Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock Staff

Josh joined the Cavender Auto Family in 2023 and now serves as General Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock, overseeing all operations. Originally from Houston/College Station, Josh loves being around great people, both colleagues and community members. When not at work, he enjoys beach and mountain getaways and is a self-proclaimed sports car enthusiast who dreams of visiting Greece, particularly the Island of Crete. 

Kurt joined the team in 2023 and manages all sales operations. Originally from Austin, TX, he enjoys interacting with customers and training the next generation of sales consultants. A licensed pilot who loves flying airplanes and working on old cars, Kurt's favorite Mercedes-Benz is his 1990 SL500 because it was a "classic 90s Mercedes and way ahead of its time." His dream travel destination is the Nurburgring in Germany, and he shares his home with Max, a rescue Maltese who loves for belly rubs. 

A Lubbock native, Michael joined the Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock team in 2025. As Sales Manager, he focuses on making car buying fun and easy while helping his team succeed. Michael came to Lubbock when his father was stationed at the Air Force base and enjoyed the mountain scenery during his time off with his French bulldog, Marlo. 

Jerry joined the Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock team in 2022 as Finance Manager, where he secures customer loans and creates perfect delivery experiences. Originally from East Texas, Jerry came to Lubbock for Red Raider Basketball and now enjoys entertaining his granddaughter and cheering on his son as he shines on the Coronado Golf Team.  Fun fact: Jerry was a competitive drag racer for 11 years! When he's not working, he loves heading to the mountains and enjoying his morning coffee. 

Fares Alfayez joined the team in 2025 as a Sales Associate, focused on helping customers connect with the cars they love and ensuring they walk away with a positive impression of both the vehicle and the dealership. What excites him most about the role is getting a behind-the-scenes look at high-end vehicles and being part of the experience of selling them.

Fares grew up between Amman, Jordan and Coppell, Texas, and came to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University. Outside of work, he stays active with workouts, surfing, and hiking. He also owns a German Shepherd that's currently being trained as a guard dog.

His favorite Mercedes-Benz is the CLS 63 AMG, admired for its horsepower and aggressive styling. He's a coffee drinker, especially a white mocha, and enjoys both beach vacations and mountain getaways. He's a fan of sports cars, dreams of traveling to Spain, and would love to share a dinner with Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he looks up to for his long-standing success in football.

Fares' favorite foods include steak and protein shakes, and his go-to snack is beef jerky. When it's time to relax, he enjoys rewatching Peaky Blinders. Fares brings international perspective, athletic energy, and a love of performance both in cars and in life.

Victoria joined Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock in 2023, where she guides customers through the buying process and ensures world-class deliveries. A Lubbock native who came to the area with her parents, Victoria most enjoys helping customers into their dream vehicles and meeting new people. One significant experience involved helping a single mother who was getting back on her feet find transportation after they ran out of gas and were stranded together; a moment that highlighted the real impact of her work. Victoria describes herself as "an open book" who loves reading and spending time with family in her free time. Her favorite Mercedes-Benz model is the GLE 63, which she calls "mom car with all the horsepower." Victoria admits that "caffeine is my small addiction," enjoying coffee and energy drinks, and prefers mountain getaways and SUVs. Her dream destination is Japan, and if she could have dinner with anyone, she'd choose Betty White, "a comedic icon!" Victoria's favorite foods are wings and tacos, her go-to snacks are Albanese Gummy bears or worms, and she enjoys rewatching Criminal Minds.

Logan joined Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock in 2025 as a Sales Consultant, where he helps customers find cars that fit their needs and dreams. A Lubbock native passionate about automobiles, Logan enjoys simply "being around cars." He values the relationships he builds with clients, including a meaningful connection with a new customer who shared valuable life advice during their time together. Outside of work, Logan enjoys MMA training and hanging out with friends. His favorite Mercedes-Benz is the GT 55- the first Mercedes model he ever detailed. At home, Logan is greeted by Dixie and Winston, his Golden and Lab Doodles, who "love to beg and sleep in beds." With half his family hailing from Mexico, Logan prefers energy drinks over coffee, mountain vacations over beaches, and sports cars over SUVs. His dream destination is Dubai, and he enjoys watching How I Met Your Mother reruns. When it comes to food, Logan favors chicken and rice with hot sauce, with Swedish Fish or BBQ chips as his go-to snacks.

Thomas DeGroot joined the Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock team in 2025 as a Sales Consultant. He focuses on helping clients find the perfect vehicle for their lifestyle - and making sure they enjoy the process along the way. What he enjoys most is meeting new people, building lasting relationships, and deepening his knowledge of Mercedes-Benz models every day.

Originally from Roswell, New Mexico, Thomas moved to Lubbock to be closer to family. Outside of work, he's an artist who loves painting and drawing, and a car enthusiast who spends time working on his 1990 BMW 735i. His loyal sidekick is Sweet Leaf, a five-year-old Blue Heeler mix with a big personality and a habit of swiping unattended snacks.

Thomas's favorite Mercedes models reflect his love for long, elegant body lines - the 2016 GT R, the 2011 SLS, and the classic 1962 300 SEL 6.8. One of his favorite customer memories was helping a client set up three vehicles to a garage door system, and being invited afterward to admire a pristine 1962 Jaguar E-Type - a moment he won't forget.

He enjoys either a hot cup of coffee or a cold Red Bull depending on the day, prefers mountain getaways over the beach, and would always choose a sports car over an SUV. His dream trip would be to Germany - either to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart or to watch a GT race at the Nürburgring. If he could have dinner with anyone, it would be Gillian Anderson, his childhood crush from The X-Files. His favorite meal is a green chile beef burrito, and when it comes to candy, anything gummy will do. His favorite rewatchable movies are American Beauty and Rango. Fun fact: he can name about 40 tarantula species - in Latin.

Mitchell joined Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock in 2022, specializing in helping clients find their ideal vehicle or Sprinter van for work. Mitchell came to Lubbock from McKinney, TX, to attend Texas Tech University. He genuinely enjoys meeting people and helping them find the perfect vehicle, with one of his most rewarding experiences being when he helped a client transition from two cars into one she truly loved. Outside of work, Mitchell enjoys woodworking, programming, and music, reflecting his passion for working with his hands on cars and wood projects. At home, his Mini Aussie named Bear and cat named Bane keep things lively as "they chase each other around the house!" His favorite Mercedes-Benz model is the 2025 E 53 AMG, which he describes as a "fun hybrid with electric range and over 500 hp." Mitchell prefers energy drinks, mountain getaways, and sporty SUVs. His dream destination is Greece, and if he could have dinner with anyone, he'd choose Robin Williams for "great stories and humor." A fan of How I Met Your Mother reruns, Mitchell's favorite meal is a Chipotle bowl with All Dressed Lays as his snack of choice.

Anthony joined Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock in November 2022. As a Sales Consultant from Brownfield, TX, he specializes in helping customers find their perfect luxury vehicle. Anthony's most memorable experience was helping a client get into a GLS who said it was their best dealership experience. Outside work, Anthony continues learning about cars and enjoys spending time with his dog, Dino. 

Paul joined Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock in 2025 after moving from his hometown of Lovington for better career opportunities. He values making the car-buying process clear and easy for customers, focusing on helping them rather than just making a sale. Paul's favorite Mercedes models are the CLA 250 and C 300, which he appreciates for their unique design, interior features, and cool ambient lighting. When not at work, Paul enjoys beach and mountain getaways, prefers sports cars, and reaches for coffee over energy drinks. His go-to meals are wings or burgers, and he has a soft spot for Reese's cups.

Isaiah Palomar originally joined the team in 2022, returning after a short break to continue doing what he loves: helping clients find the perfect vehicle while delivering a true VIP experience. As a Sales and Leasing Specialist, he focuses on building lasting relationships and solving customer needs with a personal, brand-driven approach. He finds the most meaning in seeing repeat clients return, a testament to the high level of service they received the first time.

Born and raised in Lubbock, Isaiah enjoys staying active outside of work with basketball, time at the driving range, working out, gaming, and hanging out with friends. He shares his home with two dogs: Sugar, a Chihuahua, and Otis, a Chiweenie. His favorite Mercedes-Benz is the E63 sedan, which he considers the perfect balance of performance and luxury.

Isaiah prefers Alani Juicy Peach energy drinks, loves surfing at Huntington Beach, and is a sports car fan through and through. His dream trip would take him to Affalterbach, Germany, home of the Mercedes-AMG headquarters. If given the chance, he would have dinner with Kobe Bryant to talk about mindset and work ethic, two things Isaiah holds in high regard. His go-to meal is Whataburger, his favorite snack is beef jerky, and when it's time to unwind, Hamilton is his favorite rewatch.

Thorben Wischmann joined the team in 2025 as a Product Specialist, bringing energy and passion to the process of helping customers find their dream vehicles. His philosophy is simple: make a friend first, then help them drive away in the perfect car. For Thorben, the best part of the job is being surrounded by amazing cars and great people. A standout moment for him was taking a client out in a car they had been searching for months, a meaningful, full-circle experience.

Originally from Houston, Thorben moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech (Wreck 'Em!) and stayed to grow both personally and professionally. Outside of the dealership, he's a competitive powerlifter, online fitness coach, motorcycle rider, and digital media creator. He also happens to be a fluent German speaker as Thorben immigrated from Germany in 2008.

His dream car is the 2012 SLS63 AMG, and while he appreciates sports cars, he also values the practicality of SUVs and motorcycles. He's an energy drink fan (especially Ghost and BUM), prefers mountain getaways to beach vacations, and dreams of visiting the Swiss Alps. When it comes to food, he's all about chicken and rice, snacks on Flamin' Hot Munchies, and loves rewatching Attack on Titan. If given the chance to have dinner with anyone, he'd choose bodybuilders Chris Bumstead or Jay Cutler to talk mindset, training, and life behind the scenes.

Tim Zuniga joined the team in 2025 as a Sales Consultant. His approach centers on building trust and lasting connections with customers - his motto is "make a friend, make confidence happen, and sell cars." What he enjoys most about his job is the team atmosphere and the people he works with and for.

Born and raised in Lubbock, Tim loves spending his free time golfing, barbecuing, watching boxing, traveling, and making memories with his family. He's a fan of the G-Class for its power and off-road performance, and he's not shy about his love for animated movies - he enjoys them just as much as his kids.

Tim keeps his energy up with energy drinks, prefers beach vacations over mountain getaways, and is all about SUVs over sports cars. His dream destination is Greece, and if he could have dinner with anyone, it would be comedian Theo Vaughn - because he loves a good laugh. When it comes to food, it's BBQ all the way, and his favorite snack combo is pickles with hot Cheetos. His favorite movies to rewatch are Tombstone and Scarface.

Since May 2023, Calla has established herself as the cornerstone of our customer experience team. She creates the first impression that sets the tone for the premium Mercedes-Benz experience our customers expect. Originally from Utah and Colorado, she came to Lubbock for career opportunities, college, and her fiancé. Calla enjoys reading, crocheting, and camping in her free time with her two dogs (Emmy-Lou, the corgi, and Winston Lane, the dachshund) and a guinea pig. She knows a lot about cars from growing up in her dad's shop and loves mountain getaways. 

Kynzely joined the team in 2024 and handles reception duties and fuel finance tracking. A Lubbock native pursuing higher education at the University of Texas, she enjoys the family-like atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock. Kynzely finds meaning in setting a positive tone for customers through friendly greetings and helping them feel at ease. Outside work, she enjoys cosmetology and discovering new restaurants with her Rottweiler, Prince. Her dream travel destination is Dubai.

Tanner joined Mercedes-Benz of Lubbock in 2022 as Fixed Operations Director, where he oversees service operations, fosters team morale, and increases revenue. Originally from Midland, TX, Tanner came to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University and has since built his career with the Mercedes-Benz family. He takes pride in creating positive customer experiences and managing a close-knit team, values reflected in a memorable moment when a customer sent him a baby gift basket after the birth of his second child. Before his automotive career, Tanner used to cook professionally for celebrities and large events. Outside work, he enjoys golfing and spending quality time with his wife, kids, and their three dogs: Bennie, Bear, and Murphy. His favorite Mercedes-Benz model is the GLE63s, which he describes as "the best-looking SUV with top performance package." Tanner enjoys coffee and energy drinks, prefers beach vacations, and dreams of visiting St. Andrews, Scotland. A fan of Modern Family reruns, his favorite meal is a bacon cheeseburger with Sour Patch Kids for a snack.

Brittany joined the team in 2024 and focuses on helping customers stay safe on the road while enjoying their Mercedes-Benz ownership experience. Brittany came to Lubbock from Orange Grove, Texas, with her boyfriend. She enjoys fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities when not at work with her dog, Duchess. A beach enthusiast who dreams of seeing different beaches around the world, Brittany starts her day with a very particular coffee order: Venti Iced coffee, 2% milk, 7 Splenda. 

Born and raised in Lubbock, Jonathan joined the team in 2022. As a Service Advisor, he addresses customer questions, advises on necessary repairs, and ensures service progress runs smoothly. Jonathan most enjoys working with his "really great team" and finds satisfaction in creating seamless customer experiences that leave clients smiling. With seven siblings, Jonathan values weekend family time and dreams of a vacation to Rome. 

Since joining in 2021, Serenity has handled writing internal service repair orders for new and used cars while following up with sales managers. Originally from New Braunfels, TX, she loves working independently and having variety in her day. A memorable experience was building a dream GLE for a customer who later announced her pregnancy with twins. They grew close, and Serenity even attended her baby shower. Outside work, Serenity enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and building Legos with her mini-Australian Shepherd, Astro. 

Craig Pennington has been with the company since 1999 and joined the Mercedes-Benz side in 2008. As Parts Manager, he oversees inventory management and ensures that parts are ordered and delivered promptly for client needs. What he enjoys most is mentoring his team and preparing them for future leadership roles.

Originally from Lubbock, where he's lived all his life, Craig spends his free time working in the yard, doing projects around the house, and racing RC cars. He shares his home with two cats, Salem and Oliver. His favorite Mercedes-Benz model is the GT63S, a comfortable daily driver that doubles as a high-performance machine.

One meaningful moment in his career was helping a stranded traveler by getting needed parts in overnight, allowing the client to get back on the road the next day. Craig prefers Mountain Dew over coffee, beach vacations, and sports cars. His dream destination is Hawaii, and he'd love to sit down for dinner with Ronald Reagan, whom he admires as a great American leader. His favorite meal is a chili relleno, and a fun fact: he played trombone in high school.

Enrique Carrillo joined the team in 2024 as a Parts Advisor. He manages and sources automotive parts, supports technicians, maintains accurate inventory, and provides excellent customer service. What he enjoys most is the constant evolution of the role, always finding new and better ways to solve problems. For Enrique, it's especially rewarding when he can ease a customer's stress by tracking down a hard-to-find part or simplifying something that seemed overwhelming.

Originally from Plainview, Texas, Enrique moved to Lubbock in search of better opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys building his own PC, working on his truck, and exploring new spots in town with his girlfriend, from restaurants to off-the-beaten-path stores. He shares his life with two Chihuahua-Terrier mixes: Deuce, who's always ready for a car ride, and Brian, who splits his time between sunbathing and snuggling in bed.

His favorite Mercedes-Benz is the 2025 A 35 AMG with the Aero package - a sleek, rally-inspired compact that reminds him of performance icons like the Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru STI. Enrique prefers coffee over energy drinks, would choose a mountain getaway over the beach, and is a sports car guy at heart. He dreams of one day visiting the Japanese countryside, and fun fact: he'd love to live near a quiet stream, away from the city. His favorite snack is Goldfish, his go-to movie is Nacho Libre, and he always enjoys rewatching Suits.

Christopher has been with the team since 2020, serving as a Parts Advisor. His day-to-day involves billing parts, assisting clients and technicians, maintaining inventory accuracy, and making sure everything is in the right place. What he enjoys most is being able to help customers get exactly what they need, especially when that means going the extra mile. One standout moment for him was when he gave a longtime client his personal sunshade to solve a backorder issue. It fit perfectly.

Originally from Hereford, Christopher enjoys gaming and watching anime, and spends time with his dog, Pipper, a Yorkie known for jumping up to ask for hugs when he walks through the door. His favorite Mercedes-Benz model is the SLS, thanks to its iconic gullwing design.

Christopher loves learning about World War I and II history, especially tank engineering and operations. These days, he stays energized with Mountain Dew or Dr Pepper, since he gave up coffee after overdoing it back in his hometown. He dreams of hiking through mountain ranges and hopes to visit Japan - the land of anime and tech. A sports car enthusiast at heart, his first was a 2005 Cadillac STS. He's a fan of pasta, Sour Patch strawberries, and rewatching Blue Bloods.