Meet Our Staff

Tom George is proud to be the owner of a dealership that has been family-owned and operated since 1991. With a strong commitment to serving the community and helping customers find the right vehicle, Tom carries on the family tradition of treating every customer like part of the family. He looks forward to building lasting relationships and continuing the dealership’s legacy for years to come.

Ted started in the automotive industry in 2004. He has been with Buick and GMC since 2011 when he moved to Southern California, in 2022 he became the General Manager at Thorson. Ted spends his time off with his wife and 2 sons coaching flag football, and baseball or playing slow pitch softball. He's an avid golfer, the scorecard just doesn't always show it. If Ted could drive any car on the lot, he'd be driving a Sierra 1500 AT4.

Allynn started at Thorson over 40 years ago in the business office. Over the years her hard work and dedication to the company has earned her many promotions to her role now where she will spend the rest of her career mentoring the rest of our office staff. As the dealership's Business Manager she is responsible for all things accounting amongst other important aspects of the dealership.

Karina started at Thorson in 2018 in charge of Human Resources. Over the years she's received several promotions to her current position of Office Manager. Karina has a wonderful family where she spends her time off at the ball field's cheering them on. Karina drives a Yukon XL which fits her family for road trips to tournaments along with all the gear required.

Josh serves as Thorson’s General Sales Manager, where he is responsible for keeping the entire Sales Department running smoothly. He joined the Thorson team in March 2022, but his experience with General Motors goes back much further. Over the years, Josh has worked with GM dealerships in Palmdale, Valencia, and Woodland Hills, giving him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Southern California automotive market. Raised in Palmdale, California, Josh knows Southern California well. His years in the automotive business have given him the opportunity to work with customers and teams throughout the region, and he brings that experience to his leadership role at Thorson. Whether he’s supporting his sales team, helping with a customer situation, or making sure the department stays on track, Josh is always focused on keeping things moving in the right direction. When Josh isn’t at the dealership, he enjoys spending time with his kids in Valencia, following his favorite sports teams, and doing his best to raise his golf handicap. We appreciate Josh’s passion for sports and certainly applaud his loyalty to the Dodgers. We’re just not quite sure about his decision to stick with the Raiders when the Rams are both closer and, well... better. Some things, apparently, even years of Southern California experience can’t explain! Josh’s experience, leadership, passion, and personality make him an important part of the Thorson team, and we’re glad to have him leading our Sales Department.

Thomas De La Cruz joined Thorson in August 2019 as a Sales Manager, bringing a strong commitment to customer relationships, teamwork, and sales excellence. Since joining the company, Thomas has been a valued member of the Thorson team and takes pride in building lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike. Outside of work, Thomas is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time in nature and making the most of the great outdoors. When he’s not working or enjoying an outdoor adventure, you can likely find him cheering on his favorite team, the Denver Broncos. Thomas’s dedication to his work, love of the outdoors, and passion for the Broncos make him a well-rounded and personable member of the Thorson family.

Thomas De La Cruz joined Thorson in August 2019 as a Sales Manager, bringing a strong commitment to customer relationships, teamwork, and sales excellence. Since joining the company, Thomas has been a valued member of the Thorson team and takes pride in building lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike. Outside of work, Thomas is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time in nature and making the most of the great outdoors. When he’s not working or enjoying an outdoor adventure, you can likely find him cheering on his favorite team, the Denver Broncos. Thomas’s dedication to his work, love of the outdoors, and passion for the Broncos make him a well-rounded and personable member of the Thorson family.

I started my career in the parts department and worked my way up through the industry, eventually becoming a Service Advisor. That experience gave me the opportunity to assist the Service Manager, learn the leadership side of the business, and continue growing in my career. Through hard work, dedication, and the support of great people along the way, I was blessed with the opportunity to become a Service Manager. I truly enjoy what I do, but outside of work, my favorite place to be is on a baseball field watching my son play. Those weekends at the ballpark are something I look forward to and cherish. I’m proud to be part of Thorson Motor Center. To me, we’re more than just coworkers—we’re a family. I’m grateful to be part of a team that works together, supports one another, and takes pride in taking care of our customers.

Ron Szymanski is a Finance Manager with 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. He joined Thorson in May 2019 and has become a valued member of the team, bringing his experience, knowledge, and commitment to helping customers find the right financing solutions. Outside of work, Ron enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors. He especially enjoys exploring the outdoors in his Sierra 1500 AT4 Diesel, making the most of his time away from the office. And while Ron has plenty of strengths, some might say his biggest flaw is being a Buffalo Bills fan. We’ll let him defend himself on that one!

Edison Amirkhanian has been a Finance Manager at Thorson since November 2022, bringing more than 20 years of experience in automotive finance to the team. His extensive knowledge and experience allow him to provide customers with knowledgeable guidance and help make the financing process as smooth as possible. Outside of work, Edison enjoys spending quality time with his family. Recently becoming a grandfather has added an exciting new chapter to his life, and he especially enjoys making memories with his growing family.

George Saillant has been an important part of the Thorson team since March 2019. While his official title may be Sales Associate, anyone who knows George knows that his role goes far beyond the showroom. George is one of those people who is always willing to pitch in wherever he’s needed. From helping keep the lot organized and overseeing used-car reconditioning to jumping into just about any project that comes up, George plays a hand in making sure things at Thorson keep moving. His dedication, reliability, and willingness to help make him a valuable part of the team. After all these years, George jokes that Thorson has become his “second home” — and with everything he does around here, it’s easy to see why! When he’s not at Thorson, George enjoys spending time with his kids and grandkids, making family his favorite way to spend his time away from work. And if you happen to find yourself around a pool table with George, consider yourself warned. He’s always ready to take on anyone brave enough to chalk up a cue and challenge him to a game of billiards! George brings hard work, a team-first attitude, and plenty of personality to Thorson every day — and we’re proud to have him as part of the team.

Jonathan Saillant is a true example of what it means to chase the American Dream. His journey with Thorson began more than 10 years ago as a lot attendant, but Jonathan always knew he had more to offer. With a strong work ethic, determination, and the confidence to ask for an opportunity, he approached the Thorson team about moving into vehicle sales. That opportunity quickly proved to be the right one. Jonathan excelled in sales and was soon promoted to Sales Manager, where he spent a year helping lead the team and gaining valuable experience from the other side of the desk. But during that time, Jonathan realized where his passion truly was — working directly with customers and helping them find the right vehicle. Knowing exactly where he belonged, Jonathan asked to return to sales, and he has been doing what he loves ever since. Today, “Big Jon,” as he’s affectionately known around Thorson, brings his experience, enthusiasm, and genuine desire to help people to every customer he works with. Jonathan’s success is a great example of what can happen when hard work meets opportunity. He started by keeping the lot looking its best and worked his way through sales and management, ultimately finding his true calling in helping customers. Outside of Thorson, Jonathan is enjoying a new chapter in life as a recently married man. When he’s not helping customers, he loves spending time with his wife, traveling, exploring new places, and experiencing new things together. From lot attendant to trusted sales professional, Jonathan’s story is one of determination, growth, and knowing when to take a chance on yourself — exactly the kind of journey that makes the American Dream worth chasing.

Marco, affectionately known around Thorson as “M&M,” joined the team in August 2021 and has become a valued member of our sales family. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Marco is able to connect with and assist a wide range of customers, making sure they feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout their vehicle-buying experience. But there’s something about Marco that stands out even beyond his work with customers — his commitment to his family. When he’s not at Thorson, Marco enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter, especially going on hikes and making memories together. And while many people in the automotive business are willing to give up their days off to work, you won’t find Marco doing that. Marco believes that time with his family is something you can never get back. He knows there will always be another car to sell and another day to work, but his daughter will only be this age once, and those family moments are priceless. That commitment to family says a lot about the person Marco is. He brings that same genuine, people-first attitude to work every day, treating his customers with the respect and care they deserve. We’re proud to have M&M on the Thorson team — and even more proud that he knows when it’s time to put the phones away, leave the dealership, and go make memories with the people who matter most.

Aga joined the Thorson team in June 2022 and has become a valued part of our sales team. Her primary focus is helping customers find the right vehicle, but she’s always ready to step in and help wherever she’s needed — including lending a hand when there’s a line waiting for Finance. Aga understands that buying a vehicle is about more than simply finding the right car. It’s about making the experience comfortable, informative, and enjoyable for the customer. Her willingness to help both her customers and her fellow team members makes her an important part of the Thorson family. When she’s not at Thorson, Aga loves to travel — especially back to Poland, where she was born and raised. Her connection to Poland remains an important part of who she is, and she enjoys returning whenever she can to visit, reconnect, and experience the place she’ll always call home. Whether she’s helping a customer find their next vehicle or jumping in to help the team, Aga brings a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make sure our customers have a great experience.

Natalee Saillant joined the Thorson team in May 2024, following in the footsteps of her father and brother and becoming another important part of the Thorson family. From the moment she joined the team, Natalee has brought a bright smile, positive energy, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping customers. While many salespeople will tell you that their favorite part of the job is helping someone find the right vehicle, we truly believe Natalee means it — and her customers see it too. Her approach is simple: listen, help, and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. That genuine care has made an impression. In more than two years with Thorson, Natalee has never received a bad customer survey response. Not one. That’s an incredible accomplishment and something she should be extremely proud of. For Natalee, selling cars isn’t simply about putting someone behind the wheel of a new vehicle. It’s about building relationships, earning trust, and making sure every customer feels like they were treated the way they deserve to be treated. With her warm personality, positive attitude, and sincere desire to help, Natalee has quickly become a valued member of the Thorson team. We’re proud to have her here — and even prouder of the experience she creates for every customer who walks through our doors.

Joseph Barcena joined the Thorson team in June 2022 and has become a versatile and valuable member of our dealership. Joseph splits his time between helping customers find the right vehicle in sales and working as a Finance Manager, giving him a unique perspective on the entire vehicle-buying experience. Whether he’s working with a customer on the sales floor or helping them navigate the financing process, Joseph takes pride in making sure customers feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their decisions. When Joseph isn’t at Thorson, you can usually find him following his favorite teams. He’s an avid sports fan and is always ready to cheer on his Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams. And when there’s no game on, Joseph spends his free time working on another kind of score — his golf handicap. You’ll often find him at the range, working on his swing and trying to shave a few more strokes off his game. At Thorson, Joseph brings together his knowledge of both sales and finance, along with a genuine desire to help customers, making him an important part of the team.

After beginning my career in the BDC department and growing into sales, I discovered that what I enjoy most is building genuine relationships and earning the trust of my customers. I believe the car-buying experience should feel personal, seamless, and exciting, and I take pride in making every customer feel valued and confident in their decision. My goal is not simply to help someone find their next vehicle, but to become someone they know they can trust for years to come. Outside of the dealership, I enjoy fitness, hiking, traveling, music, and spending time with my family and my cats. I look forward to meeting you and making your next vehicle purchase an experience you’ll feel good about from start to finish.

Thomas Gutierrez is a proud Los Angeles native with a passion for people, sports, and the automotive industry. With more than seven years of experience in the car business, Thomas brings a customer-focused approach and a wealth of experience to his work. Before entering the automotive industry, Thomas spent over 20 years as an education professional, where he developed a strong commitment to helping and connecting with others. His background in education continues to influence his approach today, emphasizing communication, trust, and service. Outside of work, Thomas is an avid sports fan who especially enjoys baseball. He also enjoys gardening and spending time coaching baseball, where he has the opportunity to mentor and encourage the next generation both on and off the field.

Trey is originally from Lexington, Kentucky but has called Los Angeles home for more than a decade. New to the automotive industry, he brings a strong work ethic, a personable approach, fand genuine focus on customer service to every conversation. He's committed to making the car-buying process straightforward and helping clients find the right vehicle for their needs. One look at Trey and his unforgettable mustache and you're bound to never forget your "car guy for life".

Josh Todd has been part of the Thorson team since 2022, helping customers find the right vehicle and making the car-buying experience as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. While his primary focus has been vehicle sales, Josh is also beginning to expand his role by working with Thorson’s fleet and commercial customers. Josh brings a personable approach to his work and enjoys building relationships with the people he meets along the way. Whether he’s helping an individual customer find their next vehicle or working with a business to meet its fleet needs, Josh takes pride in being someone customers can count on. Outside of Thorson, Josh has a passion for comedy — and he’s not just a fan of watching it. He’s actively pursuing his own passion for stand-up comedy, taking the stage and working to turn his love of making people laugh into something even bigger. Between selling cars during the day and chasing laughs on stage, Josh brings plenty of personality to everything he does. We’re excited to see where both his automotive career and comedy journey take him!

Hi there! I’m Jeff Purcell, the Commercial Truck & Fleet Manager here at Thorson. I’ve been part of the team since 2003 and specialize in GMC and Isuzu Commercial Trucks. I’m originally from the Inland Empire and graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in Business Administration. When I’m not working, you can usually find me out on the golf course—it’s one of my favorite hobbies and my handicap is improving! I look forward to helping you out!

Daniel Wong has been a valued member of the Thorson team since March 2013, bringing more than a decade of experience to his role as a Commercial Sales Associate. Daniel specializes in serving the TCP limo and transportation industry, where his knowledge and experience help businesses find the right vehicles to meet their specific needs. With a deep understanding of the commercial automotive business, Daniel takes pride in building lasting relationships with his customers and providing dependable service from the initial purchase through their ongoing vehicle needs. Daniel is fluent in both English and Mandarin, allowing him to connect with and assist an even broader range of customers. His experience, industry knowledge, and commitment to his customers have made him a trusted resource for commercial and TCP transportation clients. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He’s especially proud of his two sons, both of whom are graduates of the University of Southern California. That connection has made Daniel a passionate USC football fan. When football season rolls around, you can be sure Daniel will be proudly cheering on the Trojans and following his favorite team. With more than 13 years at Thorson, Daniel has become an important part of our team and a trusted specialist for the TCP limo and commercial transportation community. His experience, dedication, and genuine care for his customers make him someone businesses can count on.

Chris Hokanson, known as Nathan to friends and family outside of work, has been a valued member of the Thorson team since June 2015. He began his career with us in Retail Sales, where he quickly developed a strong understanding of our customers and the vehicles we sell. After five years in retail, Chris found his true calling in Fleet and Commercial Sales—and he hasn’t looked back. Chris has developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of commercial customers and takes pride in helping businesses find the right vehicles for the job. His knowledge of the Buick, GMC, and Isuzu product lineup is second to none, making him a trusted resource for customers who depend on their vehicles to keep their businesses moving. Whether it’s finding the right work truck or helping build a commercial fleet, Chris brings experience, knowledge, and a genuine commitment to getting it right. When he’s not at Thorson, Chris enjoys spending time camping with his wife and their two children. He also happens to drive a Sierra 1500 Elevation 4X4—because when you know GMC as well as Chris does, there really isn’t much question about what you’re going to drive! Chris comes from a large, close-knit family, and they love spending time together. In fact, if you’re ever driving through a neighborhood and see a house surrounded by what looks like a sea of white GMCs parked along the street, there’s a good chance Chris and his extended family are gathered there, enjoying life together. It’s that love of family, community, and helping others that makes Chris such an important part of the Thorson team.

Walter has been a part of the automotive industry for more than 30 years, with the last seven-plus years proudly spent with the Thorson team in Commercial Sales. With decades of experience, Walter brings a wealth of knowledge to every customer he works with and understands what it takes to find the right vehicle for a business. Around Thorson, Walter is also known as our resident “Santa”—and with his signature white beard, it’s easy to see why! His friendly personality and years of experience make him someone customers and coworkers alike enjoy working with. Walter originally comes to us from El Salvador, a place he still considers home. After many years of hard work in the automotive industry, Walter is looking forward to returning home within the next year to begin the next chapter of his life and enjoy retirement alongside his wife, three children, and grandchildren. Family is incredibly important to Walter, and he is excited to have more time to spend with the people he loves most. When Walter and his large family are on the move, you’ll find them traveling in his GMC Acadia. It’s the perfect vehicle for keeping everyone together and making room for all the adventures that come with a big family. Until retirement calls him home, we’re grateful to have Walter bringing his experience, kindness, and unmistakable Santa-like presence to Thorson every day.

Vince has been with Thorson for 46 years and is currently assisting his 3rd generation of customers. He prides himself in having the best customer experience in the industry.

I’m Luna Star, a dedicated Service Advisor with several years of experience in the automotive industry. I take pride in being a hardworking team player and continuously learning from those around me while sharing my own knowledge and experience to help our team succeed. My goal is to provide every customer with an honest, informative, and dependable service experience. I believe in building trust with our customers and making sure they feel confident and well taken care of every time they visit our service department.

I’m passionate about providing great customer service and making sure every customer has a positive, stress-free experience at the dealership. I take pride in being approachable, helpful, and making sure each person feels valued and well taken care of. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, playing golf, and following sports. I enjoy connecting with people and bringing that same positive attitude to everything I do.

I’m passionate about the automotive industry and take pride in helping customers keep their vehicles safe, reliable, and running at their best. Customer satisfaction is always my priority, and I believe in providing honest communication, quality service, and making sure every customer feels appreciated and taken care of. Outside of work, I’m an old Chevy truck enthusiast who enjoys off-roading and spending time around anything automotive. I love talking trucks, sharing my passion for the automotive world, and helping customers get the most out of their vehicles!

Kalani joined the Thorson team on January 22, 2026, starting her journey with us as a cashier. She brings a positive attitude and a commitment to providing great service to our customers. When she’s not at work, Kalani enjoys life on the go in her 2019 GMC Terrain. We’re excited to have Kalani as part of the Thorson team and look forward to watching her grow with us!

Gabriel Guzman serves as Thorson’s Parts Manager and has been an important part of our team since June 2011. With more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, Gabriel brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to his role. His dedication to the parts department helps keep our technicians and service team equipped with what they need to take care of our customers. Automotive runs in Gabriel’s family. His brother and sister have both built careers in the industry, working in Parts and Service at their respective dealerships. With that family connection and decades of experience of his own, Gabriel has a true understanding of what it takes to keep a dealership running smoothly behind the scenes. Gabriel has called West Covina home for many years, and when he’s away from the dealership, family is where you’ll find him. He enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, whether they’re relaxing around the pool, cooking together, or simply enjoying time with one another. A big Dodgers fan, Gabriel also loves catching a game whenever he gets the chance. Between family, good food, baseball, and more than three decades in the automotive business, Gabriel brings a great combination of experience, dedication, and a genuine love for the people around him to the Thorson team.

Saul Hurtado has been an important part of the Thorson Parts Department since January 2010, bringing more than a decade and a half of experience and a wealth of knowledge about automotive parts. When it comes to finding the right part, answering questions, and helping keep things moving behind the scenes, Saul is someone our team knows they can count on. They say a car can have as many as 15,000 individual parts—and around here, we’re pretty sure Saul knows all 15,000 of them! His extensive knowledge and experience make him a valuable resource for our technicians, service team, and customers alike. After all these years, Saul continues to bring the same dedication and expertise to his work every day. We’re fortunate to have someone who knows his way around the parts department quite like Saul does—and if you need a part, there’s a very good chance he already knows exactly where to find it.

Efren has been a valued member of the Thorson team since April 2008, and nearly 20 years later, there’s one thing you can count on—he’s still sitting in the same chair at the Parts counter! Through the years, Efren has become a familiar and dependable face to both our customers and our team. With his dark beard and his ever-present Dodgers hat, Efren is hard to miss. In fact, you can usually tell Efren has arrived before you even see him. His signature greeting, “What’s cookin’?” has become a trademark around the dealership and is his way of letting everyone know he’s in the building and ready to get to work. Efren brings years of experience and a great attitude to the Parts Department every day. His consistency, dedication, and unmistakable personality have made him a memorable part of the Thorson team for nearly two decades. Whether he’s helping a customer at the counter or working behind the scenes to keep things moving, Efren is always ready to roll up his sleeves and get the job done. And if you hear a cheerful “What’s cookin’?” from the Parts Department, you’ll know exactly who’s there.

Javier has been a valued member of the Thorson team since November 2017, bringing decades of experience in wholesale parts to our Parts Department. His knowledge of the business, combined with his speed and efficiency, makes him an important part of keeping our wholesale operation running smoothly. The Wholesale office may be tucked away in a dark corner of the dealership and can sometimes go unnoticed—but Javier is anything but unnoticed! His positive attitude and endless energy make sure you always know when Javier is in the building. Sitting still doesn’t seem to be part of his job description—or his personality. Javier is known for moving fast, staying busy, and bringing a great attitude to everything he does. His years of experience give him the knowledge to get the job done, while his enthusiasm keeps the Wholesale Parts Department moving at full speed. If you ever find yourself wondering where all the energy in the back of the dealership is coming from, there’s a good chance Javier is behind it. He may work in a corner, but thanks to his personality, Javier is impossible to overlook.

Rachel began her journey with Thorson on October 8, 2012, starting as a receptionist. It didn’t take long for her to make her mark, as she quickly moved into the business office where she became our DMV Clerk. With years of experience and dedication, Rachel has become a valued part of the Thorson team and an important resource for keeping things moving behind the scenes. Rachel lives in Covina and can often be found cruising around town in her 2016 Buick Encore. We’re grateful for her many years of hard work, knowledge, and commitment to the Thorson team!

Michele joined the Thorson team on March 28, 2022, starting as our Warranty Clerk. Since then, she has continued to grow and take on new responsibilities, and she is now our AP/AR Clerk! Michele commutes from Yucaipa each day in her 2022 GMC Acadia, bringing her dedication and positive attitude to the office. When she’s not working, one of her favorite places to be is Disneyland! ??? We’re grateful to have Michele as part of the Thorson team and appreciate all she does to help keep our business running smoothly!

Jennifer joined Thorson on November 14, 2022, starting her journey as a cashier. Through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, she has continued to grow within the company, working her way into the Business Office and now serving as our Inventory/Dealer Trade Clerk. Jennifer is a great example of what can happen when you work hard and embrace new opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time and hanging out with her daughter. When she’s on the road, you can usually find her cruising around in her Toyota Corolla. We’re proud to have Jennifer on the team and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her next!

Annette started with us on July 11th 2023. Annette's family has been involved with Thorson for over 4 decades with over 10 family members working for Thorson.

Sarai started her journey with Thorson on July 27, 2020, as a cashier. Since then, she’s worked her way up through the business office, taking on new challenges and responsibilities along the way. Today, she proudly serves as the Office Manager! When she’s not keeping the office running smoothly, you can find Sarai cruising around in her 2022 GMC Acadia or enjoying one of her favorite places on earth — Disneyland! ??? Her dedication, hard work, and positive attitude have made her an important part of the Thorson team, and we’re lucky to have her!

Samantha joined the Thorson team on April 1, 2024, starting as our Warranty Clerk. Since then, she has worked hard, grown in her role, and taken on new responsibilities. Today, she is our Contract Clerk for New Vehicles! When she’s not keeping things organized at the office, Samantha enjoys cruising around in her 2017 Buick Envision and spending time at one of her favorite places — Disneyland! ??? We’re proud of Samantha’s growth and dedication and are excited to see all she continues to accomplish as part of the Thorson team!