Click on one of the people below to find out more information.
Dealer Principals
- Joe Steet Sr.
- Dealer Principal
- 315-736-3381 ext. 229
Joe Steet Sr. has been working in the car business his entire life starting at age 11 reconditioning cars for his father and uncle's business, United Auto Sales! He lives locally in New Hartford, NY with his wife where they raised their two children, Joe Jr. and Carly, who also work in the family business! In the warmer weather, he loves riding his Harley Davidson with his wife, skiing at Gore Mountain in the winters, and spending time at his camp in Indian Lake in the summers with his family, especially his two grandchildren.
- Steve Ponte Sr.
- Dealer Principal
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 229
Steve Ponte Sr. has been working in the car business for over 30 years! He lives locally in Herkimer, NY with his wife, where they raised their four children. Steve's son, Steve Jr. also works in the family business! Steve is an avid golfer, having golfed at some of the world's best courses. He loves to spend time with his family, especially with his nine grandchildren, and taking their family trips to Lake George, Florida, and Disney!
Sales Department
- Dave Abdou
- General Manager
- DAbdou@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 229
Dave Abdou is the General Manager at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in early 2018! Dave is a veteran of the Automotive Industry, and lives locally in Whitesboro, NY with his wife and family. In his spare time, Dave enjoys golfing, running and spending time with his two grandchildren! His favorite Ford is the Ford Explorer.
- Steven Cater
- Sales Manager
- scater@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 224 Fax: 315-736-8271
Steve Cater is a longtime employee of Steet Ponte Ford, you may recognize his last name as his family owned Cater Lincoln Mercury! Steve has 25 years of experience in the car business, and has been working with us for the past 10 years! He lives in Whitesboro with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he loves snowmobiling in the winter, and spending time with his family. His favorite Ford is the Mustang GT!Â
- Warren Jefford
- Sales Manager
- WJefford@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 225
Warren Jefford is the Sales Manager here at Steet Ponte Ford, who recently started working with us in late 2020! He comes to us with many years of experience in the Auto Industry, over 18 total with experience with a few different auto makes! Warren currently lives in New Hartford with his family, but originates from the U.K. in Manchester, England! His favorite Ford is the Ford Explorer, and in his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and following his favorite Soccer team, Manchester United!
- Mel Allen
- Sales & Leasing Consultant
- mallen@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 241
Mel Allen is a Sales & Leasing Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford. You may recognize him from Vista Lanes in Whitesboro, which he used to own and bowl in regularly! Mel lives in Whitesboro with his wife, and loves to golf and watch movies in his spare time. His favorite Ford is the F-150!
- Hunter Broadbent
- Sales & Leasing Consultant
- HunterB@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 259
Hunter Broadbent is a Sales & Leasing Consultant who started working with us in late 2022! Hunter lives locally in Poland, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys fishing and driving and working on his car! His favorite Ford is the Ford F-150.
- Phil Higgins
- Sales Consultant
- phiggins@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 226
Phil Higgins is a Sales & Leasing Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford and is a longtime employee of our store! He lives in Oriskany with his wife, and his favorite Ford is the F-150! Phil is a huge sports fan and loves to watch all kinds of sports. He's a huge New York fan, and his favorite teams include: The New York Giants, New York Yankees, and New York Knicks!Â
- Tony Hinojosa
- Sales Consultant
- thinojosa@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 240
- Tony Hinojosa is a Sales & Leasing Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford! Tony is a longtime employee here; his favorite Ford is the Ford Escape. You'll probably see him driving around town in his own Ford Escape! Tony lives in Whitesboro, and in his spare time, he loves to play pool and volleyball!Â
- Rich Josephs
- Sales & Leasing Consultant
- rjosephs@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 256
Rich Josephs is a Sales & Leasing Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford! Rich lives in Oriskany with his wife and kids, who he loves spending time with! His favorite Ford is the Ford Fusion. He's also an avid sports fan, having played basketball when he was younger. He loves to watch football and baseball, and his favorite teams are the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees!Â
- Steve Purdon
- Sales Consultant
- spurdon@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 248
Steve Purdon is a Sales & Leasing Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford and longtime employee here! Steve lives locally in Whitesboro, and his favorite Ford is the F-150. Steve is our truck expert, so if you're looking for an F-150 or above, he's the man you'll talk to! In his spare time, he loves to work on projects around the house, carpentry, and landscaping.
- Doug Valentine
- Sales & Leasing Consultant
- dvalentine@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 242
Doug Valentine is a Sales & Leasing Consultant who recently started working with us at the end of 2017! He live locally in Whitesboro, NY, and in his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, working on cars, and playing video games. His favorite Ford is the Ford Mustang GT350!
- Connor Weakley
- Sales & Leasing Consultant
- CWeakley@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381
Connor Weakley is a Sales & Leasing Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford who joined our team in early 2023! He comes to us with many years of experience in the Auto Sales industry and we are happy to have him join us. Connor lives locally in Central New York, and in his spare time he enjoys golfing and spending time with family and friends. His favorite Ford is the Ford Edge.
- Rich Zajac
- Sales & Leasing Consultant
- rzajac@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 237
Rich Zajac is a Sales & Leasing Consultant and a longtime employee of the Steet Ponte Auto Group! He lives in Whitesboro with his son and their dog. Rich is an avid Football and Baseball fan, and in his spare time, you'll catch him coaching both sports! His favorite Ford is the Ford Fusion.
Finance Department
- Rich Ernst
- Financial Services Manager
- rernst@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 228
Rich Ernst is one of the Finance Managers at Steet Ponte Ford and has been in the industry for over 15 years, having worked with us since 2006! Rich lives in Marcy with his wife and their two dogs. Rich loves to take advantage of the Upstate New York seasons by snowmobiling in the winters, and boating and fishing in the summers! His favorite Ford is the Ford Raptor.Â
Internet Department
- Valerie Rinaldi
- Sr. Business Development Representative & Auto Group BDC Trainer
- internetvalerier@gmail.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 254
Valerie Rinaldi is the Sr. Business Development Representative at Steet Ponte Ford and the Steet Ponte Auto Group's BDC Trainer! She started working with us in 2018 and is the person you will be speaking to when you send in an inquiry on a vehicle on our website! Valerie lives locally in Utica, NY, and in her spare time she likes to spend time with family and friends. She loves taking her son to the Utica College Hockey games and Utica FC Soccer Games! Valerie's favorite Ford is the Escape, which she also drives herself.
- Dan DeLuke
- Auto Group Social Media Content Creator & Coordinator
- DDeluke@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 246
Dan DeLuke is the Social Media Content Creator & Coordinator for the Steet Ponte Auto Group! Dan started working with us in late 2021 on our Sales team and made the switch in mid-2022 to the Digital world. He lives locally in Utica, NY. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, is an EMT, and a volunteer fireman for the New Hartford Fire Department! His favorite Ford is the Ford F-150.
Parts Department
- Tony Papaleo
- Parts Manager
- 315-736-3381 ext. 232
Tony Papaleo is our Parts Manager at Steet Ponte Ford and has been working at this store since 1992! Tony's favorite Ford is the classic Ford GT. He lives locally in Deerfield with his family, and in his spare time, you'll find him chasing his toddler around!​Â
- George Casale
- Parts Delivery Driver
- gcasale@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381
George Casale is our Parts Delivery Driver at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in late 2019! George lives locally in New Hartford with his wife. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his family, hunting, and harvesting pumpkins in the fall season! His favorite Ford is the Ford Escape.
- Zachary Carpenter
- Parts Consultant
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 230
Zachary Carpenter is a Parts Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in early 2023! He lives locally in Utica, NY and his favorite Ford vehicle is the Shelby Mustang. Outside of work, Zachary enjoys fixing up cars and playing video games!
- Tom DiBrango
- Parts Consultant
- tomd@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 244
Tom DiBrango is a Parts Consultant at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us again in mid-2022! Tom lives locally in Herkimer, NY and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His favorite Ford is the Ford F-150!
Service Department
- Tony Magee
- Service Manager
- AMagee@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 243
Tony Magee is our Service Manager at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in mid-2021! He lives locally in Whitesboro, NY and his favorite Ford is the Ford F-150. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
- Cheyenne Bumpus
- Service Advisor
- CBumpus@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381
Cheyenne Bumpus is a Service Advisor who started working with us in early 2023! Cheyenne lives locally in Munnsville, NY, and in her spare time she enjoys playing softball. Her favorite Ford is the Ford Bronco.
- William Goodie
- Service Dispatcher
- wgoodie@steet-ponteford.com
- 315-736-3381 ext. 235
Bill Goodie is the Service Dispatcher at Steet Ponte Ford and is a longtime employee here, having worked here for over 15 years! Bill lives locally, right around the corner in Whitesboro. In his spare time, he loves riding his motorcycle in the nice weather. Bill's favorite Ford is the F-150!
- Kelly Hubbard
- Service Business Development Representative
- KHubbard@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 236
Kelly Hubbard is the Service Business Development Representative at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in late 2022! She is the one who can answer any of your questions on your service appointment and help you schedule your next appointment. Kelly lives locally in Oriskany, NY, and in her spare time she enjoys painting! Her favorite Ford is the Ford F-150.
- Nate Johnson
- Service Advisor
- natej@steet-ponteford.com
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 238
Nate Johnson is a Service Advisor at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in mid-2022! Nate lives locally in Verona, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys car shows and racing his own car! His favorite Ford is the Ford Bronco.
- George Lyon
- Service Advisor
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 253
George Lyon is a Service Advisor at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in mid-2021! He lives locally in Herkimer, NY and in his spare time he enjoys gardening. His favorite Ford is the new Ford Mustang Mach E.
- Brian Rhea
- Service Advisor
- (315) 736-3381
Brian Rhea is a Service Advisor at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us in mid-2021! He lives locally in Middleville, NY. His favorite Ford is the Ford Mustang, and outside of work, he enjoys playing with his CSE machine.
- Cyndi Wilson
- Service Advisor
- (315) 736-3381 ext. 257
Cyndi Wilson is a Service Advisor at Steet Ponte Ford who started working with us again in early 2022! Cyndi lives locally in Prospect, NY, and in her spare time enjoys going to the casino and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter! Cyndi's favorite Ford is the Ford Escape.
Technicians & Recon
- Christian Armstrong
- Reconditioning Associate
- (315) 736-3381
Christian Armstrong is a Recon Associate at Steet Ponte Ford! Christian lives locally in Rome, NY, and in his spare time, he enjoys 4wheeling. His favorite Ford is the Ford Mustang!
- Bill Burch
- Vehicle Prep
- (315) 736-3381
Bill Burch is our Vehicle Prep and longtime employee of Steet Ponte Ford! He lives locally in Ilion, NY originally hailing from New Hartford. Outside of work, Bill enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hunting, and camping. His favorite Ford is the Ford F-150.
- Mike Miller
- Lot Attendant & Reconditioning Associate
- (315) 736-381
Mike Miller is a longtime employee of Steet Ponte Ford and is our Lot Attendant and also works in our Recon Department. Mike is one of the hardest working employees in our store and we are very lucky to have him on our team! Mike lives locally in Whitesboro, NY and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and anything car related! His favorite Ford is the Ford Crown Victoria.
- Steven Pomichter
- Reconditioning Associate
- (315) 736-3381
Steven Pomichter is one of our Reconditioning Associates and longtime employee of the Steet Ponte Auto Group! Steven lives locally in Grant, NY, and outside of work he enjoys camping and spending time with his family and friends. His favorite Ford is the Ford Bronco!
- Don Slocum
- Reconditioning Associate
- (315) 736-3381
Don Slocum is a Reconditioning Associate at Steet Ponte Ford. He lives locally in North Brookfield, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His favorite Ford is the Ford Mustang!
- Sam Arcuri
- Senior Master Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Sam Arcuri is a Senior Master Technician at Steet Ponte Ford who is a longtime employee here, having celebrated 10 years as a Senior Master Technician in 2022! He lives locally in Deerfield, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and being outdoors: hunting, riding side by sides, snowmobiling! His favorite Ford is the Super Duty.
- Stephen Hulbert
- Senior Master Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Stephen Hulbert is one of our Senior Master Technicians at Steet Ponte Ford who joined our team in early 2023! He comes to us with many years of experience and we're happy to have him with us. Stephen lives locally in Holland Patent, NY. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys watching football, his favorite team is Alabama! His favorite Ford is the Ford F-150.
- Matt Koscielniak
- Senior Master Technician
- (315) 736-8241
Matt Koscielniak is a Senior Master Technician who is a longtime employee at Steet Ponte Ford and the Steet Ponte Auto Group! Matt lives locally in Deerfield, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys racing side by sides and spending time with his family and friends. His favorite Ford is the Ford F-150.
- John Poccia
- Senior Master Technician
- (315) 736-3381
John Poccia is a Senior Master Technician at Steet Ponte Ford who has been working with us for many years! John lives locally in Utica, NY, and in his spare time, he enjoys restoring cars and spending time with family and friends. His favorite Ford is the Ford Explorer.
- Rahim Ahmed
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Rahim Ahmed is a Technician at Steet Ponte Ford. He lives locally in Utica, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends! His favorite Ford is the Ford Raptor.
- Ziyad Arukozic
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Ziyad Arukozic is a Technician at Steet Ponte Ford and longtime employee here! Ziyad lives locally in Utica, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys playing and watching soccer! His favorite Ford is the Ford Maverick!
- David Barone
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
David Barone is a Technician at Steet Ponte Ford. He lives locally in Whitesboro, NY and in his spare time he enjoys anything car related and going to car meets! His favorite Ford is the Ford Shelby GT500.
- Austin Catlin
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Austin Catlin is a longtime Technician at Steet Ponte Ford! He lives locally in Cassville, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys hunting and being outdoors. His favorite Ford is the Ford Super Duty.Â
- Matt Hilts
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Matt Hilts is a Technician and longtime employee at Steet Ponte Ford! Matt lives locally in Verona, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys going to the dirt track. His favorite Ford is the Ford Mustang!
- Logan Lanius
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Logan Lanius is a longtime Technician at Steet Ponte Ford! Logan lives locally in Remsen, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys riding and working on motorcycles. His favorite Ford is the Ford F-250.
- Andre Legrone
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Andre Legrone is a Technician at Steet Ponte Ford! He lives locally in Rome, NY and in his spare time he enjoys working on cars! His favorite Ford is the Ford Focus.
- Allen Oliver
- Auto Technician
- (315) 736-3381
Allen Oliver is a longtime Technician at Steet Ponte Ford! He lives locally in Ava, NY, and in his spare time he enjoys going to concerts. His favorite Ford is the Ford GT350.Â