• Volkswagen

Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater

1051 Route 22 West
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

  • Sales: (908) 685-1033
  • Service: (908) 685-1033
  • Parts: (908) 685-1033

Meet Our (Awesome) Team


Click on one of the people below to find out more information.

  • JUSTIN PATEL
    General Manager

    Believe it or not, my passion for Volkswagen started before I was even a glimmer in my Mother's eyes. How's that possible? When my parents met in Shrub Oak, New York, they both drove Volkswagen Beetles; Dad behind the wheel of a Beetle Coupe and Mom with a Beetle Convertible (very fitting)!

    I have had a love for cars for as long as I can remember. And while I couldn't say "Volkswagen" early on, I didn't let that stop me, I called them "Vee-Ba-Loos". But don't let that get out, that would be embarrassing. 

    I've always known that I wanted to do something with cars. Growing up in Maplewood, NJ, my first memory of working on a car was with my Dad as he turned his orange Ford Maverick Grabber into a little pick-up truck. This was before 3 point safety belts and airbags came into play - it was common practice that he toted me and the rest of the neighborhood kids to Baskin Robbins for ice cream in the back of the "truck.

    Fast forward (a few short years) to today, where my wife and I have settled in Union, NJ. Her favorite car, of course is the Volkswagen Beetle (she calls it a "Buggle") and my favorite? That's a tough one, but if I have to choose, it's the Vee-Ba-Loo Passat diesel!

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  • STEVEN BARTHE
    VW Brand Specialist

    As a young child growing up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, I remember playing the "punch buggy" (punch buggy, no punch backs!!) game with all of the neighborhood kids on my block. Who would of thought that this silly little game of punching your buddy when you spotted a passing Volkswagen Beetle would trigger my love for the VW brand today! 

    Most of the jobs I've had in the past have been heavily sales & customer
    service based, so needless to say I enjoy an occupation with lots of
    social interaction. Since I've been employeed with Open Road Volkswagen, my love for cars and people have grown 10-fold!

    My personal favorite VW is the 2.5L Jetta SEL with Navigation, it has an incredibly smooth ride and really cool features!!! 

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  • CHRIS BIANK
    VW Brand Specialist

    My passion for Volkswagen began during my early childhood when I would visit my Grandparent's house in Maine. I would sit behind the wheel of my Grandmother's mint, 1973 canary yellow hard-top Karmann Ghia. What a cool car!  My older brother, Gary, also fell in love with the Volkswagen brand and once he got his driver's license, there was always some sort of VW in our driveway! I'll never forget the day he came home with his first VW (a Fox) and decided that, "hey, if people with Jeeps can drive with their doors off, then so can I"... That didn't last long.

    When it was my turn to start driving, my dad taught me how to drive in a dark green, two door Jetta, manual transmission of course! You just couldn't kill that thing, believe me, I tried my best.

    In 1995 my brother began selling VW's. He would always stop by with the newest models to show off to my Dad and me.  One day, he came home with a MK3 VR6 GTI.  That's when I knew I had to get one for myself.  And I did!

    11 years later my daily driver is still my black MK3 VR6 GTI. 138,000 miles and counting. I love that car and plan to keep it as long as possible.

    I've been with the Volkswagen brand for over 10 years now and as you can imagine, I truly love the product.  You will too!

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  • CODY CUISINIER
    Pre-Owned Sales Manager

    It all started in 1995, when I was 6 years old. I was sitting in the front seat of my Aunt's BMW 3-series (a rather cool car as I think back; it was a Black on Black coupe, RWD, 5speed manual transmission). We were driving on the Staten Island Expressway when I heard this loud ROARRRRR coming from behind us. I only got to see it for a brief few seconds as it flew by - but thats all I needed. It was a bright red Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 with the factory chrome wheels and rear spoiler. It was beautiful - that moment is when my love for cars began.

    My first car was a 1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX VR6 5-speed. It was red with black leather interior. I kept that car super clean. That was my ride to high school everyday. While in High School I took 3 years of Auto Shop courses. After graduation, I went to Universal Technical Institute where I finished an extensive year long Automotive Program in just 10 months.

    After Technical School, I transitioned into the Automotive world, becoming a Service Advisor for Sears Auto Center. I joined the Open Road Auto Group in April of 2009 and have been with the company ever since. While with Open Road, I've gained experience with several brands including Acura, Mercedes-Benz, and my obvious favorite, VOLKSWAGEN. 

    I'm proud to be the Pre-Owned Car Manager here at Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater and I am happy to help our customers find the right fit when they are shopping for their next vehicle purchase.

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  • MOHAMED DADA
    Finance Manager


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  • MOHAMMED ELKHOLY
    VW Brand Specialist

    My name is Mohammed Elkholy, and for as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for cars!

    I began my automotive career with Volkswagen, and found my self working with other brands as well. Throughout my experiences, I've always been the happiest and most comfortable working for VW. I love the product, and I believe in it's value. As I personally began to start purchasing VW products, I came to find that you really do get the best bang for your buck with a superior product. 

    I sincerely enjoy helping people find the cars they love for a price they love. Hope to see you in here soon, and I would be more than happy to assist you.

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  • BRETT GARDNER
    VW Brand Sales Manager

    I am the New Car Sales Manager for Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater. I have been with the Open Road Auto Group for over 3 years.

    The one thing I pride myself with is Customer Service and trying to make the car buying experience the best it has ever been.

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  • MAURICE MANENTE
    VW Brand Specialist

    Born and raised in New Jersey, I've called this great state 'home' my whole life. I've always had a passion for cars that started when I was very young - the draw? American Muscle cars!  As I got older and entered my teen years, is when my love for Volkswagen really grew. The first car I ever bought was a 2007 Volkswagen GTI (manual of course!). I definitely fell in love with the handling and feel of my Volkswagen. 

    I went to school to become an automotive technician, wanting to work on european vehicles, but found myself strongly drawn to the interaction of people and cars - selling them, came natural to me.

    Outside of work, I love staying up to date with all sports. My favorite would have to be football: Green Bay Packers, Green and Yellow!!!!! 

    I am very friendly, feel free to send me an email if I can help you! See you around the dealership :-)

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  • TARAK MEHTA
    VW Brand Specialist

    My passion for cars started when I was a child.  I grew up in New York
    City where there are so many cars.  Throughout my childhood my passion for automobiles grew, but I never knew I would be in the business when I became older.

    I have over 13 years of experience in the car business (between service
    and sales).

    My career in the car business started the day I walked into a Sears Auto
    Center for a battery for my car.  I was approached by a gentleman who
    asked me if I was looking for a job fixing cars.  I never imagined I would be doing this but I was very excited and joined the team at Sears fixing cars.  As time passed I loved what I did, and my passion for cars grew.  I was later promoted and became a service advisor/ lead supervisor.  I loved what I did and who I worked with. 

    One day I asked by my best friend, who worked at a dealership to start a career selling cars with him.  I remember my first sale, I think I was more excited than my customer was. I started my car sales career with Open Road and I have loved every minute of it.

    Open Road Auto Group treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time.

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  • AMY MORATZ
    VW Brand Specialist

    I was born in Neihio Romania, moved to the United States at the age of three, and have been living in New Jersey ever since.  I have always had a passion for helping people, specifically in the automotive industry. I enjoy the Volkswagen products,  especially taking the EOS out occasionally for a drive on a sunny day, with the top down of course. 

    I went to school for Sport Management at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania; wanting to learn everything about the business side of sports. Today I am working in the automotive industry. What a great opportunity for me to learn everything I need and want to know about business (and cars) - there's no better place than Open Road Volkswagen in Bridgewater. Everyday I am learn more about the Volkswagen product line and in the near future I will be a proud owner of a Jetta SEL. It is truly a great car and has a need for speed on the road. 

    Hobbies: I grew up in North Jersey and enjoy watching all my favorite Tri State teams such as the GREAT New York Giants, Rangers, Yankees, and Knicks as well enjoying watching the University of North Carolina Basketball Tar Heels. People tend to call me a sports whiz and I could talk all day about any game or team with you while helping you pick out the perfect car.  

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  • MIKE NEWLAND
    VW Brand Specialist

    I attended school at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA as a scholarship athlete for baseball and majored in Sports Management. I had a very successful baseball career at DeSales; earning myself Rookie of the Year in 2008. Throughout my time there, I earned several other awards and in my junior year I broke a 12-year, single-season homerun record! Through my education in Sports Management, I learned the fundamentals of the nature of business and customer service. From that point on I knew I wanted to pursue something in business and/ or sales. Unsure of which type of business I wanted to pursue out of college, I began working as a part- time Bank Teller and producing and selling my own art work for a year. In search of full- time opportunities, I soon found myself in the car industry. 

    I am new to the Volkswagen brand; however I have been in the car business as a salesman shy of just one year at the present time (2013). I began selling Audi's in Edison, NJ and took a quick liking to the industry and especially the German vehicles! I pride myself on customer service. I love getting to know my customers as individuals and doing what I need to do in order to meet their needs and surpass their expectations! Don't be shy, stop in and ask for Mike; I would love to sit and chat with you and do the best I can to assist your automotive needs! 

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  • KIZITO NWACHUKWU
    VW Brand Specialist

    Perhaps not surprisingly, sometimes you're just in the right place at the right time. I joined Open Road Volkswagen in 2011 as part of the sales team. It really set the tone for what I have always had love for ' Cars'. 

    For me, Volkswagen has a special attraction, there's a reason they call it the 'people's car"-- Prior to joining the Open Road Auto Group, I held various roles in Logistics, Sales and Distribution.

    Hobbies & Interest: I enjoy traveling, reading, cycling and of course driving my Volkswagen. 

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  • GENARO ROSARIO
    Sales Manager


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  • SARA RUSSELL
    Business Development


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  • BRENDAN WELCH
    VW Brand Specialist

    Cars have been apart of my life for longer than I can remember. One of my favorite memories is a story that my parents love to tell about how I would take my toy cars completely apart and then put them back together. When I hit 17, that story seemed to come full circle as my parents would come home and I would have car parts from my 1995 Ford Bronco laying all over the driveway. 

    I grew up and still live in Montgomery, New Jersey so I have been a local in the area for 25+ years, playing lacrosse and golf in the surrounding areas for school and with my friends.

    I am a recent graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Park Campus, in Madison New Jersey with a business degree in Entrepreneurship. After finding open interviews online for Open Road Volkswagen, I couldn't think of a better opportunity for myself to pursue - a sales career and working for Volkswagen! Since being here, my love for VW has only grown, as I purchased my 2008 Volkswagen R32 from Open Road! I am truly excited to be a part of this Open Road Volkswagen team!

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  • NILSA BIDO
    Office Manager

    I can't say that I've ever been someone who paid any attention to cars. As a young girl and even through my adolescence I found much more joy in playing with dolls, playing softball and reading. I still love to read mystery novels. My favorite author is Stephen King! I didn't know what a Volkswagen was until high school, but I have to say, it was one of the first cars I ever noticed. 

    So how did I end up in a Volkswagen dealership? Opportunity! The right place at the right time! I have a strong accounting background and started my career with the Open Road Auto Group at Open Road Honda. A few years ago, the opportunity for growth was presented and I was promoted to the Office Manager at Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater - I have never looked back! This is a great team and a great place to work! 

    My favorite VW: the CC with its sleek sexy curves!

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  • ANDY AZIZE
    VW Brand Receptionist


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  • NICOLE CIESLAK
    VW Brand Receptionist

    Ever since I can remember, I've watched my Grandfather work on cars; they were so easy for him to take apart and put back together. Soon I realized that quite a few of them were Volkswagens (Jetta's to be exact). 


    One day I asked him why he chose to work with Volkswagen so often. His reply: "This my child, is a REAL car".  Since then, Volkswagen has peeked my interest. And even though I don't work on them like my Grandpa, it puts a twinkle in my eye when I see the same smile on the customers face, as I do on my Grandfather's, when they purchase one. 

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  • THERESA MILLER
    Book Keeper

    My earliest Volkswagen memories were with my family - on road trips of course! My brothers and I would try to be the first to yell "Punch-buggie, No punch-backs!" before giving one another a nice "friendly" punch in the arm.

    I started my career with Volkswagen, and it's the automotive brand that I've been with the longest. In my time with Volkswagen  I've noticed, what I find to be a very important quality, and that is these vehicles are safe!  I have seen owners of Volkswagens walk away from horrible accidents with minor to no injury, first-hand. Who wouldn't want that piece of mind when picking out a new car?!

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  • ALYSSA NATAL
    Motor Vehicle Administrator

    Before I started working at Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater, I was actually looking forward to buying my very first (yellow!) Beetle. Not sure if you know this but the Beetle is the best-selling car (1st in the world) for almost 60 years!

    Prior to my time with Open Road, I didn't know much about Volkswagen, let alone cars, but working for Open Road Volkswagen has been a great learning experience. As an expecting Mom safety, for my growing family, is very important to me. Spending over 2 years with Volkswagen, I've learned these are some of the most comfortable and secure vehicles on the road.

    There's a reason they call it the "people's car"?because people absolutely love owning a Volkswagen. It's why more than 5 million folks around the world bought a new Volkswagen last year?a record, by the way.

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  • TOMMY BRENNAN
    VW Transport Concierge


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  • SITA GOSS
    Service Manager

    I definitely appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that make a Volkswagen stand apart from others, who wouldn't? But for me, it's more about the people then the cars.  My very first car was a Jetta (I named her Stella) and I learned to drive manual transmission with her.  I drove Stella 240,000 miles before we parted ways - on the original clutch! :) 


    But, at the end of the day, it's about making sure our customers have a great ownership experience and that they love their Stella as much as I loved mine.  That's why, as the Service Manager, I work only with the best Technicians. These Techs are the only ones I let work on my car. Why? Because my new Stella drives my 2 year old son around and I want it maintained and repaired by the best!

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  • MIKE CURRAN
    VW Service Consultant


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  • DAVID MANDEVILLE
    VW Service Consultant

    My love for cars began in high school where I completed the technician work study program. From there I went on to work as a mechanic until I transitioned to the advisor position.  I made the transition because I enjoy working with people and bringing humor to some tough decisions.  Making decisions about repairs or purchases can sometimes be difficult and I enjoy helping customers figure out what is the best decision for them as well as educating them on vehicle maintenance and repair.  Every vehicle I have owned I have driven a minimum of 200,000 miles.  I know proper maintenance is the key to a long happy car life.  Why VW? It's simple?.the engineering, the reliability and the great looks.


    P.S. On the weekends I work as a Joe Pesci impersonator : ) 

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  • STUART GROSS
    VW Brand Parts Manager


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  • MICKEY GANNON
    VW Brand Parts Consultant


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  • PATRICK BORLAND
    VW Transport Concierge


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  • SAMANTHA ARNOLD
    VW Brand Parts Associate

    I guess you could call me the All American Girl Next Door. I have tinkered with cars my whole life.  My dad instilled in me a passion for cars when I was very young. I always looked forward to helping him on weekends in his garage.  The passion for cars carried into my adult years.  Working at Volkswagen gives me the best of both worlds?.a paycheck and the ability to work doing what I love.  My favorite Volkswagen is definitely the Buggy (beetle).  I love its old school look!

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  • CARLOS AMORIM
    VW Brand Technician

    I became a Volkswagen enthusiast because of my brother.  When I was in grammar school he would take me to VW car meets and we would work on his together.  When it came time for the "rest of my life" it was obvious to me that working on Volkswagens was for me.   After completing technical school I interned at Open Road VW.  It was a perfect fit! Here I am, the proud owner of a 2013 GTI and a Volkswagen technician.  Every day I get to learn from the best and repair my favorite cars.  Not a bad gig!

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  • ROBERTO CASTILLO
    VW Brand Technician

    I have a passion for music and Volkswagen. I started working with VW many, many years ago and never looked back.  I always believed that you can tell if a car is good by whether or not the mechanics that work on them own them.  I own and drive a Jetta 1.8 Turbo and my wife the Passat.  Recently, I  purchased my 17 year old son a GTI.  As a father, I trust the safety designs of Volkswagen to keep my son safe.  Being a new driver is scary for a parent.  At least I will know that he is in a safe vehicle.  As for my music, I DJ on the weekends.  Perhaps you have seen me at your wedding or party event?      

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  • DANIEL FRIAS
    VW Brand Experience Concierge


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  • KEVIN McMORROW
    VW Brand Technician

    I have worked exclusively on Volkswagens my entire working career.  I achieved Class A status in 2003 and take great pride in what I do.  I know these cars inside and out.  As a father of two, I take safety very seriously.  Every Volkswagen I touch must be fixed right the first time, every time.  My favorite is the Toureg.  My wife and I both drive one and I love working on them, especially the V10 TDI Toureg.  

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  • MATTHEW SOUREN
    VW Brand Technician

    Volkswagens were always the family car.  I have personally owned 7 different Volkswagen models.  My current car is the 2013 GTI.  I love this brand and I like fixing things.  When I graduated automotive training I had to work on Volkswagens.  No other brand would do.   So here I am, years later, and loving the brand more now than ever before.   

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  • PAUL WASHEL
    VW Brand Technician


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