Our team of professionals has a combined BMW service experience of more than 100 years. More than half hold university degrees—from philosophy to physics—and have turned their passion for BMWs into a career. Most important, the entire staff works together to provide our customers with the best possible service.
Technician Compensation (and why it matters)
At many repair shops and dealerships technicians are paid on the basis of the number of hours they bill. This system rewards people for finishing jobs as fast as possible and creates an atmosphere where technicians are unwilling to share information with coworkers. Under such a system, technicians also have a disincentive to be thorough when performing critical inspections. These are just a few of the problems encouraged by this type of system.
At Bavarian Professionals, we feel that the customer’s interests and the technician’s concerns should never conflict. Thus, we have never used a compensation program which bases a technician’s pay on the number of hours billed. As a result, we are able to provide a team-based approach which helps ensure that every service and repair is performed to the highest standards.
Team Photos & Bios
Michael Dennison, Founder. Michael, a UC Berkeley graduate, established Bavarian Professionals in 1983 with the goal of providing optimal service to BMW owners. Michael brought his engineering background, mechanical experience and love of BMWs to the task. He is responsible for ensuring access to the latest BMW information and training, arranging for continuing education, and planning special projects, events, and conversions.
Nat Sears, Service Manager. A Yale graduate, Nat’s excellent communication skills instill confidence among our customers and facilitate a clear understanding of their cars’ repair needs. Nat ensures that repairs are completed in a prompt and professional manner. He has been an integral part of the Bavarian Professionals team since 1992.
Marta Horevajova. Marta was born in Slovakia and awarded a Master's degree in International Business Relations, and is fluent in five European languages. Marta's superb language and interpersonal skills, her familiarity with European business models, and her understanding of international markets allow her to oversee all aspects of Bavarian Professionals' foreign transactions.
Kelly Aserappa, Office Manager. Kelly is Bavarian Professionals’ office manager/bookkeeper. She has been with Bavarian Professionals since 1992.
Eduardo Balaguer. Eduardo handles BavPros Select, our personalized pre-owned BMW car search program which he helped to create. Making use of his prior experience in the high tech world, Eduardo is also our hardware and software guru. Eduardo began his association with Bav Pros as a customer (1991 M5); in 2004 he joined the company to run our parts department. An accomplished chef, Eduardo also runs a catering service preparing paella for parties and special events.
Saengwang Fong. Saeng has been part of the Bavarian Professionals team since 1988, when he began by helping with the construction of the existing facility. Saeng has since developed into a near master level technician, whose efficiency and attention to detail is second to none. Born in Laos, Saeng came to the Bay Area as a refugee in 1986 and is kept busy away from the job raising his 6 children (the 4 eldest are currently enrolled in local colleges.)
LuLu Hsia. LuLu came to Bavarian Professionals in 2001, having recently moved from Taiwan. Lulu brought with her an advanced degree in accountancy and 20 years of experience in the accounting field. She uses her phenomenal organizational and bookkeeping abilities to keep the Bav Pros back office moving.
Hwan Lee. In charge of the Bav Pros parts department, Hwan graduated with a Physics degree from UC Berkeley in 2006. Hwan came to Bav Pros to take his knowledge out of the abstract and into a more hands-on realm. Hwan hopes to combine his love of cars with his interest in developing technologies, and pursue further education in the area of automotive engineering.
Lou Lee. Presently in the Bav Pros apprentice program, Lou has developed expertise in light service work and does the majority of our wheel and tire work. An extremely dedicated employee, Lou is often the last to leave the shop, and is responsible for making sure that customer cars are returned clean, inside and out. In his spare time Lou is an avid fisherman, but his latest enthusiasm is his 1997 M3.
David Pearl. An exceptional athlete in school, David could have pursued a professional sports career, but is instead pursuing his passion for working on BMWs. David’s love of cars led him to own 10 different cars in one 18 month period. David’s hands-on learning has involved a conversion project.
Ken Ruggiero. Ken has been at Bavarian Professionals since 1996. Ken has had a lifelong obsession with fixing things—he rebuilt his first motorcycle engine at age 15. While he can handle any BMW repair, Ken is especially adept at interior work, air conditioning repair, and electronic diagnosis; he is also a proficient TIG welder. A Bay Area native, Ken enjoys restoring classic American cars (as well as his 1988 535iS) and rides dirt bikes in his spare time.
Chan Koui “CK” Saechao. CK joined Bavarian Professionals in 1996 as an apprentice mechanic. He is an extremely competent technician with a high level of expertise. Quiet and hard working, CK lives with his wife and 2 young children and plays serious soccer in his spare time.
Nai Saechao. Nicknamed “Mountain” for his energy and can-do spirit, Nai entered the apprentice program in 2001 and soon became an integral part of the Bav Pros family. A highly competent mechanic, Nai hones his BMW skills by modifying his OBD1 M3, and hopes to test his new Dinan upgrades on the track sometime soon.
Tony Salazar. Having worked on BMWs for the past 21 years, Tony is Bavarian Professionals’ electronics wizard—“the more technical the problem, the better”. As a child, Tony often disassembled things to see how they worked, and he began his mechanical career by tinkering on his mother’s car as a teenager. Tony was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and returns often to visit his family.