ADAM MCKAY
OWNER
Adam McKay has always had an interest in cars. In High School, he took auto shop and worked on his first car with his dad in his own garage. With natural mechanical inclination and the ability to fix problems, Adam decided his career choice would be in the automotive industry.
He attended automotive school at Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix, AZ and graduated with honors and an Associate's Degree in 2004. He was then chosen by Mercedes Benz to attend ELITE training in Allentown, PA, where he first discovered a passion for German automobiles. After graduating, Adam was hired as dealer technician at Mercedes-Benz of Bellevue in 2005, where he mastered newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Following 4 years of working on updated Mercedes models, he went on to work for Automeister 2, an independent shop in Issaquah, where he mastered the classic Mercedes-Benz as well.
Succeeding 4 years at the dealer and a year at an independent shop, it was time for a new challenge. Adam was hired by Tony Fuentes at German Car Specialists in November of 2009 as the Mercedes-Benz specialists. Adam was now responsible for every Mercedes that came into the shop, as well as going past his comfort zone by learning to repair BMW's and Audi's. German Car Specialists was opened in 1979 by Tony Fuentes, and after 36 years of ownership Tony decided it was time to finish his automotive chapter, sell the shop, and retire. After 5 years of mentoring Adam, Tony knew that Adam was the perfect fit to take on the responsibilities that came along with independent ownership. Adam, always ready for a new challenge, eagerly jumped at the great opportunity to be his own boss. On July 1st, 2015, Adam officially became the new owner of German Car Specialists at the age of 30. With ambitious goals in mind and pride in service, Adam looks forward to 36 more years of success with German Car Specialists.
ZALDY MERCADO
Audi Specialist
Zaldy has been in the automotive service industry since 1979. We are proud to feature Zaldy as our Audi specialist. His experience is as follows:
1979 - Sears Automotive
1979 - 1982 Moore Motors Volkswagen
1982 - 1984 Blume Volkswagen Hyundai
1984 - 1988 Interlake Porsche/Audi/Volkswagen
1988 - 1991 Bellevue Jaguar/Porsche/Audi
1991 - 1993 Barrier Jaguar/Porsche/Audi/Lotus/Rolls Royce
1993 - Present German Car Specialists
Along with spending time with his children, Zaldy's hobbies include: football, basketball and weightlifting. We are especially proud of Zaldy for winning the 1995 & 1998 Emerald Cup weight lifting competition, #1 overall. He earned 1st place in 2003 Emerald Cup Masters and Overall.
CRIS
BMW SPECIALIST
Constantin joined our team in April, 2005 and comes to us with over 20 years' experience in automotive repair. His education includes a diploma in automotive engineering from the University of Brasov in Romania. Constantin is trained in the latest scanning and diagnostic technology and has worked with European, Asian, and domestic models.In his spare time, Constantin enjoys computers and electronics, fishing, volleyball, and building rally cars.
TORI BURKI
Office Manager
Victoria "Tori" Burki joined the team in March of 2013, bringing over 30 years of office experience. She is often the first contact with customers and enjoys helping them set up appointments. She spends her off time with her husband, visiting family and reading.
REGGIE WHITEHEAD
Parts Runner
Reggie works as a full-time parts runner for German Car Specialists while attending Bellevue College. In his free time, Reggie enjoys playing hockey and soccer, as well as watching football. Reggie also enjoys camping, fishing, and snowboarding. As a creative personality, Reggie appreciates all forms of art, including graphic design and music production.