Premier Subaru is proud to lead the country in corporate responsibility. Premier Subaru is proud to employ a diverse group of individuals proud to exceed your expectations at every turn. Premier Subaru's diversity has been recognized by Subaru of America on a national basis. Please allow us the opportunity to earn your confidence in our organization. Our team is ready to assist you at any time.
If you wish to recognize employees that have exceeded your expectations, please look for our Employee Achievement Award Brochures throughout our store.
Premier Subaru
150 North Main Street
I-95/Exit 54
Branford, CT 06405
- Sales: (888) 690-6710
- Service: (888) 697-5387
- Parts: (866) 938-4113
Hassle Free Values - GUARANTEED from the Subaru LEADER!
Our Award Winning Team
Click on one of the people below to find out more information.
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- Robert J. Alvine
- President and General Manager
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- ralvine@premiersubaru.com
- (203) 643-1201
Bob Alvine is the President and General Manager of Premier Subaru. Bob started the business in August, 2000 with the desire to create a Subaru dealership that would consistently exceed the expectations of customers. Bob also wanted a company that was active and invested in the community in which it serves.
Bob is a graduate in Finance from the University of Rhode Island (and a Rhody Basketball Fan) and has a MBA from the University of New Haven. Bob started his career in the banking industry and worked in various positions in Commercial Lending and Finance.
Bob is active with the University of Rhode Island Alumni Association, The University of New Haven, the Branford Chamber of Commerce (Board Member), the Amity Club of New Haven and other community organizations. Recently, Bob was named to the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut and to the Board of Directors of Jane Doe No More. Most recently, Bob was named to the Advisory Board of the University of Rhode Island College of Business.
Bob is also Vice Chairman of the Subaru of America National Dealer Advisory Board - a position that he cherishes - as he works to help the Subaru brand in the United States.
Bob has an open door policy at Premier Subaru, so, if you have questions, or simply want to say "hi", please stop up. You can also email him directly or just pick up the phone. Bob can be heard saying "The Customer is the Reason for Our Existence", so, he would love to hear from you.
You can also catch up with Bob on his Facebook page!
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- Rich Johnson
- General Sales Manager
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- rjohnson@premiersubaru.com
- (203) 643-1210
Day off: Thursday
With 29+ years in the automotive business, Rich knows a thing or two about helping customers get the best price and buying experience on their new or new-to-them vehicle.
His primary goal is to ensure each customer has a positive buying experience, so when that customer leaves, they have no unanswered questions or unrealized expectations.
He was born in East Lyme, CT but now resides in Terryville, CT. He's an avid fan/enthusiast of the Yankees, Sinatra, and railroads.
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- Will Petrillo
- Used Car Director
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- wpetrillo@premiersubaru.com
- (203) 643-1251
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- Mark Ploski
- Chief Financial Officer
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- mploski@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1225
Mark comes to Premier Subaru after a long and accomplished career in banking. Mark received both his graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Connecticut. He spend time in senior level positions with well known financial firms, such as the Bank of America and Mercedes Benz Capital.
Mark resides in Trumbull, Connecticut with his wife and two boys.
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- Rodney Pomerleau
- Ownership Counselor
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- finance@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1218
Nickname: Rod-dizzle
Day Off: Tuesday
Rodney has been assisting clients with their financial requirements purchasing automobiles for over 10 years. He explorers every avenue to ensure that the customer has the best coverage for their new or pre-owned vehicles.
Spending some time in California, Rodney now calls Clinton, Connecticut home. Some of his proudest moments were when he served as a Drill Instructor for the U.S. Marines, Semper Fi!
Rodney loves to surround himself with loved ones, especially his loyal companion, Bentley. He is also an exotic car enthusiast and you can sometimes catch him scratching off a lottery ticket in which he is usually a winner.
Please contact Rodney any time to discuss additional warranties available for your vehicle.
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- Michael Meyer
- Ownership Counselor
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- mmeyer@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1236
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- Dennis Cullen
- Certified Subaru Service Manager
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- service@premiersubaru.com
- (203)643-1230
Dennis Cullen is the Director of Premier Subaru's Service Department. In this role, Dennis ensures that the expectations of all the customers who bring their cars to us are exceeded--all 900+ of them! Prior to coming to Premier Subaru, Dennis was a service director at well respected Ford and Land Rover Dealerships.
Dennis is a Certified Service Manager by Subaru of America and a multiple winner of the Subaru of America Circle of Excellence Award for Service Excellence. In addition to his Subaru experience, Dennis regularly travels to NADA and SEMA conventions with Bob to learn the "latest and greatest" in Service technology so that we can continue to be on the "cutting edge" for our clients.
Those rare times when Dennis is not at Premier Subaru, he is either playing a round of golf, or, watching his son play soccer. Dennis is a resident of Milford, Connecticut.
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- David Harger
- Parts Department Director
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- parts@premiersubaru.com
- (203)643-1220
David Harger is the Director of Premier Subaru's Parts and Accessories Department, as well as the affiliate "etailer" Subarupartswarehouse.com. In his role, David oversees all aspects of the sale of Subaru parts and accessories. He truly cares about making sure that all of our clients are completely satisfied, even personally running a part to a customer when it just "needed to get there". Prior to joining Premier Subaru, David was involved on both the parts and service areas in a large Hyundai dealership. His involvement with the Service Department allows him to know what parts to stock so that we can make sure we have the part in stock that your car requires.
David is a Certified Parts Manager by Subaru of America and a multiple year winner of the Subaru of America Circle of Excellence Award for Parts Department Excellence.
When not at Premier Subaru, David is an avid NASCAR fan (he goes to races!) and a very busy father of 3 children! David is a resident of Middletown, Connecticut.
By the way, when David applied for a job at Premier Subaru a number of years ago, rumor has it that Bob hired him since they had similar hairlines and Bob didn't want to be the only "follically challenged" individual in the dealership!
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- Amy Wrinn
- Office Manager/Accounting Team Leader
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- wrinn@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1202
As leader of our Accounting Department, Amy's 25+ years of experience in automotive accounting come in handy. She is also the one that Bob calls upon, typically with a "Hey Am" about 50 times a day.
When she's not busy overseeing the company's financial and administrative business, she can be found in her hometown of West Haven, where she recently purchased her own home.
She's a proud mother of two humans and one cat (adoptive mom to the cat, of course.)
At the First Congregational Church of West Haven, Amy is not just your average Sunday churchgoer. In addition to acting as the church's Treasurer, she's Chairperson of the Board of Deacons, a member of the Friends in Fellowship Group and currently serves on the Worship Committee and Church Council.
When not at work or church, Amy's a member in the Order of the Eastern Star. If she has any spare time to herself, she prefers to do geneology research and spend time with her family. She's looking forward to a very great future!
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- Virginia Augustine
- Title Clerk
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- vaugustine@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1200
AKA "Ginny" or "Ethel"
Ginny was born and raised in East Haven, CT but now resides close by in Branford, CT. She has 20+ years in automotive accounting, billing and reception.
She's a mother of 3 grown children and is a grandmother to 5 lovely grandchildren--her pride and joy.
She enjoys time to herself relaxing. She also loves cooking, spending time with family and friends, and taking grandchildren for sleepovers on weekends. She can use those relaxing weekends...after all, her desk is right outside Bob's office.
She lived in the South for 2 years and loved it there. She's traveled extensively up and down the Eastern coast . She hopes her future holds even more adventure!
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- Barbara Mullen
- Senior Subaru Certified Sales Consultant
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- bmullen@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1212
AKA "Nama"
Day off: Wednesday
Even Bob has less seniority than Barb, as she began here at Premier Subaru before it was Premier Subaru. Still, her experience as a sales consultant here at Premier is short compared to her total time in the automotive industry. She's been in the business about 25 years and has worked in the sales, accounting, and customer service areas of several dealerships.
Barb is unofficially Premier's community ambassador. Although Barb is originally from Wallingford, CT, she's become a familiar face to many Branford town residents and is even a flute player in the Branford Town Band. As such, she's the perfect person to represent Premier at the many events we participate in--the Guilford Fair, the Branford Town Festival, the North Haven Fair, and many more events throughout the year.
When she is here at the dealership, she feels her primary responsibility is to provide each customer with a superlative buying experience. She believes that "customers spend good money on cars these days--it should be a good experience for them." She has the knowledge and expertise to walk customers through the entire buying process with ease.
Barbara will listen to you and will help you find the right car for you and make sure you get a fair deal.
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- Brian E. Canell
- Customer Care Manager
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- bcanell@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1250
Day off: Thursday
Brian's been here since 2004, when he began at Premier as a Subaru Certified Sales Consultant. His unbreakable work ethic and dedication made him the perfect choice for a new position at the company in Business Development. As such, he's responsible for making sure that everyone who contacts our dealership about buying a new or pre-owned vehicle has a great experience here. Chances are, if you've ever considered a Premier vehicle, you've spoken with Brian.
He's not your typical car guy, so he's able to empathize with a lot of customers who don't consider themselves "car guys" either.
The work Subaru and Premier Subaru does with the ASPCA is something that Brian takes to heart. He has a dog and two cats, all of which are rescues from shelters in Wallingford and Meriden.
When he's not busy keeping in touch with Premier's customers, he enjoys acting and singing and has been the lead in several recent plays including productions of Guys and Dolls and Pippin. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus - Silver City Council #2 in Meriden.
Born and raised in Wallingford, CT, Brian and his wife just purchased their second home there. Friends and relatives of Brian have come to Premier to buy cars from all corners of Connecticut, so he knows it's always worth the drive down!
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- Rita Ruhland
- Customer Care Manager
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- rruhland@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1209
Day off: Wednesday
Originally from Douglas, North Dakota, and currently residing in Stratford, Rita got into the car business 12 years ago as a service driver for a Chevrolet dealership. She quickly learned the ins and outs of the service department, and then got to learn more about the front end of sales and became the title clerk. She moved onto Land Rover as the title clerk and was later promoted to F & I Manager.
Rita loves to ride with her boyfriend, Jimmie, on his Harley. They also take their pug, Zoe, camping with them at least a couple times a year. Rita also likes to hang out with her family as much as possible which, with 10 brothers and sisters scattered across the U.S., is not always easy, but she tries.
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- Cheryl Whitmore
- BDC/Customer Care Representative
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- cwhitmore@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1254
Following in the footsteps of her father, who had been a salesman in the car business for over 20 years, Cheryl came into the car business back in 2008, starting at McDermott in East Haven, CT, where she was an office clerk and receptionist until 2011. Cheryl has completed her undergraduate degree at Southern Connecticut State University obtaining a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing.
Cheryl resides in North Haven, CT with her step-father Pete, Mother DIana and sister Sarah. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys fitness, nutrition, running, reading, playing golf, shopping and the beach.
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- Adam Arsenault
- Subaru Certified Sales Consultant
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- aarsenault@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1253
Day Off: Wednesday
Drafted out of Boston with Premier's first round pick back in 2008, Adam now lives in Orange with his wife, their beautiful daughter and their two dogs, Ryder and Katie.
He enjoys camping, music, and watching one of his Boston sports teams win another championship.
Now a 5 year veteran of the Subaru sales team, Adam has built up a long list of repeat and referral customers.
When he's not at Premier or watching a sporting event, he can be found playing with his daughter, Scarlet, walkiung the dogs in the woods, or having a campfire in his backyard.
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- Jeffrey C. Irzyk
- Subaru Certified Sales Consultant
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- jirzyk@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1215
Day Off: Thursday
Jeffrey joined the Premier team back in 2005 and has been very successful, even earning the coveted Subaru Peak Performer status for his above average performance in sales and customer satisfaction. He is also meticulous and detail-oriented, earning him the unofficial title "Lot Manager" as he just can't stand to see cars that aren't parked perfectly straight.
Originally from Branford, CT, Jeff recently purchased his first home in Guilford, CT. He studies martial arts and is very involved in volunteering in the community, usually heading up our Toys for Tots and Food Drive campaigns.
In August, 2011, Jeff and his fiancee, Angela (a former Premier employee) became proud parents to Julianna.
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- Theodore (Ted) Astarita
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- tastarita@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1224
Day Off: Thursday
Ted joined our team in early 2011 after an extensive sales career, most recently as a mortgage loan originator. His current position brings him back to the automotive industry where he's spent time in service and sales positions.
Dedicated to making sure every customer's needs are met and that all of their expectations are exceeded, Ted credits his success in sales to enjoying taking care of people.
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- Mark Gennette
- Sales Consultant
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- mgennette@dealer-contact.net
- (203) 643-1238
Day off: Tuesday
Mark has been affiliated with Premier Subaru since October 2009. He has always been helpful in assisting his customers with their automotive needs. He is originally from Branford, and has owned a Verizon Wireless store in the Branford area. He has two college-age children. He enjoys boating and playing guitar in his spare time. He has played guitar in rock bands for about 10 years.
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- Herman Winston
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- hwinston@dealer-contact.net
- (203) 643-1239
Day off: Wednesday
This is Herman's first go at selling Subarus, which he's finding quite easy to do, due to their many advantages over other manufacturers he's accustomed too.
Herman enjoys spending time with his 2 children, when he gets a chance.
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- Jeff Lambert
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- jlambert@dealer-contact.net
- (203) 643-1217
Day Off: Thursday
Jeff grew up in East Haven, but now lives in North Branford with his wife Christina. Jeff has had a wide range of sales experience, ranging from computer equipment sales to hot tub sales, as well as customer service experience. For a while he was also an active member of the East Haven Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoys helping people and is here at Premier Subaru to help you find the vehicle that is right for you.
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- Scott Collins
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- scollins@dealer-contact.net
- (203) 643-1226
Scott is a lifelong West Haven resident. He has a background in fine jewelry as well as the movie theater business.
When not at Subaru, Scott can be found at home with this wife, Ashley, and their two dogs, Cody and Abby.
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- Michael Iovino
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- miovino@dealer-contact.net
Day off: Tuesday
Mike comes to Premier Subaru with over ten years experience in telecommunication & banking. Mike is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University (1999) with a Bachelor of science in Marketing. Mike has three sons, Mike Jr. Alex, and Jax. Mike is a lifelong Yankees fan. " I am excited to be part of a winning team"
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- Tricia Bailey
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- tbailey@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1237
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- Daniel Caraglio
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- dcaraglio@dealer-contact.net
- 1-800-411-4551
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- Lucy Evans
- Certified Subaru Sales Consultant
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- levans@dealer-contact.net
- 1-800-411-4551
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- Tammy Granata
- Showroom Traffic Controller
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- tgranata@premiersubaru.com
- 203-643-1206
Days off: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Tammy brings years of automotive experience to Premier Subaru.
Also known as "Showroom Traffic Controller," she ensures all clients are comfortable and well-taken care of.
When she's not at work, Tammy enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, daughter Serena, and their 2 dogs.
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- Gary Christiansen
- Certified Subaru Service Consultant
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- 203-643-1232
Just a year and a half after the store was opened, Gary joined Premier's team. He wears many hats as far as his responsibilities here.
His primary responsibility is to help customers keep their vehicles in great running condition. This is easy as he's familiar with all areas of vehicle maintenance and repair - he starting out pumping gas in 1992 and became a technician in 1993. When he joined Premier in 2002 it was to use his technical knowledge as a service consultant.
He's straightforward and honest, and thinks that educating customers on repairs and maintenance is very important. This philosophy has earned Gary multiple Subaru Summit Service awards along with many loyal customers.
Originally from Bridgeport, Gary now resides in Seymour, CT where he is a devoted husband and a very family-oriented, hands-on father of three.
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- Kristen Augustine
- Service Advisor
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- service@premiersubaru.com
- (203) 643-1233
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- Ashley Thibeault
- Service Advisor
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- service@premiersubaru.com
- (203) 643-1231
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- Cindy Rinker
- Service Advisor
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- crinker@premiersubaru.com
- (203) 643-1233
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- Charles R. Miller
- Shop Foreman and Certified Subaru Service Technician
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A legend in New England, Charlie Miller is well-known as a top Subaru technician (you can check out any Subaru forum to verify that.) He's worked here at Premier since 2005. Before bringing his expertise to our team, he'd been working on Subarus since August, 1980.
Subaru isn't just his profession, it's a brand he believes in. He says "I drive what I work on--there are 17 Subarus in my family."
Charlie is originally from Norwalk, CT but now lives in Wallingford, CT. He feels his job is his hobby--he enjoys working with cars.
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- Rob Burgess
- Certified Subaru Parts Consultant
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- parts@premiersubaru.com
- (800)411-4551
Rob Burgess is the friendly face behind the phone in the Premier Subaru Parts Department. In addition to the daily duties that he has in the Parts Department, Rob also handles the company's EBAY store.
Rob is a resident of Branford, Connecticut, where he lives with his family.
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- Laurie Anne
- Customer Care Representative
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- lann@premiersubaru.com
- (203)649-5018
If you have had service or repairs done at Premier Subaru, you have heard from Laurie Anne. Laurie Anne is our Client Care Representative and she calls all of our service customers to make sure that we have exceeded their expectations.
From her friendly southern drawl to her great sense of humor, Laurie Anne is eager to ensure that your servicing experience at Premier Subaru is a pleasant one!
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- Johnny Rodriquez
- Appearance Technician
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If you have brought your car in for service and got it back all washed up, Johnny is the man to thank! Johnny, who is a resident of New Haven, is a proud father of two. In his past time, Johnny works on his vintage Toyota....which has the coolest paint job you EVER saw! You know when Johnny brings the Toyota to work....Bob is drooling all over it!
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- Gino Diaz
- Facility Supervisor
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Born and raised in Chile, Gino has been with Premier for almost 9 years! Whether it's fixing a light, snow-removal, or mowing the lawns, Gino works hard to maintain the over-all appearance and function of Premier.
