Meet Our Team
Click on one of the people below to find out more information.
Management
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Christopher Pfaff
President & CEO - Christopher Pfaff has, through passion and a pursuit of excellence, built one of the most recognized automotive dealer groups in Canada. Pfaff Automotive Partners was founded in 1964 by Christopher's father, Hans Pfaff. Established as a Volkswagen dealership, the company soon acquired Porsche and Audi franchises setting the foundation for a premium automotive group. Christopher assumed control of Pfaff in 1986, and immediately positioned the company for growth.ÂAs a member of various Dealer Councils including Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen and TADA, Christopher has earned the respect of his peers and his expertise is highly regarded by manufacturers. In 2010, his dedication and commitment to growth was rewarded when the company was named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies. The company continues to earn this distinction and has now achieved platinum-level status.Christopher continues to oversee the strategic direction of the company set on continued growth while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit and passion that has contributed to Pfaff's success for more than 50 years.
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Shannon Douglas
General Manager - sdouglas@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-1896
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Jerome Flanagan
Fleet Manager - jflanagan@pfaffauto.com
- (416) 471-2937
Fleet manager for the entire Pfaff group, Jerome has worked with Pfaff for four years. While he's been a car enthusiast his entire life - his first car was a 1967 Dodge Dart whose radio only had one working speaker - he happened into the business by accident, when his wife (then girlfriend) noticed there was a job opening at the dealership across the street from her workplace. He has since worked at three dealership groups, several fleet management companies in Canada and the U.S., and the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association.
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Shawn Lacroix
Audi Brand Manager - slacroix@hjpfaff.com
- (905) 803-2748
Shawn had an early start in the automotive business; his father opened a family-owned used car dealership in northern Ontario over 30 years ago, and Shawn helped with lot duties and detailing. He has held roles with auto groups in the U.S. and Canada including Pfaff; he returned to the company because of its forward-thinking philosophy and family atmosphere. Shawn is a part-time faculty member of the Automotive Business School of Canada, and is also a motorsports, NFL, and golf fan. He enjoys playing guitar and singing, and improving his leadership skills. Shawn, who lives in Zephyr, ON, is fluent in English and French.
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Katie Bursey
Audi Brand Manager - kbursey@pfaffauto.com
- (289) 803-2987
Katie started in the car business in 2002 after studying early childhood education at Niagara College and spending six months working on a cruise ship. She spent several years commuting between her home in Holland Landing and downtown Toronto, where she worked with the Mini and BMW brands. A mother of a young son, Katie's move to Newmarket has meant she has more quality time to spend with her family.
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David Tran
Audi Brand Manager | Cantonese - dtran@hjpfaff.com
David came from a hospitality background, and always had a passion for vehicles. He decided to pursue an opportunity in the automotive industry in 2017. David values his time with his family. So when he researched that Pfaff allows for a balance in both work hours and life outside, he applied and joined the Pfaff family. David studied Finance at Seneca College in Toronto. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Beyond that when time permits, he enjoys traveling and watching/playing sports. David lives in Markham and also speaks Cantonese.
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Leo Tantalo
Fixed Operations Manager | Italian - ltantalo@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-2544
Leo has worked in the automotive business since 1989, starting work at a General Motors dealership as a lot attendant. He worked through various roles at that dealership including parts delivery driver, counterman, shipping and receiving, detailer, and service advisor, while he worked his way through college. He's also worked at other dealerships as a service consultant, assistant service manager, and service manager. He joined Pfaff in 2009, as service manager, and is now Fixed Operations manager at H.J. Pfaff Audi. Leo also has experience working as an electrician, and studied electrical engineering technology at George Brown College. Outside of work, he enjoys playing hockey, soccer, and golf - and loves to fish. Leo lives in Aurora and also speaks Italian.
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David Bath
Parts Manager - dbath@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 210-4966
David started pumping gas and cleaning the shop at his father's service station at age 7, so you could say he got an early start in the business. He is a longtime Pfaff team member that is incredibly passionate about cars. His all-time favourite cars include the Porsche 917, 930, and 959; the Volkswagen Super Beetle; and th3e Audi Coupe Quattro. David enjoys woodworking and lives in Richmond Hill.
Sales
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Michael Tsiang
Audi Brand Specialist | Mandarin & Cantonese - mtsiang@pfaffauto.com
- (289) 803-1195
Michael's path to selling Audis isn't a conventional one. Growing up in New York City, he majored in finance for his undergraduate degree and also obtained a master's degree in travel management. He travelled extensively in Asia to pick up languages - Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese - and was a real estate agent before entering the automotive field. He's a lifelong car enthusiast, having owned a different car almost every year since 1989.
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Melo Nas
Audi Brand Specialist - mnassery@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-1705
Melo has studied at Ryerson University and Seneca College, and has a diverse background including construction, consumer electronics, and working as a field representative for Dyson. He's worked in the automotive field since 2018, first with Nissan and, since 2019, with H.J. Pfaff Audi. Outside work, he plays volleyball a few times a week, loves to go to the movies and gym, and spends time with his family and friends (preferably at the beach or barbecuing, when weather permits).
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Alex Ceolin
Audi Brand Specialist - aceolin@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-1705
Growing up, Alex, always interested in cars with an extensive hot wheels collection and subscription to every automotive magazine. At a very young age Alex knew he would pursue a career in the automotive industry. Starting in 2013 as a lot attendant and the shop cleaner at Pfaff Porsche Vaughan, Alex has occupied various Pfaff roles at Porsche, VW, BMW and Audi stores. Alex worked part time at Pfaff while completing his undergraduate degree at Ryerson University. After graduating he knew Pfaff was where he wanted to be. Alex Lives in Vaughan, enjoys spending time with family and friends, is an avid music fan and spends his summers racing go karts.
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Derek Lukala
Audi Brand Specialist - dlukala@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-1195
Derek studied automotive design in mechanical engineering technology at Georgian College, and political science and English at the University of Waterloo. He joined the Pfaff group in 2018 as a sales representative for the Volkswagen brand before making the transition to H.J. Pfaff Audi. A life-long car fanatic, Derek has been restoring his first car, a 1984 Rabbit GTI, which he still owns; and his all-time favourite is the Audi RS6 Avant. Derek is an avid alpine skier and ski coach at a private club, and he also enjoys mountain biking and motorcycling in the summer.
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Sharrran Muthukrishnan
Audi Brand Specialist | Tamil - smuthukrishnan@hjpfaff.com
- 289-275-1938
Sharran is a McMaster Marauder Alumni where he acquired a Bachelor of Commerce and Majored in Finance and Marketing 2014-2019. He joined the Industry in March of 2019 at Performance Honda as a Used Car Salesperson and then joined Pfaff on May 2nd, 2022 as an Audi Brand Specialist. He owns and operates a Shoeless Joes on the Esplanade in Toronto. Sharran has been into cars since he was little and his favorite cars are the Porsche 911 GT3 and an Audi RS 6. He is a sports enthusiast as he watches and plays football, basketball, and baseball. Sharran currently lives in Vaughan/Woodbridge.
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Yasmin Sedighi
Audi Brand Specialist | Farsi - ysedighi@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-2744
Yasmin has been exposed to the automotive industry her entire life because of her father and sister. She used to service her car here at HJ Pfaff Newmarket were she got exposed to the wonderful team and that is the reason why she envisioned herself working here. Prior to working here, she was a Montessori Teacher. She has studied Environmental Design at OCAD U and took more courses at Seneca College for Interior Decorating. She has always had a strong passion and desire for all German vehicles. Outside of work, she is an extreme foodie and loves to try new things, likes to be spontaneous/adventurous, loves art, sports, family and friends. She was born and raised in Toronto and now lives in Aurora. Yasmin is fluent in both English & Farsi
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Ryan Kim
Audi Brand Specialist - rkim@hjpfaff.com
Ryan always had an interest in Sales. Taking photos and listing items online is a a hobby he enjoys. In 2018, he sold his 2011 BMW 3 Series on AutoTrader, which inspired him to pursue a career in the Automotive Industry, selling cars professionally. He previously worked with Mazda in 2019-2021, to advance his career in the Automotive industry. Working at Pfaff, he is able to continue his education while working with the Audi brand. Prior to working at Pfaff he worked in a restaurant as a server and worked part-time doing door-to-door sales selling solar panel to commercial businesses and residential homes in the GTA. He attended Centennial College. Outside of work he likes spending time with family and friends at the beach, planning weekend BBQs and nightly bon-fires roasting marshmallows. He enjoy going on long drives by lakeshore, listening to 90's hits and jamming House Music. His fav song is Show me love by Robin S. He recently moved from Scarborough to Aurora in Aug 2020 and speaks fluent Korean.
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Justin Rupchand
Sales Coordinator - justinrupchand@hjpfaff.com
It all started in 2013-2014 when I would help out at my uncle's mechanic shop on the weekends. It really gave me the foundation I needed to enter the industry. This transpired to myself gaining a love and passion for German vehicles. I then proceeded to getting a job in parts at BMW but then veered to VW where I worked in Service. I also worked at Multimatic from 2017-2019, where I was a key role in building the notorious Ford GT.
Katie & Shawn recommended me for the position. I've just recently joined the Pfaff family to pursue my true passion for sales and German engineering. As a realtor I was always felt like I was missing something in my career. That's when I had the idea to combine my two true passions in pursuit of reaching my highest potential.
I worked at a software company but switched to automotive shortly after.Â
I obtained my Real Estate License through OREA college.
I developed an interest in German vehicles while working on performance/track cars at my uncles mechanic shop and consistently going to the race track at a very young age. My favourite vehicles are Audi's & older BMW's
I'm an avid traveler and enjoy going for nature walks. I also love playing sports, going to the gym and cooking.
I live in Markham.
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Evangeline Karalis
Compliance Administrator - ekaralis@hjpfaff.com
- (905) 836-2834
You could say that Evangeline comes from an Audi family - there are three Audi vehicles in her household, and she's always loved the R8. She studied business management and marketing at Ryerson university, and is also interested in dance - jazz and hip-hop to be specific - as well as playing the piano and hanging out with friends and family. Evangeline lives in East Gwillimbury.
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Michelle Liang
Compliance Administrator - michelleliang@hjpfaff.com
I first entered the automotive Industry back in 2018 when I was still in school. I was employed with Mercedes and loved the industry ever since.
Always loved Audi as a brand so it's a dream to be apart of it now!
Prior to automotive, I was in doing finance Wealth Management. Realized I have a deep passion for cars and decided to come back, but this time combining my finance skills.Â
I went to York University for Health Sciences and Kinesiology.
First started when I started watching F1 in high school. Favourite car would be the R18.
I recently started golfing, which I admit is fun! Other than that, I am an advocate foodie and love trying new restaurants and traveling to new places.
I live in the Markham area and am fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese.Â
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Ken Bader
Wholesale Buyer - kennethbader@hjpfaff.com
I started in the automotive industry back in February of 2020 where I was a Sales Assistant. In September of 2021, I received my OMVIC and began selling cars for some time. In May of 2022, I became a Vehicle Acquisition Specialist and carried forward my experience where I am now with Audi Newmarket as a Wholesale Buyer.
During my first year at Automotive Business School of Canada, I met our General Manager Shannon Douglas as she spoke to us at an alumni speaker series. I got my first car an Audi A4 and decided to reach out to apply when they were hiring a new Wholesale Buyer.
I graduated high school in 2021.Â
September 2021 to May 2022 (Automotive Business School of Canada BBAA program)Â
My interest in vehicles begun at an early age, when I started staring out the car window, and when my parents went car shopping.Â
Working out, Finance, and Socializing.
I live in the North York, ON area and also speak Portuguese.
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Paris Stec
Receptionist - parisstec@hjpfaff.com
- 905-836-2834
Paris first got into the automotive industry when she saw an opening position and thought that they would try something new, applied for and accepted the job. Paris joined the Pfaff family because she knew that Pfaff was associated with high quality service and products and that is why she applied for a position with Pfaff. Before her automotive career, Paris was involved in retail and coaching. She studied at at Florida International University on a scholarship playing D1 soccer. Paris has always had an interest for exotic cars and higher end vehicles and her favorite car is the all-black Audi R8 Spyder. Outside of work, Paris enjoys playing soccer and spending time with family and friends.
Service
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Kim Morrison
Internal Service Advisor - kmorrison@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-2549
Kim worked in specialty retail for an international brand before joining the Pfaff team as a customer relations specialist serving all of our dealerships; she made the move to H.J. Pfaff Audi in 2019 into her current internal advisor role. She lives in Barrie and enjoys spending time with her two children as well as camping, hiking, and swimming.
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Albion Pena
Service Consultant | Filipino - apena@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-2509
Albion studied automotive at Centennial College, and has been working in the automotive industry since joining the workforce at age 16. He's worked as a detailer, apprentice, service advisor, warranty administrator, tower operator, internal advisor and service manager. Outside of work, Albion is passionate about fitness and basketball. He speaks Filipino and lives on the Scarborough/Pickering border.
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David Psotka
Service Consultant - dpsotka@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 340-0087
David began his automotive career at Canadian Tire in 1999 as a service consultant before joining Pfaff in 2019; he also worked as a tire and lube technician. He has prior experience with the Audi brand as a consultant, and also was a franchise owner. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, friends, family and two dogs - going up to the family cottage or going on antique treasure hunts. He also enjoys driving and customizing his own Audi. He lives with his wife and two dogs in Newmarket, where they are expecting their first child.
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Narith Uy
Audi Sport Service Expert | Khmer - nuy@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-1877
During high school, Narith worked as a co-op student at a Mercedes-Benz dealership, and has worked with the BMW brand as a car porter/wash person, working his way up through being an apprentice; he gained two years of shop experience, and decided to become a service advisor. He has worked at Pfaff Audi since September 2014. The Audi brand has always held a particular fascination for Narith thanks to its rally heritage; in his time outside of work, he enjoys riding his motorcycle and tinkering with his car. Narith lives in Newmarket and speaks Khmer.
Parts
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Michael Halliday
Parts Consultant - mhalliday@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-2619
Mike, who hails from Barrie, has always been interested in cars; he grew up around the business, and his father, a parts manager for GM for 30 years, always had a project race car on the go. He has worked in the automotive parts and service world for over 10 years, and has also spent two years working at a body shop. Outside of work, Mike enjoys astrophotography and studying astrophysics, as well as camping, hiking, and fishing.
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Justin Chalmers
Parts Consultant - jchalmers@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-1203
It was the Fast and Furious movie franchise that attracted Justin to the world of cars - leading him to attend local car meets and join the community. His first job in the automotive business, after a number of retail jobs, was as a parts advisor and driver in 2015, and he joined the Pfaff organization in 2017. He enjoys spending his time outside of work with friends and family, working on his car, and traveling. Justin lives in Aurora.
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Shawn Webster
Parts Consultant - swebster@hjpfaff.com
- (289) 803-2152
Shawn got into the Automotive Industry 8 years ago through an acquaintance. He joined the Hyundai group 8 years ago and moved up to the Audi group. Prior to working at Pfaff, he worked in the packing and machinery industry. He passion for cars developed at the age of 3 years old. Outside of work, he loves to go to the cottage, walk his dogs, loves being outdoors. He currently lives in Stouffville.
Autoworks
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Jeff Pabst
General Manager - Pfaff Autoworks - jpabst@pfaffautoworks.com
With Pfaff for almost 25years, Jeff started his automotive career as a tool and die apprentice, before enrolling in Seneca College to study business. During his time at school, he began his Pfaff career by washing cars at the original Newmarket location, and got into sales when he finished school; he then worked as a service advisor before taking over Pfaff Autoworks in 1997, growing that three-man operation into the business it is today. Jeff is a talented racer, who has raced in the Players-GM championship, the Firestone Firehawk challenge, Motorola Cup, American Le Mans Series, Canadian Touring Car Championship, and Porsche Supercup. He has two children, aged eight and 11, and continues to tinker with cars in his spare time.
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Mindy Crystal
Dealership Sales Estimator - mindycrystal@lithia.com
- (289) 596-4820
Growing up in Newmarket, Mindy's father worked at a body shop, and she found the business interesting and applied to the shop he was working at. She joined the Pfaff team in the parts department and moved to Pfaff Autoworks, the company's body shop, afterwards. Mindy loves to spend time with her family, and loves to camp, bake, and cook. She lives in Barrie.