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
Keith Verlaque
Service Writer
Experience
43 years in Aerospace Engineering
Qualification
BSc Mechanical Engineering
Hobbies
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
Anthony Dilanzo
25+ years Porsche Technician
Clubs
PCA
Hobbies
Road Course Racing, Sand Duning
Erik Nielsen
Started at Black Forest in 2021
Training
Over 20+ customer service background.
Armand Tallstrom
Training
40+ years as BMW and Porsche Techician
Certifications
ASE certified Master Technician
Advanced Level Specialist
Hobbies
Golfing
Greg Palmer
Paint and Body
Training
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