Meet the staff at Auto Connections of Bellevue
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find out more about the staff at Auto Connections of Bellevue:
Stu Cordova - Owner, Sales
Born in Seattle, we moved to the Eastside in 1963. After graduating from Bellevue High School in 1971, I went to work for my father - who owned one of the first small grocery stores in the Bellevue area. I also enjoyed spending time restoring and selling old cars, a hobby that helped pay for college tuition. I eventually received my BA degree in Counseling and Education from Western Washington University and went on to work as a rehabilitation counselor for troubled kids, helping bridge communication between school, home, and the community. After 15 years as a counselor, my youthful hobby of working with cars led me to a part-time sales position at a small dealership and out of social work. Within just a couple years I realized that in order to conduct business the way I wanted - which was to sell cars with honesty and integrity - I needed to start my own company. And I'm now proud to say that this year, 2024, marks my 27th year as owner of Auto Connections in Bellevue!
Keith Dinsmore - General Manager, Sales
Having 40 plus years of experience in the Auto Industry in many different roles and capacities, I believe I have a very broad knowledge of our business. I spent over 20 years either selling or managing new car franchises and have seen just about everything in terms of how dealerships approach selling cars and how they view and treat their customers and what I can confidently say is that Auto Connections of Bellevue is at the very top of the list for the quality of vehicles and the integrity of how we do business. I love knowing that every car that we have for sale has been thoroughly vetted for both structural and mechanical integrity and is ready to be enjoyed for the long term. Cars are more than just a way to make a living to me. I am a true enthusiast and take great pride in representing unique, desirable and reliable cars and trucks at a very high value. I realize that cars can be anything from a passion and personality extension to a highly counted on appliance and I work hard to find the right vehicle for those extremes and everything in between! I have grown up and raised my four boys right here in the Puget Sound area and am very proud to represent Auto Connections of Bellevue for the last 20 years. This is a business that you can truly count on doing things the right way.
Mike Vena - Finance Manager
I've been in the auto industry for 23 years with experience in sales, finance and consulting. I'm an avid sports fan - GO DAWGS! I also love spending time at home with my daughter Austen, where we often hang out with our two cats Chandler and Monica. And in my spare time I enjoy playing golf, baseball and wine tasting in Woodinville! The reason I wanted to join the Auto Connections family is the low-pressure sales environment, with the focus on taking care of the customers and giving them the finest purchasing experience.
Frank Vena - Ast. Office Manager, Retail Sales
I was born and raised in the Mt. Baker area, moved to Mercer Island as a teenager and graduated from Mercer Island High in 1972. I attended Gonzaga & Seattle U. where I played baseball and worked towards earning a degree in education. At the age of 22, I was offered a contract to play baseball for the Philadelphia farm system but since I was engaged to be married at the time, I decided it was best to start working and settle into my life vocation instead. My father was in the auto industry, loved it and was very successful, so I called him and said, "Dad I think I want to sell cars too”. He responded, "No you don't", but I showed an early promise and used my persuasive skills to "sell" him on the idea. He asked me to be patient, made a few phone calls and eventually helped me land my first job. That was 35 years ago, and I’ve been in the car business ever since. I spent the first 25 years working for new car dealerships as a sales rep. and in management. During that time, I discovered that I had an aptitude for appraising and buying pre-owned cars for inventory and eventually gravitated towards that aspect of the business. I meet Stu Cordova (founder of Auto Connections) through business and in 2003 he mentioned he was expanding his dealership - adding a buyer - and asked if I would be interested. I jumped at the opportunity and I’m happy to say that the past 18 years have been absolutely the best and most enjoyable for me so far. Stu sets the tone, allowing us the freedom to conduct business in a professional, relaxed, low pressure atmosphere and I consider my association with all the members of the Auto Connections “family” to be one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Kurt Geibel - Retail Sales
A native of Seattle, I've lived in and around the city my entire life, except for a few college years in Santa Rosa, California. I consider myself an entrepreneur, and I love the art of making deals. My true passions in life-in no particular order-are skiing and snowboarding, selling, boating, more selling, playing with my daughter, and closing deals. Whether its cars, boats, motorcycles, or houses, I'm either buying or selling, and somehow, I keep a roof over my head. It used to be about how much money I could make, but now it's about my quality of life. Working at Auto Connections, and for Stu, gives me that quality, and I hope to pass that on to my customers. The reason I sell cars at Auto Connections is because I want to change the stereotype of the used car business. Everyone thinks it's a place where you're going to be misled and mistreated and end up with a lemon. But our company offers its customers more, because our business plan is simple: we treat people with respect and honesty, we deliver a reliable product, and we stand behind that product.
Mark Walesby - Retail Sales
I’ve been in the car business about 20 years – all at Auto Connections of Bellevue. I simply love people and cars! It’s great working at Auto Connections, as it allows me the ability to provide people with a quality product at a fair price. I’m able to treat people how I like to be treated – fairly, honestly and with integrity. My leisure time is spent golfing, fishing, and skiing and I’m proud to say that I’m active in my church and I’ve been married to the same great lady for over 40 years!
Heidi L. Webster – Broker/Sales
I’ve spent my entire life in the automotive industry. Beginning my career with General Motors Institute in Michigan and working as a cooperative student with Chevrolet Motor Division. Upon graduating, I spent the next five years working as a factory service and sales consultant with Chevrolet in Seattle, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. After five years, I left Chevrolet to enter the fascinating world of advertising. I implemented regional and national advertising campaigns for Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Honda dealers throughout the Midwest and in Southern California. In 1987, I began my career as an automotive purchasing consultant in Los Angeles. This position also took me to Denver and back to Seattle in 1992, where I’ve been assisting individuals and companies with the purchase and/or lease of new and used vehicles. In my spare time we love playing sports with our Collies - Benny is now a therapy dog, agility dog and working on his Grand Championship!
Rusty - Official Greeter (2002 - 2018)
Rusty worked at Auto Connections for over 15 years as the Official Greeter. He enjoyed meeting everyone who came in and was a wonderful addition to the staff. His gentle nature, wet nose and wagging tail will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace.