Meet the team
Management
Mehran Forutan
General Manager
Mehran Forutan
General Manager
About
After working in Finance & Real Estate for over 15 years with a passion for automotive, Mehran joined Rusnak Auto Group in January of 2010. Throughout his career he has worked in various positions at BMW and Audi within the group. Mehran joined Porsche Pasadena on June 1st 2022 and finds it difficult to choose only one Porsche model as his favorite, but if he had to choose the 911 Targa would be it. Outside of work, traveling to different parts of the world is on top of Mehran’s list of favorite things to do just second to spending time with his family. Providing an exemplary experience for his sales and service clients is Mehran’s main focus.
Leila V.
General Sales Manager - Porsche Certified
Leila V.
General Sales Manager - Porsche Certified
About
With 9 years in the auto industry, since joining the company in 2016, she prioritizes delivering exceptional service and ensuring customer satisfaction. Her passion for the job and company drives her to excel and stay committed to our shared goals. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new culinary experiences, and spending quality time with her kids. Her favorite Porsche model is the 911 Targa GTS in Python Green, a perfect blend of elegance and performance.
Kareem Alayoubi
Sales Manager - Porsche Certified
Kareem Alayoubi
Sales Manager - Porsche Certified
About
Car enthusiast at heart. Kareem developed an appreciation for automobiles at a young age starting with Hot Wheels toy cars then to building drag racing cars with his dad in their garage in Chicago where he grew up. At the age of 20 he moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of a career which led him to joining Rusnak Auto Group in 2015. After many years as a top performer within Rusnak, he attributes his success to his passion for cars, and curating longstanding relationships with clients. Thankful for being a part of the Porsche brand, he looks forward to serving you with all your automotive needs. #PorschePassion
Alex D.
Sales & Finance Manager - Porsche Certified
Alex D.
Sales & Finance Manager - Porsche Certified
About
Alex’s auto industry experience started in 1981. Promoted to Leasing & Finance Manager in 1984, his career with Porsche—at first as a Certified Pre-Owned Manager, later as a New Car Manager, began in 2001. Joining our Premier Dealership in Finance in 2018.
Seth Waskow
Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales Manager
Sarsi Kazimi
Finance Manager - Porsche Certified
Fernando Lopez
Service Manager - Porsche Certified
Fernando Lopez
Service Manager - Porsche Certified
About
Fernando Lopez has been working with Rusnak Auto Group since 2003, gaining experience in the Service and Parts Department. In his off time, Fernando enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and biking/running/swimming.
Gary Pascarella
Parts Manager - Porsche Certified
Gary Pascarella
Parts Manager - Porsche Certified
About
Gary has been expanding his knowledge of Porsche parts since his days as a shipping and receiving clerk in 2002. Welcoming him to our Porsche dealership in 2013, Gary is a parts consultant who knows just what our clients expect and definitely delivers.
Sales
Robert Watkin
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Robert Watkin
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Committed to creating an unforgettable experience that includes serving your needs long after the sales contract is signed, Robert Watkin, a leading Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador, has been applying his remarkable Rusnak expertise since 2002.
Andrew Arizmendi II
Internet Sales Consultant. Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Andrew Arizmendi II
Internet Sales Consultant. Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Experienced automotive background with over a decade of diligence on Automotive Financial Technology apps, vehicle management, and automotive sales. Demonstrated history in the automotive industry with strong family ties to family-owned dealerships. Andrew is beyond passionate about the automotive industry and the beautiful machines that they create. His perfect two car garage would include a Porsche 911 and a FJ60 Land Cruiser!
Helen Salaverria
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Helen Salaverria
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Joining the Rusnak team back in 2017, Helen came on as part of the service department and later moved to parts where she commanded the Porsche Boutique. There she picked up all things Tequipment and Driver’s selection, now known as Porsche Lifestyle Collection (PLX for short). On a whim, Helen joined the Rusnak Audi used car sales team where she worked behind the scenes getting cars frontline ready. Flash forward to now, she is again at the forefront of our new boutique prepared to assist you with customizing and accessorizing your vehicle and life with all things Porsche. In her spare time, you can catch her riding through Ojai, catching an Oxnard beach sunset with her dog, or spending time with family. Afterall, life is all about having a good time.
Patrick "Lonny" Rodriguez
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Patrick "Lonny" Rodriguez
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Patrick is the newest member of the Rusnak Westlake Porsche Internet Sales Team. Joining us with over 9 years of luxury auto sales experience and 17 years of total automotive sales experience, Patrick specializes in high end sports cars and SUV’s. Prior to joining Rusnak Westlake Porsche, Patrick worked at Rusnak BMW. You can find him enjoying his free time on the golf course or spending time with family and friends. Patrick is thrilled to join one of the top Porsche dealerships in Southern California and contribute to many successful years ahead.
David Higgins
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
David Higgins
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
After living in Austin, TX for four years, David Higgins moved to Los Angeles in 1990 and spent the next 30 years working in the film and Television industry. A life-long love of all things Porsche led him to Rusnak Westlake, where his passion and product knowledge can help find the perfect Porsche for every client.
David Gonzalez
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
David Gonzalez
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
David has been in the luxury space for over 20 years, starting his career with selling diamonds and fine jewelry for 10 years before transitioning into the car industry. He is a factory-trained performance driver with many hours of international track time. Over the years, David has explored several careers including working as a car detailer at the age of 10 for his neighborhood, being a pro rollerblader in high school, hosting a radio show in college, and he still has his turntables and vinyl records ready to go. Porsche has always been a halo brand for David, and he is proud to be a part of the Porsche Westlake team.
Ali “Alex” Nekouy Mehr
Internet Sales Consultant
Seyedalireza “Ali” Mosavi
Sales Consultant
Ehab Mahmoud
Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Andrew Ford
Assistant Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales Manager - Porsche Certified
Andrew Ford
Assistant Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales Manager - Porsche Certified
About
Andrew’s experience in the automotive industry began with Rusnak in July 2018. Later transferring to the sales department in November 2019, he currently serves as our Assistant Used Car Manager. When he’s not at work Andrew enjoys spending time with family and riding motorcycles.
Natalie Perez
Product Concierge Specialist
Natalie Perez
Product Concierge Specialist
About
Natalie is a customer service professional and a passionate automotive enthusiast. She is excited to bring fresh perspectives and supportive concierge service to Porsche Westlake. With her years of focus on client satisfaction, she is dedicated to delivering a seamless and personalized experience to our clientele. Beyond the dealership Natalie enjoys all thing’s fitness including health and wellness, beach visits, and time with family. Her dream Porsche is a 911 Turbo S or a GT3 Touring. Natalie is looking forward to meeting you and can’t wait to share all that Porsche Westlake has to offer.
Naveed Zamani
Product Concierge Specialist
Service
Steve Ellis
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Steve Ellis
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Service Advisor, Steve Ellis is a Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador who has been with our Rusnak family of dealerships since 2002. Originally from Holland he has lived in the US for over 40 years. A former restaurant owner, Steve spent years working for the Ritz Carlton Hotel chain honing his hospitality skills.
Eric Blackmer
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Eric Blackmer
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Eric has worked in the auto industry for nearly 25 years. He began as an auto tech and later became a service and parts director. Here at Porsche Westlake he is a motivated Service Advisor who takes pride in going the extra mile. A lifelong Ventura County resident, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and riding motorcycles.
Joseph (Skip) Crovo
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Joseph (Skip) Crovo
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Newbury Park resident Joseph – his friends call him Skip, has worked as a Service Advisor since 2008. Joining our team in June 2018, he is consistently committed to his service clientele. When he’s not at work Skip plays and referees ice hockey.
Trevor "Bryce" Branham
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
Trevor "Bryce" Branham
Service Advisor, Certified Porsche Brand Ambassador
About
Hello, my First name is Trevor, but my family and friends have always used my middle name Bryce. I started in the auto industry in 2007, started at Subaru and worked my way up to become the service manager, I have also worked for Lexus as a service advisor, I’m excited to continue my career with the Rusnak group working as a Porsche service advisor. I enjoy spending time with my family, we enjoy outdoor activities camping, boating, and fishing are some of our favorite activities.
CJ Sangalang
Service Sales Advisor
CJ Sangalang
Service Sales Advisor
About
Christian Joseph who goes by CJ is originally from Durham, North Carolina but relocated to Los Angeles in 2024. He has been in the automotive industry for over 10 years and is even a Certified Silver Porsche technician and Porsche Brand Ambassador. He enjoys traveling and is looking forward to exploring the west coast now that he is here.
Isabella Cavalier
Loaner Car Agent
Isabella Cavalier
Loaner Car Agent
About
Isabella is new to the car business, but has fallen in love with what she’s learned and seen so far. She feels that the auto community is tight knit and welcoming and that has led to her having so many positive new experiences. She takes pride in working with Porsche and loves that they have the desire to be innovative and professional.
Janell Gomez
Service Concierge
Janell Gomez
Service Concierge
About
Janell’s new position with Porsche marks the beginning of her career in the automotive industry. She has always been captivated by the aesthetic allure of luxury vehicle design. She enjoys photography, reading a good novel, and above all, spending time with her 3 sons.
Parts
Oscar Ojeda
Parts Consultant
Oscar Ojeda
Parts Consultant
About
Being that Oscar comes from a family of luxury car enthusiasts, it was a natural fit when he ran the parts department of their auto repair business. Ten years later, as they were closing shop, Oscar was invited to join our Porsche dealership. He recalls jumping at the opportunity to work for a family owned & operated company. One as he describes it, as committed to exceptional customer service as he is.
Manny Castillo
Parts Consultant
Manny Castillo
Parts Consultant
About
Friendly and reliable are just a couple of words that describe Porsche parts specialist Manny Castillo. An auto industry career that spans almost 40 years, he’s covered a lot of ground as a Parts Consultant to Wholesale Parts Manager. Manny’s motto- without cars, the world doesn’t move!
Ryan Ramirez
Parts Associate