Meet Our Staff

Owners


CHERYL BEDFORD

CHERYL BEDFORD

President & Dealer Principal

Cheryl Bedford has dedicated her professional career to the automotive industry. Beginning in the early 1960s, she worked her way through virtually every aspect of dealership operations, progressing through accounting, sales, finance and insurance, and management. This hands-on experience provided the foundation for the leadership, business knowledge, and customer-first philosophy that have defined her career. * In 1983, Cheryl relocated to Lompoc and purchased Sunset Auto Center. She made history as California's first female Chevrolet dealer and, more than four decades later, remains the longest-tenured female Chevrolet dealer in the state. Under her leadership, Sunset Auto Center has earned a reputation for integrity, community involvement, and exceptional customer service while becoming one of the Central Coast's most respected family-owned dealerships. * Cheryl is recognized as one of California's most respected automotive leaders. She serves on the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Board of Directors and continues to serve on the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) Board of Directors, where she made history as the organization's first female Board President. She previously served as Director of the CNCDA Scholarship Foundation, helping provide scholarship opportunities to high school and community college students pursuing careers in automotive technology, mechanical trades, and other technical professions. * In addition to her industry leadership, Cheryl has served on the Chevrolet Dealer Advisory Council and Buick Dealer Advisory Council, working directly with General Motors to help shape dealer initiatives, customer experience, and brand performance. * Her dedication to both the automotive industry and the Lompoc community has earned numerous honors and recognitions, including: • 2004 Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year • 2009 Lompoc Rotary "Service Above Self" Merit Award • 2011 Lompoc Police Department Citizen of the Year • City of Lompoc Resolution recognizing her outstanding service and lasting contributions to the Lompoc community • Longtime supporter of Lompoc Mural in a Day, helping preserve and celebrate the community's rich history, culture, and public art * Cheryl's passion for supporting education, workforce development, local charities, and community organizations has helped make Sunset Auto Center more than just an automobile dealership—it has become a trusted community partner for generations of Central Coast families.

GEORGE BEDFORD

GEORGE BEDFORD

General Manager

For more than 41 years, George Bedford has been an integral part of Sunset Auto Center's success, helping build a dealership known for integrity, exceptional customer service, and strong community values. His leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to treating every customer with honesty and respect have helped establish Sunset Auto Center as one of the Central Coast's most trusted automotive dealerships. * Before joining Sunset Auto Center, George proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1963 to 1968 as an Aircraft Technician, where he developed the discipline, work ethic, and technical expertise that would define his career. Following his military service, he founded and operated Lompoc Aviation from 1970 to 1984, building a respected local business while continuing his commitment to the Lompoc community. * George's passion for public service led him to serve on the Lompoc City Council from 1983 to 1987, where he also served as Mayor Pro Tem. Throughout his career, he has dedicated countless hours to civic organizations, charitable causes, and community initiatives that have strengthened the Lompoc Valley. * His leadership and community service have been recognized through numerous honors, including: • President, Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce (1982) • Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year (1994) • Lompoc Rotary "Service Above Self" Merit Award (2009) • Lompoc Police Department Citizen of the Year (2011) • City of Lompoc Resolution recognizing his outstanding service and lasting contributions to the Lompoc community * George's dedication to customer satisfaction, employee development, and community involvement continues to shape the culture of Sunset Auto Center. His lifetime of service as a United States Marine, business owner, elected public official, community leader, and automotive executive reflects the values that have guided Sunset Auto Center since 1983 and continue to earn the trust of generations of Central Coast families.

Sales


GEORGE NORDQUIST

GEORGE NORDQUIST

Sales Manager

ARLEZ VILLEGAS

ARLEZ VILLEGAS

Sales Manager

GM Mark of Excellence Award Recipient. * Arlez is a respected leader whose nearly two decades of experience, product knowledge, and commitment to customer satisfaction have made him an invaluable member of the Sunset Auto Center management team. He is passionate about mentoring sales professionals and ensuring every customer receives an outstanding purchase experience.

CLARA DEL TORO

CLARA DEL TORO

Sales Professional

MIGUEL CERVANTES

MIGUEL CERVANTES

Sales Professional

TYSON URIBE

TYSON URIBE

Sales Professional

NOE CHAVEZ

NOE CHAVEZ

Sales Professional

GM Standards for Excellence Certified. * Noe is known for his professionalism, product knowledge, and dedication to helping customers find the right Chevrolet for their needs. His friendly, no-pressure approach has earned the confidence of countless customers.

NICK DOMINGUEZ

NICK DOMINGUEZ

Sales Professional

GM Standards for Excellence Certified. * Nick has built lasting customer relationships through honesty, integrity, and exceptional customer service. He is committed to making every purchase experience enjoyable and stress-free.

BDC


CLAUDIA VAZQUEZ

CLAUDIA VAZQUEZ

Business Development Center (BDC) Manager

Claudia leads our Business Development Center, ensuring customers receive prompt communication, outstanding service, and a seamless experience from their first inquiry through the sales and service process. Her dedication to customer satisfaction helps create an exceptional first impression for every customer.

Service


Salvador Arias

Salvador Arias

Service Manager

GM Mark of Excellence Award Recipient. * Salvador leads our award-winning service department with a strong focus on quality repairs, customer satisfaction, employee development, and operational excellence. His leadership ensures customers receive dependable service from factory-trained professionals.

BRIAN FOWLER

BRIAN FOWLER

Master Technician & Shop Foreman

GM Technician Excellence Certified. * Brian is one of our most experienced technicians and serves as Shop Foreman, providing expert diagnostics, mentoring fellow technicians, and helping ensure repairs are completed accurately the first time.

OMAR PANTOJA

OMAR PANTOJA

Master Service Technician

GM Technician Excellence Certified. * Omar's technical expertise, diagnostic ability, and decades of experience make him one of the dealership's most trusted automotive professionals. His commitment to quality workmanship helps keep our customers safely on the road.

XAVIER VALDERRAMA

XAVIER VALDERRAMA

Service Technician

PEDRO GARCIA

PEDRO GARCIA

Shuttle Driver & Detail Specialist

Pedro has been an important part of Sunset Auto Center for more than two decades. Whether transporting customers or preparing vehicles for delivery, he plays a vital role in creating a positive ownership experience and ensuring every vehicle leaves the dealership looking its best.

JOSE DEL RIO

JOSE DEL RIO

Service Advisor

GM Service Lane Excellence Certified. * Jose has earned the trust of customers through his experience, honesty, and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. He helps customers understand their vehicle's maintenance needs while ensuring every repair experience is smooth and transparent.

LUIS TORRES

LUIS TORRES

Service Technician

GM Technician Excellence Certified. * Luis is committed to delivering high-quality repairs while continually expanding his technical knowledge through factory training and certification programs.

VICTOR CONTRERAS-DIAZ

VICTOR CONTRERAS-DIAZ

Service Advisor

GM Service Lane Excellence Certified. * Victor is dedicated to providing clear communication, exceptional customer care, and a seamless service experience from vehicle check-in through delivery.

Parts


EMILIO SALAS

EMILIO SALAS

Parts Manager

GM Parts and Service Excellence Certified. * Emilio oversees the dealership's parts department, ensuring technicians and customers have the right parts available quickly and efficiently. His expertise helps maximize repair quality, minimize downtime, and support outstanding customer service.

Management


CATHERINE (CATHY) TEIXEIRA

CATHERINE (CATHY) TEIXEIRA

Controller

Catherine "Cathy" Teixeira has served as Controller of Sunset Auto Center for the past six years, overseeing the dealership's financial operations with exceptional accuracy, integrity, and professionalism. She is responsible for financial reporting, accounting, payroll, budgeting, compliance, and ensuring the dealership maintains sound financial practices. * Cathy's attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and extensive financial expertise provide the foundation for the dealership's day-to-day operations. She works closely with every department to support efficient processes, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure the financial health of the organization. * Known for her dependability, leadership, and collaborative approach, Cathy is an invaluable member of the Sunset Auto Center leadership team.

Administration


EDITH NAVARRO

EDITH NAVARRO

Assistant Office Manager & Title Processor

Edith's attention to detail and administrative expertise help ensure dealership operations run smoothly behind the scenes. She manages title processing, licensing, and administrative functions with professionalism and accuracy.

KARMIN MARTINEZ

KARMIN MARTINEZ

Contracts Processor

Karmin helps ensure every transaction is completed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with all state and manufacturer requirements. Her attention to detail helps create a smooth and professional purchasing experience for every customer.