Dennis Diaz
Technician
Meet Dennis Diaz, our resident comedian and European vehicle expert extraordinaire! With over 20 years of experience under his belt, Dennis is the go-to guy for all things BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes. This week, we asked him to give us a short bio about himself and he said, “I’m incredibly handsome, the epitome of fitness and health, and humble.” And you know what? We couldn’t agree more! We affectionately call him the “humble mechanic” because despite his massive expertise, Dennis carries himself with grace and humility. He’s the kind of guy who’s more interested in getting your car back on the road than boasting about his skills. When Dennis isn’t working on cars and solving automotive challenges, you’ll find him bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. With his positive attitude, he keeps our team spirits high and our customers entertained. Join us in celebrating Dennis Diaz, the heart and soul of Carlsbad Auto Service. Here’s to many more years of laughter, expertise, and exceptional service with Dennis at the helm!
Sonya Concepcion
Apprentice Technician
Sonya has been in the automotive industry for four years, turning a lifelong love of cars into a career. She loves that there’s always something new to learn and takes pride in helping get our customers’ vehicles safely back on the road. A fast learner and self-described “brutally honest” person, Sonya brings plenty of personality to the CAS team.
Outside the shop, Sonya loves spending time with her wife and family—including Diesel, her Lab/Husky, and Ryder, her Boxer/Lab. You’ll find her at the beach in the summer, skiing in the winter, or heading for the mountains or desert whenever she gets the chance.
If Sonya hadn’t chosen the automotive industry, she says she’d probably be working in substance abuse counseling.
Abe Flores
Technician
Alongside his fellow technicians, Abe brings expertise and dedication to our shop, keeping our services top-notch. Off-duty, Abe enjoys bicycling and skateboarding with his girlfriend, soaking up the outdoors whenever he can. He’s also quite the chef, whipping up delicious Mexican cuisine in his downtime. You can also likely find him buried in a stack of books, up to 6 at one time, always hungry for knowledge! Abe is an amazing employee of Carlsbad Auto Service and his teamwork and commitment are vital to our success. Let’s recognize his contributions to our shop!
Zarina Mendoza
Service Manager
Zarina Mendoza is the service manager at Carlsbad Auto Service, bringing over 10 years of industry experience. A dedicated mother of two, she proudly embraces the role of a soccer mom, with both children playing year-round. Zarina and her family love to travel, recently visiting Disney World and Arizona. Her professional goal is to elevate the image of auto repair by fostering transparency and honesty with every customer. Personally, she aspires to one day become a shop owner. Join us in appreciating Zarina’s dedication to both the Carlsbad Auto Service family and her own, as she continues making strides toward excellence on and off the field!
Dave Carr
Service Advisor
Dave is one of our superstar Service Advisors and has spent more than 30 years in the automotive industry. What really makes Dave great at what he does, though, is that he genuinely enjoys helping people. He knows cars, he knows this industry, and he has a way of making customers feel comfortable—even when their car is being considerably less cooperative.
His love of cars started with hot rods, but there was a practical side too. Growing up, his family didn't have a lot of money and car repairs were a constant problem. So Dave did what Dave does: he figured out how to fix things himself. That eventually turned into a career spanning more than three decades.
Outside of CAS, Dave's favorite place to be is with his family. He's married to his soulmate and loves spending his free time going on goofy adventures with her and the family. He's also an incredibly proud dad to a daughter who followed him into the automotive industry and became a Service Advisor herself. Ask him about her—you'll see the proud-dad smile immediately.
And finally, Dave supplied his own warning label:
⚠️ “Cusses too much, but will make you laugh about it.”
We really couldn't have written that part any better.
Nick Delaney
Master Certified Technician
Nick Delaney is a seasoned expert in the automotive industry, boasting an impressive 16 years of experience. With roots tracing back to his early days working alongside his father as a lube tech, Nick has honed his skills to become a master certified technician. His specialization in electrical diagnostics sets him apart, making him our go-to guru for solving complex car issues. Outside of work, Nick enjoys hobbies such as brewing beer and stargazing with his telescope. He’s also a proud pet owner, caring for his guinea pigs and recently adopted kitten, “Frankie.” But what Nick values most are the cherished moments spent with his family and friends. Nick’s dedication to his craft and his vibrant personality make him an invaluable member of our Carlsbad Auto Service family. Let’s give a round of applause to Nick for his unwavering commitment and expertise!
Bryant Gonzalez
Technician
Bryant has been in the automotive industry for 10 years, but his interest in cars started well before he turned it into a career.
Growing up, Bryant lived in a town with a big street-racing and modification scene filled with JDM cars and off-road trucks. He was fascinated by how much people knew about their vehicles—and thought it was pretty cool that they could take something apart, modify it, and understand exactly how it all worked. That curiosity eventually led him into the automotive field.
Today, Bryant is all about doing the job swiftly, accurately, and the right way. If you've ever walked past his bays, you'll probably notice something else: they're really organized. Bryant takes a lot of pride in keeping his workspace and tools clean and in order—and, yes, collecting tools might qualify as a hobby at this point.
Outside the shop, Bryant enjoys running, basketball, the beach, good food, hip-hop and podcasts. He's also a self-described coffee addict.
Bryant brings experience, attention to detail, curiosity, and a seriously organized toolbox to the Carlsbad Auto Service team. We're glad to have him in the shop!
Paco Espinoza
Technician
Paco is a highly skilled technician with 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. His deep technical expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a vital part of our team, ensuring our clients receive exceptional repair services.
Paco’s journey began in Mexico, where he honed his skills working alongside his grandfather on both gas and diesel vehicles. This experience laid a solid foundation for his extensive automotive knowledge. He joined our team in 2023, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and a passion for the field.
When he’s not at work, Paco loves spending quality time with his family. He enjoys reading with his daughters and exploring nature on hikes. His dedication to both his professional and personal life highlights his well-rounded character and continuous drive for growth.
We are proud to have Paco on our team and are confident that his expertise and commitment will continue to drive our success and enhance client satisfaction.
Mike Donovan
Service Advisor
Mike is a seasoned member of the Carlsbad Auto team with 8 years of dedication under his belt. When he’s not fine-tuning engines or ensuring top-notch service, you’ll find him cheering on his favorite teams in football, basketball, and baseball. With 35 years of marriage under his belt, Mike is a devoted family man, sharing his life journey with his wife and two grown children, a son aged 31 and a daughter aged 35. Beyond the garage, Mike’s passion lies in the world of custom cars, where he finds inspiration and joy in the craftsmanship and innovation of automotive design. Join us in celebrating Mike’s 8 years of dedication to Carlsbad Auto Service and his unwavering commitment to his family. From the garage to the game, Mike’s passion shines bright. Here’s to many more years of excellence!
Jaime Sanders-Papousek
Owner
With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Jaime Sanders is passionate about driving change through transparency, honesty, and a commitment to quality. Her mission is simple: stand behind every repair and create a shop customers and employees can trust. Jaime is deeply focused on cultivating a positive company culture, investing in technician training, and building apprenticeship programs to help grow the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. She believes in creating an environment where both customers and employees feel valued and supported.
Eva Sanders-Papousek, MBA
Owner
Bringing more than 30 years of operational management experience, Eva Sanders-Papousek specializes in human resources and culture development. With a strong background in leadership and organizational growth, Eva is dedicated to building a workplace that fosters respect, opportunity, and long-term success. Her focus on people and processes ensures that the shop not only runs efficiently but also remains a place where employees are empowered to thrive.
