There may be a difference in horsepower, but the actual experience of being behind the wheel is what tells the story.
I know these cars have reenergized drivers like me whose first automotive passion was the BMW 2002. They love the high-revving engines, the manual transmission, the tight handling, the complete experience. And with its very accessible pricing, MINIs are making a lot of high performance enthusiasts very happy.
One thing I’d like our customers to know is that whether they choose to lease or buy, I’m here as an unbiased resource to answer any questions related to financing. I make it a priority to see every client during their time at Otto’s, usually at the point where their transaction is being finalized. It’s my job to make sure all the terms are clear and accurate, and that all the paperwork has been finalized in a way that meets all our legal and ethical responsibilities.
In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, listening to music, and going mountain biking. And, of course, getting behind the wheel of the most available MINI at any given moment!
Brook Burkavage
My first job was in my dad’s construction company. That taught me about hard work, long hours, and keeping customers happy. It also convinced me I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life doing heavy manual labor, so when I graduated from West Chester University, I decided to look for something in sales.
I guess you could say I ended up here at Otto’s because of where I went to school – and because my parents love BMWs. We’re from a rural community near Scranton, and during my college years, when my mom needed her car serviced, it was more convenient for me to bring it down to Otto’s after a trip home than for her to drive the 45 minutes to her “local” dealer.
Our experience as customers was so positive that it just seemed logical for me to try here when it was time to get a job. Fortunately, there was an opening in MINI sales, where I began as an assistant, more or less shadowing the Motoring Advisors, helping any way I could, and in the process, learning about the product. It was an excellent initiation.
I have always liked cars, and I enjoy meeting new people, so this position seems suited to me. I would describe myself as laid back, agreeable, and outgoing, with an active sense of humor. And of course it helps that I love MINIs. I suppose my favorite is the Cooper with the six-speed stick shift. It’s practical, sporty, fun to drive, and gets great gas mileage.
It’s a real pleasure working with our customers. They’ve done their homework, know what they want. and are focused on spending their money wisely. They love our cars and seem to really appreciate our level of service. And they’re loyal. Even in my relatively short time here, I’ve had several customers come back to buy another MINI for their family. That’s very gratifying.
On my own time, I like hanging out with my friends and family, doing normal “young” stuff. Even though I’ve graduated, I’m still living the college lifestyle to a degree, which is fun for now.
Michelle Dewey
I started at Otto’s on the BMW side as a receptionist. It didn’t take me long to figure out I have way too much energy to be stuck behind a desk, so when a sales position opened up over here, I grabbed it. I’m very free-spirited, outgoing, and talkative, and love to help our customers find the MINI of their dreams.
I’ve noticed that when folks come through the door, they’re usually really excited and really attracted to the car. A lot of times they will have never driven the MINI before, so their first experience is with me. It’s kind of like Christmas morning, watching them open that special present they’ve been anticipating.
The test drives are the best. I’m always hearing things like: “It’s so much bigger than I thought; I love the performance and the way it hugs the road.” They seem a bit shocked at how safe they feel and how sturdy the car is – all great surprises.
There must be some sort of Zen thing going on because I inevitably get matched up with customers on a similar wave length. I’m young, fun-loving, into art, fashion, and city life – many of the same interests of the people who are looking for a MINI. I’m very laid back and easy to work with. No sales pressure at all.
As far as my life outside of work, I go to see live music at least once a week in Philadelphia, I take photography classes at the University of Delaware, and I like to stay involved in all kinds of continuing education. I collect vintage clothing, and find my MINI has plenty of room to bring home all the treasures I pick up at garage and yard sales. I love the “mod look” from the sixties. I like to think that Twiggy and I are one and the same.
My dreams for the future? I guess I’d like everyone who owns an SUV in this area to trade it in on one of our MINIs. Perhaps a more realistic goal is to design my own line of MINI clothes for our boutique. I’d love that!
Holly Hopkins
I was born and raised in Southern New Jersey, and grew up around family members who were automobile enthusiasts. My father and brother were always working on hot rods and I usually hung out with friends who enjoyed the same thing. It’s not surprising that my first job was automotive-related. I was a senior in high school and was in Pep Boys buying some parts for my first car. I thought it seemed like a fun place to work, so I applied and was hired!
I was still working there when I got to college, where I was studying art and planning to teach. That's when I saw a service department opening at a local Mercedes-Benz dealership and I was hired on the spot. I stayed there eight years, getting promoted to Service Assistant and then to Warranty Administrator, before moving to West Chester Mercedes – which happens to be right across the street from Otto’s – to become a Service Advisor.
After a lengthy career with Mercedes-Benz, I needed to switch gears and expand my knowledge of the automotive industry. Despite my extensive service background, I met with the staff at Otto's and was encouraged to consider a position as a Motoring Advisor.
I’m passionate about cars and love showing all the different features and capabilities of the MINI to our customers. I try to be myself, professional, to ask them the right questions, and basically, help our customers fulfill their dreams. It's satisfying to deliver a MINI to a customer and I enjoy how happy they are when they drive away. I’m very outgoing and I like to connect with people, to help them learn – which is why I have been interested in the teaching profession all these years.
I love spending time with friends and family, traveling, live music, decorating my new home and browsing art galleries. (Don't tell, but one of my guilty pleasures is playing Guitar Hero with my friends!) Even though my artwork has taken a back seat for now, I still go to museums and keep busy with different creative projects.
Themis Galanos
Before I came to Otto’s, I had been in the automotive business in this area for years. I knew this dealership had a great reputation – and I also knew of BMW’s reputation as a driver’s car. I think of myself as a driver, so I figured working here would be a fit.
I’ve always loved to tinker, mostly on a self-taught basis. Growing up I was the neighborhood bike mechanic. I started working on cars at a gas station during the summers while I was an engineering student at Temple. When I graduated and discovered there were no jobs in my field, I just decided to stay with cars.
Over the next eighteen years I worked as a technician, shop foreman, service advisor, service manager, and service director. I became a master technician, and am currently an accredited ASE Master here at Otto’s.
I believe the key to service in this industry is knowing you’re as much in the people business as the car business – something I learned at my first job. Here at Otto’s, my training as an engineer, my experience working with people, and my technical understanding of these automobiles all support the role I play as a service manager.
I’ve been married 23 years and have five children with ages spanning two decades. They’re a huge part of my life. I’m an amateur musician and former band member, and even though the guys I used to play with are now doing other things, I will still pick up the guitar every day.
Miguel Ortiz
The two major interests in my life at this point are cars and music, and my father has been a model and mentor for both. He has always been mechanically inclined and a bit of a motorhead. We used to go to the drag strip when I was younger, which really energized my interest in performance racing, and when I was old enough to work, I took a job at a go-kart track near my home in Wilmington. I started there at 15 and did pretty much everything from track marshal to mechanic to cashier.
I graduated from high school in 2006 and went on to the Universal Technical Institute while still working at the track. In 2007, I took a job at Pep Boys, first as a mechanic and then a service writer. Both positions were great preparation for being here at Otto’s. My technical understanding helps me translate service issues for our customers and work more effectively with our shop personnel, and the communications skills I developed are proving to be a significant asset.
Of course the fact that I’m working with MINIs is what makes this job perfect for me. My interest in cars, which was always strong growing up, intensified when the sport compacts came out back in 2000 and 2001, and it was the MINI that really caught my attention. These are amazing automobiles, and it’s nice to be dealing with customers who truly appreciate their vehicles.
Music is a major outside interest. My dad was in a band most of his life, which meant I grew up surrounded by it. So when I’m not here at Otto’s, I’m either working out, cruising with friends, listening to CDs, or going to concerts.
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Chad Carey
SALES MANAGER ccarey@ottosmini.com Phone: 610-399-4168 Fax: 610-399-4691 |
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Brook Burkavage
MOTORING ADVISOR bburkavage@ottosmini.com Phone: 610-399-8064 Fax: 610-399-4691 |
Michelle Dewey
MOTORING ADVISOR mdewey@ottosmini.com Phone: 610-399-8062 Fax: 610-399-4691 |
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Holly Hopkins
MOTORING ADVISOR hhopkins@ottosmini.com Phone: 610-399-8061 Fax: 610-399-4691 |
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Themis Galanos
SERVICE MANAGER tgalanos@ottosmini.com Phone: 610-399-8069 Fax: 610-399-4601 |
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Miguel Ortiz SERVICE ADVISOR mortiz@ottosmini.com Phone: 610-399-8073 Fax: 610-399-4691 |
Beth Manning  SERVICE ADVISOR bmanning@ottosmini.com Phone: 610-399-4187 Fax: 610-399-4691 |
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