Meet the team at Rita Ranch Automotive & Tire

Terry Newman
Owner

Terry Newman has over 20 years’ experience as a mechanic and tire specialist. He started his career at Discount Tires where he worked for 15 years before moving to Ventana Automotive in 2010 to become a lube and tire technician. When the owner, Elton, left Ventana Automotive in 2014, Terry took over the business.

As Ventana Automotive changed hands to become Rita Ranch Automotive & Tire, Terry proudly employs skilled technicians from the local community. Terry eagerly jumped at the opportunity to acquire the auto shop. He sees it as a way to better himself, his family, and the community he loves.

Terry has his roots firmly planted in Tucson and Vail. After growing up in a military family, he and his family settled down in Tucson in 1988. In 2002, he moved to Vail where he now lives with his fiancée, Dee Dee, and their four kids – Ashlie, Tyler, Tanner, and Hayden. Each of their kids attends school in the Vail School District.

Stop by or call Terry any time to ask a question or voice a concern. He and his team are always happy to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor.

How long in Automotive Industry: 23 years
Your First Car:
1970 GTO
Dream Car:
McLaren
Favorite Road Trip Memory: Going to Disneyland with the family for Christmas.
What road trip is on your bucket list? Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from California to Oregon.
What songs top your road trip playlist? 
Anything upbeat to keep me awake.
What’s your favorite snack to bring on a road trip? Doritos & Spicy Bean Dip
Favorite Place to eat in Tucson? Charro Steak
What do you like to do when not working?
Hang out with friends & family
Fun fact about me?
Lived in Germany for 8 years
Meet anyone dead or alive?
Paul Walker, a car guy who was a giving person
What kind of pet do you have?
French Bull Dogs & a German Shepard


George Emory
Manager

George Emory comes to Rita Ranch Automotive and Tire with 16 years’ experience, 15 of those at Discount Tire. George is born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. George and his wife, Sarah, live in the local community.

What does your job entail: Making customers happy; selling jobs
How long in Automotive Industry:
16 years
Your First Car:
’88 Honda Prelude
Dream Car: Not a grey Lambo
Favorite Road Trip Memory:
Weekend off road trips to Reddington Pass
What road trip is on your bucket list? Utah
What songs top your road trip playlist? 
Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice; Country; R&B
What’s your favorite snack to bring on a road trip? Goldfish; Sour Gummy Worms
Favorite Place to eat in Tucson? McDonalds
What do you like to do when not working?
Relax and Spelunking
Fun fact about me?
I can do the worm
Meet anyone dead or alive?
My dad’s brother who I never got to meet
What kind of pet do you have?
Rocco, Red Nose Pitbull


Ray Franco
Mechanic

Ray has over 45 years of mechanical experience. This includes: automotive, motorcycles, airplanes, ATVs, and golf carts. He is an avid welder and fabricator. He specializes in classic cars. Ray moved to the local area in 1997, after serving 26 years in the U.S. Air Force. Ray lives with his wife Deborah in Vail, AZ. They have a daughter, son and 5 grandchildren.

Favorite Car: 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle
Favorite Road Trip Memory: Driving cross country from California to Indiana with his parents and siblings
What songs top your road trip playlist? House on the Horizon
What’s your favorite snack to bring on a road trip? Chocolate Donuts
What road trip is on your bucket list? Driving Route 66


 

Chris Mcintyre
Service Advisor

I enjoy spending time with my son, riding bikes and volunteering my free time at the local BMX track!

What does your job entail: Greeting customers, building estimates, selling services, comedian, morale booster, keep show room clean.
How long in Automotive Industry:
8 years
Your First Car:1960 VW Bug
Dream Car:
1960 VW Bug
Favorite Road Trip Memory: Any and every road trip to Vegas
What songs top your road trip playlist? 80’s and 90’s Hip Hop, Jazz, Country
What’s your favorite snack to bring on a road trip? Beef jerky, Doritos, and Monsters
What road trip is on your bucket list? Boston
Favorite Place to eat in Tucson?
El Molinito
What do you like to do when not working?
Ride Bikes
Fun fact about me?
I am the announcer at the local MBX Track
Meet anyone dead or alive?
Pat Tillman, to hear him tell his story
What kind of pet do you have?
Dog


Joel Mercado
Technician

I grew up in Puerto Rico. My wife’s former work brought us to Tucson. We have 3 children Valeria (20), Angel (16), and Sariana (11). Lovely wife Cynthia and I have been married for 18 years.

What does your job entail: Fixing Cars
How long in Automotive Industry:
11 years
Your First Car:1994 Mitsubishi Mirage 
Dream Car:
2nd Gen Lexus GS Right Hand Drive
What songs top your road trip playlist? Reggaeton
What’s your favorite snack to bring on a road trip? Trail Mix
What road trip is on your bucket list? San Francisco
Favorite Place to eat in Tucson?
Serial Grillers
What do you like to do when not working?
Work on cars in my garage
Meet anyone dead or alive? My grandfather from my mom’s side
What kind of pet do you have?
Dog and 2 cats


Hiram Santiago
Technician

I was raised in Puerto Rico. Living in Tucson because Hurricane Maria destroyed my island; no water, no electricity, no gas, etc. My wife and I lost our jobs and my brother in law helped find job for both of us.

How long in Automotive Industry: 5 years in US
Your First Car: Buick/Toyota Tercel
Dream Car:
Porche 911/Toyota Supra
What songs top your road trip playlist? Reggaeton/Underground
What’s your favorite snack to bring on a road trip? Chicharrones
What road trip is on your bucket list? California
Favorite Place to eat in Tucson?
Canes / Serial Grillers
What do you like to do when not working?
Family, Barbecue
Meet anyone dead or alive? God, Angelina Jolie, Karol G
What kind of pet do you have?
Jetman Cheaper – Rottweiler and Brandon – Mixed Dog


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