Meet the Team of Christian Brothers Automotive North Scottsdale
John and Danielle Carlson - Owners
What is your role in the shop?
Our roles vary by the day, but we’re finding there’s never a dull moment running a new automotive repair shop! Danielle is the Chief Home Officer as well as VP of Education for four children; she spends her days providing home-school education for our kids and shuttling them to various activities. She’s an amazing mother and educator for our kids and the best wife and business partner I could ask for!
I work in the shop every day and have many responsibilities, ranging from making coffee for our guests and providing shuttle rides home to communicating our shop vision to our team members and ensuring that we’re delivering excellent repairs and customer service. As the owner of a new shop I’m challenged every day, but I’m also thankful for the opportunity to serve the North Scottsdale community with ethical and excellent automotive repairs.
How long have you been working in the auto repair industry?
I’m new to the automotive industry. I played tight end in the NFL for seven years – four years with the Seahawks, two years with the Vikings and one year with the Cardinals – before retiring from football in 2015. In 2016 I started looking for a franchise business opportunity and was pleasantly surprised to find the Christian Brothers Automotive – North Scottdale location available. Danielle and I were already satisfied customers of the CBA shop in Chandler – Ocotillo. Over the past two years I’ve trained and observed at CBA shops around the valley and in Texas, as well as completed training through the CBA Home Office in Houston.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with Danielle and our four kids. Sundays are my off-days and they typically include lots of family activities: homemade pancakes with bacon for breakfast, lots of time playing outside and/or building Legos, some family-style Mario Kart games, and some time on the couch watching football with my oldest, William. Danielle and I also love to exercise, read books, and travel.
What’s your favorite car and why?
I drove a 1997 Chevy Impala while I was in college. It was my parents’ car and had been my grandparents’ car originally, so there was a lot of sentimental value for me. It was also a sweet ride! South Bend, Indiana gets a lot of snow and that Impala would plow right through it!
What’s your favorite food?
I love eggs and could eat them with every meal. I also really enjoy big salads with lots of veggies, avocado, grilled chicken, and olive oil. I’m also a big fan of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
What’s something unique about you that few people know?
I took piano lessons when I was a kid and I still enjoy playing, when time allows.
David Dokes - Service Advisor
What is your role in the shop?
I’m a Service Advisor and my role is to educate customers about the condition of their vehicles and empower customers to make good decisions regarding vehicle repairs and maintenance. I love meeting and helping new people and as a Service Advisor I have the opportunity to do both of those things every day.
How long have you been working in the auto repair industry?
In various roles, I’ve been working in the auto repair industry for 28 years. I’ve owned my own shop, worked as a technician, managed shops, and worked as a service advisor.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my daughter and nephews. I’ve been a single father for over 23 years and I’m very proud of that.
What’s your favorite car and why?
1971 Chevelle, red with white racing stripes. This was the first drag car that I worked on.
What’s your favorite food?
Brisket! I’m a Texas boy!
What’s something unique about you that few people know?
I can play the string bass.
Greg Peters - Master Technician
What is your role in the shop?
I’m an ASE Master Certified Technician and my role is to fix cars. I enjoy the puzzle of solving problems for customers by correctly diagnosing the issue with their vehicles and making the appropriate repairs.
How long have you been working in the auto repair industry?
I’ve been A professional automotive technician since 1980, so 40 years.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to sleep, hunt, fish, camp, and spend time with my family.
What’s your favorite car and why?
I like pickup trucks because they’re practical vehicles for the outdoor activities that I enjoy.
What’s your favorite food?
Meat. All kinds, all types. Meat.
What’s something unique about you that few people know?
I rode bulls and was active in rodeo for several years in my youth (many years ago!). My adventures riding bulls led to broken ribs, a broken arm, a bad back, torn finger ligaments, broken fingers, and a broken collar bone. It was fun though!
James Lashmet - Technician
What is your role in the shop?
My role is to serve customers by providing high-quality inspections, maintenance, and repairs to their vehicles. I also do whatever I can to help my coworkers and contribute to a positive work environment.
How long have you been working in the auto repair industry?
I’ve been a professional automotive technician for four years and I’m working towards my ASE certifications.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy outdoor activities, especially fishing and sport shooting.
What’s your favorite car and why?
I drive a Toyota Tacoma and it also happens to be my favorite vehicle. Tacomas are very reliable trucks.
What’s your favorite food?
My favorite food would have to be a thick, juicy steak.
What’s something unique about you that few people know?
I participated in kickboxing for six years when I was younger.
Mark Sanchez - Service Manager
What is your role in the shop?
I’m the service manager, so I oversee the operations of the entire shop. I manage workflow in the shop, handle ordering and returning parts from our vendors, and work with customers to understand their concerns with their vehicle and to identify the proper solution to quickly get them back on the road in a safe, reliable vehicle.
How long have you been working in the auto repair industry?
23 years total, including 15 years in the Army as a diesel mechanic.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to listen to music in my free time. Any music, all music. You name it, I’ll listen to it.
What’s your favorite car and why?
I’ve always loved the look of first generation Camaros.
What’s your favorite food?
Steak and potatoes.
What’s something unique about you that few people know?
I’ve completed the Bataan Death March full marathon hike in White Sands, New Mexico. I’ve also been inside of NORAD.
Van Williams - Master Technician
What is your role in the shop?
I’m an ASE Master Certified Technician and I spend my time diagnosing and repairing customer vehicles.
How long have you been working in the auto repair industry?
I’m been working in this industry for 40 years, basically my entire working life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time and playing with Shea, my dog. I’ve also been watching Amazon TV in my free time recently.
What’s your favorite car and why?
I drive a Chevy Colorado pickup truck and I think it’s the perfect size for my needs. It’s not too big, not too small, and a very practical vehicle.
What’s your favorite food?
I love seafood!
What’s something unique about you that few people know?
I’m a big football fan and I grew up near the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I also enjoy building and operating radio controlled cars and boats.
