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Staff

Click on one of the people below to find out more information.

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  • Ted Bessen
    CEO

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    Automotive Experience

     

    During his 20+ year career in the retail automotive business, Ted moved up from top salesperson to President and equal owner of one of the largest and most profitable automotive organizations in the world.

     

    •  1979-1982: Dale Oldsmobile - Bronx, NY
       1982-1984: Potamkin Cadillac - New York, NY
    •  1984-1989: Dale Oldsmobile - Bronx, NY
    •  1989-2001: President of, and equal partner in Potamkin AutoCenter      and later President and partner of Potamkin Mitsubishi, Potamkin Cadillac-Buick-Chevrolet
    •  1999: Sold interest back to the Potamkin organization and CarsDirect.com
    • 2001-Present: Consultant to advertising and retail automotive industries

     

    Prior to entering the retail automotive profession:

     

    • At 13, opened first pet supply business
    • At 17, opened Jungle Habitat in Brooklyn, NY; ran it for three years and sold it

     

    Record of Professional Achievement

     

    The Numbers

    • Retail over 15,000 vehicle sales/year through four showrooms

     

     

    Representative examples

    • Largest volume in leased for a number of leasing companies
    • Dealer Council member for General Electric Credit Auto Lease
    • Presented to participants of the New York Daily News Summit Meeting

    Industry Innovation

     

    In 1984, Ted created the concept for, implemented, developed and grew the Any Car Store business. Any Car Store served customers who were uncomfortable buying and leasing through a traditional dealership by purchasing for them any car, truck or sport utility vehicle they desired from other dealerships. This business, related to the Potamkin organization, ultimately grew to over 1000 new vehicle sales per month. In 1999, CarsDirect.com acquired Any Car Store.

     

     

    Personal

     

    Family

     

    Ted is unmarried, he's actively involved in the lives of his immediate and extended family- including a host of nieces and nephews many of whom are his Godchildren.

     

    Commitment to the Community

     

    Ted has lived his entire life in the New York metropolitan area. He understands the culture and has a solid network of personal and professional relationships in this part of the country. Ted's community activities include personally and financially supporting...

    • Barely Balancing Theatre Company as they grew to produce off-Broadway shows including Rebel Without a Cause.

    Other Interests

     

    These days, when Ted isn't managing his real estate portfolio, he's pursuing an avid interest in health and fitness. Ted is also the consummate New Yorker, enjoying fine dining, the theatre and sporting events.


  • Steven Risso
    President
    Steven Risso

    Steven Risso, President of Teddy Nissan

     

    Steven joined Teddy Nissan as its President at its inception in the summer of 2009.  He brings 25 years of retail automotive experience. 

     

    Prior to joining Teddy Nissan, Steven worked as a Consultant with the National Automobile Dealers Association, the leading automotive training organization in the world. At N.A.D.A. Steven's primary responsibility was working with dealers nationwide to improve their profitability. While at NADA, Steven was selected to participate on a five member task force that would make presentations to the New York Federal Reserve Bank, Standard & Poors, Merrill Lynch, and Moody's on the subject of dealer floor planning and the TALF stimulus package.

     

    Prior to NADA, Steven worked as a consultant to the 3rd largest Ford dealer in the New York Region. There he led a companywide turnaround that resulted in a 200% improvement in profits in the first year.  

     

    From 1999 to 2005, Steven owned and operated two New York City Ford Dealerships. As the dealer principle he spurred sales 140% and led the zone in customer satisfaction for 16 years. Steven sold the dealerships in 2005.


  • Wes Williams
    Sales Manager

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  • Gabriel Salcedo
    Sales Manager

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  • Albert Salcedo
    Assistant Manager

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  • Bob Alongi
    Retention Manager

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  • Eric Sheriff
    Finance Manager

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  • Julio Batista
    Finance Manager

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  • Wilson Calderon
    Finance Manager

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  • Alex Martinez
    Sales Consultant

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  • Antonio Figueroa
    Sales Consultant

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  • David Hartzog
    Sales Consultant

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  • Ed Allen
    Sales Consultant

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  • Herve Timothe
    Sales Consultant

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  • Julio Alexis
    Sales Consultant

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  • Jeff Kirsh
    Sales Consultant

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  • Juan Garcia
    Sales Consultant

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  • Juan Surun
    Sales Consultant

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  • Pedro Almonte
    Sales Consultant

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  • Peter Corcino
    Sales Consultant

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  • Marty Hendrikson
    Sales Consultant

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  • Rajon Lewis
    Sales Consultant

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  • Sheronica Outlaw
    Sales Consultant

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  • William James
    Sales Consultant

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  • Fred Eldik
    Internet Director

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  • Gisselle Tores
    Customer Care Representative

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  • Yen Almodovar
    Customer Care Representative

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  • Leslene Jordan
    Customer Care Representative

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  • Pablo Jimenez
    Customer Care Representative

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  • Jamie Risso
    Service Manager

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  • Gary Naraine
    Parts Manager

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  • Lynn Kozy
    Controller

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  • Dolores Hannon
    Office Manager

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  • Kiralie Medina
    Swap Manager

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  • Danielle Rice
    Customer Care Representative

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