Our Team

Here are a few of our courteous and professional team members. You may contact them directly by clicking on one of the email links listed below each name. If you do not see who you are looking for, please click on the "Quick Contact" button and we will make sure he/she gets your message.

Thank you for visiting our website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Jim Buzzetta Jim Buzzetta
 
Dealership Principal
 
Jim has operated Mercedes-Benz of Huntington since it’s inception in 2001.  He is a second generation car dealer, and his family also operates Competition Toyota/Scion of Middle Island, Smart of Smithtown, Competition BMW of Smithtown, Competition Infiniti of Smithtown, and Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown.  Jim takes pride in the management and employee team that he has assembled here and believes strongly that treating employees well ensures that they stay at the dealership long term.  Customers appreciate developing a long term relationship with dealership staff, so happy employees results in happy customers.  Jim lives in Setauket with his wife Colette, his three sons James, Daniel and Christopher, and their dogs Charlie and Jane.
 


Bill Dodge Bill Dodge
 
General Manager
 
Bill began selling Dodge (for obvious reasons) in 1973, and then Mercedes-Benz in 1974.  Bill is a “lifer” having spent over 36 years with the Mercedes-Benz brand and in 2010; 30 years with The Competition Automotive Group.  He has been with Mercedes-Benz of Huntington since opening in December of 2001.  Bill lives in Centerport with his wife Suzanne, who is a Registered Nurse and works at Huntington Hospital.  Bill is personable, friendly and loves to play golf.

bdodge@mbhuntington.com
Dennis Scheller Dennis Scheller
 
General Sales Manager
 
Dennis has been in the automobile industry for 16 years, 13 of which have been with Mercedes-Benz.  He joined Mercedes-Benz of Huntington in 2003.
Dennis resides in Merrick, NY with his wife & two daughters.  In his spare time, Dennis studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

dscheller@mbhuntington.com
Bill Laupus Bill Laupus
 
New Car Sales Manager
 
Bill joined the Mercedes-Benz of Huntington in 2007 as our New Car Sales Manager.  He comes to us with 17 years experience in the auto industry and  is currently overseeing the sales floor and our off lease portfolio. He began his career selling Ford. where he excelled in that company selling Ford & Lincoln Mercury products. He has received many awards including winner in the New York Regional Walk Around Competition. He worked his way up the company ladder with promotions to Business Manager and then Sales Manager. He lives in Massapequa since 1978 and is active in the community.  Bill recently remarried his wife Beth and has five children. Bill enjoys boating, fishing and spending time with his family. He’s involved with student activities at Stony Brook University with their oldest son, and currently involved with the Fathers Guild at St Anthony’s High School.

blaupus@mbhuntington.com
Bob Mitchell Bob Mitchell
Pre-Owned  Sales Manager

An unbiased point of view would compare the merits of any certified program by the breadth of its coverages. Clearly, when you look at the charts available in my office, you will see how much more our brand offers than any other existing brand today. Furthermore, given the choice of meeting the standards, our position has always been one of attempting to exceed the very standards that make our brand so strong in the industry. That said, you will benefit from our presence in the market place; pick up and drop off at the mall, Saturday service, night drop until 8pm, Sunday hours (11-4) and more.
Please feel free to come to the "West Wing" and test drive our professionally reconditioned products today, all the while remembering that the notion of luxury for less originated here. 

bmitchell@mbhuntington.com
Gene Browne Gene Browne
Internet Sales Manager

Gene Browne has more than 23 years experience in Information Technology, Web Development, Marketing, eCommerce Project Management, and Media Relations. Gene is a veteran, having served as a Regular Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps deploying globally over 14 years before entering the Marine Corps Reserve. Gene also maintains membership in the National Naval Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association.
gbrowne@mbhuntington.com
Terri Melanson Terri Melanson
Business Office Manager

Terri Melanson has worked in the automotive industry for the past 24 years. "I'm proud to say I've been employed with Mercedes-Benz of Huntington since our doors opened in December 2001. It's wonderful to be a part of a caring, successful team. 

tmelanson@mbhuntington.com
Spence Mannion Spence Mannion

Finance Manager

Spence Mannion has been with Mercedes-Benz of  Huntington since our inception in 2001. Spence lives in Huntington and is a NASCAR fan. He loves representing the best vehicles in the world, Mercedes-Benz.


smannion@mbhuntington.com
David Foster David Foster
Finance Manager

David Foster is a USAF veteran who began selling cars in 1999 when he returned to New York after living in Japan for 10 years. David's passion is the automobile and has worked in the automotive field for 23 years. He has held positions from parts counterman to heavy equipment mechanic, sales manager to his current role as Mercedes-Benz of Huntington Business Manager.

dfoster@mbhuntington.com
Deborah Melecio Deborah Melecio
Business Development Manager
 
Deborah has been in the automotive industry for 20 years, starting with BMW and joining the Mercedes-Benz of Huntington family in 2004.  Deborah resides in Hicksville with her husband John. Deborah is very friendly,enjoys people and loves to spend time gardening. Her greatest love is spending time with her family.

dmelecio@mbhuntington.com
Paul Napper Paul Napper
Sales Consultant

Paul is a 20 year veteran of the automobile industry. His last 10 years have been with Mercedes-Benz and since our inception in 2001. He is one of the "Charter Members" of the Mercedes-Benz of Huntington family.
Paul is very proud to have been married for 21 years to his beautiful wife Denny.

Remember, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there" For a great buying experience "All roads lead to Mercedes-Benz of Huntington"

panapper@mbhuntington.com
Dave Bank Dave Bank
Sales Consultant

I have been with Mercedes-Benz of Huntington for seven years and in the automotive industry for more than twenty five years. I am married with two sons and a daughter. I play golf, softball, football and love all other sports!
 


dbank@mbhuntington.com
J.R. Iwanycky J.R. Iwanycky
Sales Consultant

Greetings
!  They call me J.R..  No, I’m not from “Dallas but “I’ve had the pleasure of being employed by Mercedes-Benz Huntington for nearly 7 years.  I can say over that time period, I’ve had the privilege to gain over a thousand people as clients and the majority have become my friends!  (It makes it so easy to come to work).  Hopefully, I’ll meet thousands more of you great folks, so make it a point to stop by and say hello!   Best wishes, J.R.


Rich Goldberg Rich Goldberg
Sales Consultant

I have been with the Mercedes-Benz brand for 13 years.  I joined the Mercedes-Benz of Huntington team 3 years ago in 2006, and have been a sales consultant for 31 years.
I am married for 38 years and have a son. My passion is sailing and also have a deep love for photography.

rgoldberg@mbhuntington.com
Charles Cohen Charles Cohen
Sales Consultant


I have been selling cars for over 22 years. I'm married with two great children. Soccer is a big part of my life. I speak French fluently, love to travel and spend time in Manhattan.

ccohen@mbhuntington.com
Brian Haney Brian Haney
Sales Consultant


Brian is from Smithtown, NY and has a Bachelors degree from Stony Brook University. He's been with Mercedes-Benz of Huntington for 4 years and enjoys what he does very much. Cars have always been his passion. When he's not selling cars, he makes time to enjoy the beach or a round of golf.

bhaney@mbhuntington.com
Robert McLaren Robert McLaren
Sales Consultant

I am an Englishman that has lived in the United States of America for twenty  years. I have been in the automobile business for more than five years. I love fly fishing and outdoor activities like jogging and working out.


rmclaren@mbhuntington.com
Paul Dapontes Paul Dapontes
Sales Consultant


Paul is a veteran of the Automobile Industry with over 28 years experience. He has had the opportunity to work for Land Rover on Long Island as a Centre Manager, for 12 years. Paul has also owned 2 Automobile Dealerships in CT.   (Land Rover and Mazda).  Paul likes the outdoors and loves to play golf.

pdapontes@mbhuntington.com
Jim Vincent Jim Vincent
Pre-Owned Sales Consultant

Jim began his Auto Sales career in 1973 with Chevrolet. He “moved up” to Mercedes-Benz in 1990 as a Pre-Owned Sales Manager and has spent the last 8 years as a Sales Representative with Mercedes-Benz of Huntington. Jim has been married 30 years, has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Away from work he enjoys boating and travelling.

jvincent@mbhuntington.com
Mike Wood Mike Wood
Pre-Owned Sales Consultant

Michael Wood is a V
eteran of the Persian Gulf and began selling cars in California in 1995.  He worked as a Salesman and Finance Manager for a Chrysler, Jeep, GMC and Cadillac dealer.Michael came to Mercedes-Benz of Huntington in 2004 and lives in the Bay Shore, Brightwaters area where he and his wife both grew up.  He is the proud father of three daughters and a son.

mwood@mbhuntington.com
Steven Suydam Steven Suydam
Pre-Owned Sales Consultant

I have been in the automotive business for nine years; the last five with Mercedes-Benz of Huntington. I have three beautiful daughters. I enjoy running, skiing, tennis, fishing, golf and racquetball. Of course my other passion is selling Mercedes-Benz.

ssuydam@mbhuntington.com
Terrance Day Terrance Day
Pre-Owned Sales Consultant

My name is Terrance Day. I have worked in automobile sales for 11 years. I joined Mercedes-Benz of Huntington in 2005. In my spare time I help coach my 8 year son’s wrestling team.  I like motor cycles and off road vehicles.

tday@mbhuntington.com
Saul Batres Saul Batres
Pre-Owned Sales Consultant

I have been in the automobile industry since 1988, started with Chevrolet, Ford, Lexus and now Mercedes-Benz. Besides the auto industry I love aviation and currently hold a private pilot license with an instrument rated in both single and dual engines. I'm working towards my commercial license, and belong to AOPA…I am also fluent in SPANISH.

sbatres@mbhuntington.com
Jim Gustaw Jim Gustaw
Service Manager
 
 
Jim has been in the automotive industry for more than 35 years!  His career with Competition Automotive Group began in 1981 as a technician and he has risen through the ranks from Foreman in 1990 to Service Manager for Mercedes-Benz of Huntington in 2001. He has two wonderful children of whom he is very proud.  His daughter Angela  is also in the automotive industry and his son James serves on the Las Vegas Metro police force.  In his spare time he enjoys hunting and is a lover of all sports.    
 

jgustaw@mbhuntington.com
Dave Cahoon Dave Cahoon
Parts Manager

Dave began his career with Mercedes-Benz in 1973. He joined the Competition Auto Group in November of 1977. Later in December of 2000, was given the opportunity to become part of the management team at Mercedes-Benz of Huntington under the leadership of James Buzzetta. Dave lives in Wantagh with his wife Ellen and daughter Kaitlyn. Dave enjoys golf, jogging and swimming with his three grandchildren.

 

dcahoon@mbhuntington.com
Eric Grobert Eric Grobert
Service Consultant

Eric Grobert has been in the automobile industry since 1988 and has been with Mercedes-Benz of Huntington since our inception in 2001.
Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and two beautiful children.

egrobert@mbhuntington.com
Ron Kraham Ron Kraham
Service Consultant

Ron Kraham has parlayed a childhood love of cars into a lifelong career.  He began his career in Brooklyn, working and managing in a repair shop. He went on to own a Goodyear Tire & Auto Center on Long Island before coming to Mercedes-Benz of Huntington in 2001. With over 35 years of experience in the car business, Ron has found his niche at Mercedes-Benz of Huntington.  He lives in East Northport with his wife, a teacher in Greenlawn and his daughters.

rkraham@mbhuntington.com
Tom Palmero Tom Palmero
Service Consultant

Tom Palmero has been in the automobile business for 24 years and joined Mercedes-Benz of Huntington in 2008. He lives with his girl friend in Islip. He also has a beautiful 9 1/2 old daughter. Tom loves to collect music on CDs and records. He is also a movie buff.

tpalmero@mbhuntington.com
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