The Black Forest Staff

Owner John Rickard and his Black Forest staff work very hard to maintain a modern, state of the art facility specializing in Mini, Porsche and BMW automobiles. The staff is also actively involved in the automotive community with most being active members of local car clubs, such as PCA, POC, SCCA and others. This love of cars shows not only in their work, but their willingness to talk to customers and really learn the wants and needs of each customer.

John Rickard

Founded Black Forest in 1975.

Experience

Nearly 40 years running Black Forest Off Road Racing since 1968 VW-Porsche-Audi Dealership in 1970

Certifications

ASE Master Technician

Hobbies

Autocross, Spec Racing, Sailing, Mountain Biking

Chris Phillips

Started at Black Forest in 2020

 

 Training

Manager

 

Hobbies

Going to concerts, Working on my 1970 Mercury Cougar,

Going to the river 

 

Stephen Peterson

Service Writer

Experience

Management and sales

Customer Support 

 

 

Hobbies

SIM racing

Mark Kinninger

Started at Black Forest in 1987

Experience

School of Life Yahama Technical School

Certifications

Basic ASE Certifications

Hobbies

Building Porsche Track Cars

Steve Grosekemper

Started at Black Forest in 2014

Experience

Phoenix Institute of Technology, Automotive Technology Program
Dieter’s Porsche & BMW 1985 to 2013, Forman 1991 to 2013

Certifications

ASE Master Technician (A1-8)
ASE Advance level specialist
ASE Parts specialist/Service Consultant
ASE Engine Machinist
ASE Alternate fuels Specialist
ASE Exhaust Specialist

Clubs

PCA 1989 to present (Technical Advisor)
SCCA 2004-2008

Hobbies

PCA TT, DE, AX, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Camping

Donny  Vinkemolder

Started at Black Forest in 2022

Experience

Over 20+ years

Master & Licensed ASE Certificate

 

Hobbies

Racing R/C cars

Camping

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anthony Dilanzo

25+ years Porsche Technician

Clubs

PCA

Hobbies

Road Course Racing, Sand Duning

Greg Palmer

Paint and Body

Experience

57+ years Body work and Restoration

37+ years experience working on Porsche 911

 Owned of Malibu Body and Paint since 1984

Certifications

West LA College

Hobbies

Restoring a 1947 Ford Woodie Wagon with a LS engine.

David Saenz

Mechanic Assistance

 

Hobbies

Cars