Faces of 209 | 2020

Faces of the

THIS REGION IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE DUE IN LARGE PART TO THE ORGANIZATIONS, PROFESSIONALS, AND ENTREPRENEURS THAT CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS HERE. FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS TO SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS MAKING AN IMPACT, THESE ARE THE FACES OF THE 209.   BY NORA HESTON TARTE / D DAN HOOD

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The face of NEW AUTOMOBILE SALES Whether your sights are set on a bigger car to fit your growing family or a sporty second vehicle to take you off-road, there is more to buying a car than the car itself. From the moment you step into a dealership, you should know you’re in the best hands.

And at Chase Chevrolet, you will be.

Celebrating more than 75 years in business in San Joaquin County,, Chase Chevrolet has earned its reputation as a trusted sources for locals looking to bring home the car of their dreams.

“We do everything we can to make it easy on the customer,” says Sales Manager Tom Moser, before summing up just what makes Chase Chevrolet one of the most beloved car dealerships in the county: “It’s hassle free!” Everyone who steps through those doors, whether it’s for the first time of the one hundredth time receives a personal, one on one experience with a friendly and knowledgeable sales team, all of whom are regularly trained and tested to stay on top of product knowledge.

For every sales associate at Chase Chevrolet, customer satisfaction

comes first. From helping customers with the financing process to the top-notch service department for any and all maintenance needs, they’ve got it all covered to ensure that everyone has a positive experience.

Outside of the dealership, Chase Chevrolet strives to support the community that has in turn supported them. By partnering with numerous nonprofits and charities throughout San Joaquin, they’ve proven that their level of care extends outside the car business.

For such an important purchase, you’ll want the best, and the folks at Chase Chevrolet are confident they can take care of every need. “We have fantastic service, no high-pressure sales, great prices,” promises Tom. “And great sales people!”

CHASE CHEVROLET

6441 HOLMAN RD., STOCKTON (209) 475-6600 I CHASECHEVROLET.COM SJMAG.COM | JULY 2020

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The face of HVAC Lovotti Inc. was created on the precedence of doing local HVAC better, and for the past 14 years, owner Scott Lovotti believes his company is continuously succeeding. A consistent winner of San Joaquin County’s Best Of HVAC category—for eight years running—Lovotti Inc. has also received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, confirming that Lovotti Inc. is indeed doing HVAC better.

attributes the business’ success to the great team that makes up his company, including Office Manager Silvia Almazan, Utilities Project Manager Brian Thompson, HVAC Senior Estimator Ryan Prudhel, HVAC Project Manager Artie Jewel, HVAC Service Manager Dustin Deutscher, Electrical Manager Josh Dunkin, Plumbing Manager Jose Navarro, Refrigeration Manager Tim Thimler, Sheetmetal Manager JD Raya, and all supporting staff.

Services offered by Lovotti Inc. include air conditioning, electrical, heating, indoor air-quality, plumbing, and refrigeration. A one-stop-shop for all your home and business installment, construction, and repair needs, Lovotti prides itself on providing honest workmanship and exceptional customer service. “We make sure that all of our technicians are highly trained to perform their jobs,” says Scott. “We are consumers as well, so we know what it takes to provide the customer with a service at a reasonable price.”

Beyond HVAC, Lovotti Inc. is a business of the community, not only providing an essential service to San Joaquin County residents, but also serving the community through several philanthropic efforts including support of The First Tee Program, United Way, United Cerebral Palsy, March of Dimes, St. Jude’s, Local Community Hospice, Stockton Ports, Stockton Kings, VFW and current and former military personal, various schools, and various youth athletic programs.

The first thing Scott will tell anyone is he couldn’t do it alone.

A lesson he learned from his father, former baseball coach Paul Lovotti, is his business motto: “You are only successful as the team you build around you.” That’s why Scott only hires technicians and office staff he can trust, those with the same dedication to customer service Scott himself exudes. Above all else, Scott

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LOVOTTI INC.

2216 STEWART ST., STOCKTON (209) 931-2100 I LOVOTTIINC.COM

The face of HEALTH CAREER EDUCATION Their name says it all. If your child is looking to get a jumpstart on their future career in the healthcare industry, then there’s no better place to send them than the Health Careers Academy.

Located in Stockton, this unique and innovative school has been preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for the future by teaching them all they need to know. And equally importantly, the school and its incredible staff has been instilling students with a sense of passion that they will carry with them as they continue their educations and eventually start their careers.

“Our mission at HCA is to prepare kids to be ready for college so that they can earn a degree, and also be ready to work in entry level positions right out of high school,” says Aaron Mata, Principal at HCA. “We try to provide our students with a unique learning experience that focuses on applying what they are learning in the classroom to the healthcare industry.”

Of course, none of this would be possible without HCA’s stellar staff and community partners: “Our teachers do a great job of

preparing our students with the necessary educational and social skills that will allow them to be successful when helping in the community, and working in the healthcare industry,” Aaron says. “Our community partners provide HCA students with internships, externships, and job shadowing opportunities.”

This year, HCA will launch just under a hundred graduating students towards their bright futures, which in and of itself is gratifying for the staff. But what they seem to love the most is observing the progress that the students make over their four years at the school.

“It’s very rewarding to see students build confidence within themselves and reach their goals,” states Aaron.

HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY

931 E. MAGNOLIA ST., STOCKTON (209) 933-7360 I STOCKTONUSD.NET/HCA

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David

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The face of PIZZA At David’s Pizza, being involved with the community is just as important as serving up delicious pizza. “Getting to know the customers who come in regularly is the most satisfying part of the business,” says David Calder, owner of David’s Pizza. With more than 27 years of experience under his belt and an array of loyal customers to show for it, it’s safe to say that David serves up a mean slice of “za”, too.

“We make our own dough and pizza sauce daily,” says David.

“Everything is made with a lot of love and care.” Fresh, locallysourced ingredients and a family-friendly atmosphere are just a few reasons why David’s Pizza is a San Joaquin favorite. From their old fashioned, hand-tossed dough freshly baked in a brick oven, to their diverse array of 12 signature pizzas on the menu (including the option to create your own pizza masterpiece) David’s Pizza caters to both tradition and trend in their pizza styles and flavors.

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For customers craving something different, David’s Pizza offers savory pastas smothered in homemade sauce, fresh sandwiches served on a Genova roll, as well as a variety of appetizers to choose from, including some of the best wings in town! A customer favorite, the “Family Special” is the perfect group choice – it includes a large 2-topping pizza, family salad, and a 2-liter soda of your choice. So, whether you want to grab a hot slice of pizza for lunch on the go or take friends and family out for a pizza night, David’s Pizza is the local place to go!

“It’s all about consistency, and connecting with the community,” says David. “You can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with good music, good food, and good conversation when you come to David’s.”

DAVID’S PIZZA

1744 W. HAMMER LN., STOCKTON (209) 477-2677 I DAVIDSPIZZAS.ORG

The face of COFFEE For many locals, House of Coffees is just that - a place to gather, feel at home and enjoy a great cup of Joe! But coffee isn’t the only drink on the menu. Craving a sweet afternoon treat? House of Coffees also offers Italian sodas, milkshakes, and an assortment of other delicious drinks. Need a beer? Come in during happy hour and treat yourself to a local brew. With so many drinks to choose from, it’s easy to see why House of Coffees is Lodi’s one stop, drink shop!

For Sami Terra, memories at the coffee shop on the corner date back to childhood. Having grown up as a loyal customer, Sami built a close bond with the former owners of the shop. But it wasn’t until she went away to college that she started working at a coffee shop herself and became passionate about the specialty coffee industry.

Sami knew she wanted to return to Lodi after graduating, and it was as if the stars aligned when she got a call from the owner of House of Coffees telling her that she was going to sell and hoped

www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com

Sami would be interested. Sami says she knew that this was her if not now, then when moment, and in February 2018, she became the new owner.

For Sami, the best part of the job is the community aspect. “It’s the people you get to know and meet every day,” says Sami.

“Specifically, you have a lot of new customers, as well as ones that have been coming in for the past 25 years – you get to form so many great relationships!” She refers to House of Coffees as, “The place where we know your name, and remember what you like to drink.” It’s the house that leaves you feeling right at home.

HOUSE OF COFFEES

239 LAKEWOOD MALL, LODI (209) 368-2611 | HOUSEOFCOFFEES.COM

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The face of AUTO REPAIR The motto at Aurora Collision Center is a very reassuring one: “Taking care of cars and the people who drive them.” As Stockton’s oldest body shop, it’s clear they’ve got that down to an art.

But Aurora Collision Center does more than just repair your car after an accident. They can also do detailing, decal removal, and headlight restoration. Additionally, Shaun is happy to inspect used cars, free of charge, prior to purchase, potentially saving you the hassle of future repairs.

Owner Shaun Arroyo strives to make the painful process of collision repair as stress-free as possible. “I’m like the car lawyer,” he jokes. “I only want my customers to worry about when the car will be done.” But once you’re in Aurora’s capable hands, even that will be a refreshingly easy process. With systems that keep customers notified of their car’s progress, plus Shaun’s dedication to explaining the repair process and how long it’ll take, there’s truly little for anyone to worry about. At their new location, even their hours are convenient – and, they’re open on Saturdays, which is especially helpful for commuters who can’t come in on weekdays.

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Once they’re finished with your car, you can take comfort in the fact that you’ll have a lifetime warranty. And if you have an emergency, give them a call – even after hours, Shaun will get the message and can help you address the problem immediately. “I don’t care what kind of car comes in,” promises Shaun. “It’ll get the same kind of attention.”

AURORA COLLISION CENTER

810 S. MONROE ST., STOCKTON (209) 465-2636 | AURORACOLLISION1.COM

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The face of JUICE BARS Mark Sarale opened his first Nekter Juice Bar in March of 2018, and the Stockton shop quickly became a staple for those in search of a healthier juice.

Since then, Sarale has taken over an existing Roseville store and is opening a Modesto shop with his two sons. He’s also partnered with two other businessmen to bring more juice bars to the Sacramento area.

Mark originally got into the juice business for two reasons. He’s an experienced franchiser with San Joaquin businesses in other markets, and he’s a dedicated health and fitness nut. These passions collided when Mark’s wife told him about the Nekter shop in Roseville.

So why are people clamoring for Nekter juice? The brand is dedicated to fresh, quality juices, bowls, and desserts. The juices are made from fresh fruits and vegetables delivered to the shops three to four times per week, the base of the smoothies and bowls come from cashew milk made fresh daily on-site, and all of the products are free of refined sugars, yogurts, and juice concentrates.

“Everything we have is as fresh as can be,” Mark says. Even the vegan ice cream—sweetened with agave nectar—is made from the same fresh cashew milk.

Guests are invited to order from a menu of smoothies, pressed juices, fusions, acai bowls, and vegan ice cream, or create their own concoctions. It’s also a great place to start a juice cleanse.

Mark and his two sons, Marcus (pictured) and Julian, have turned the franchise into a family business, with Marcus running the Stockton shop and Julian working to take over Roseville/s.

“My son Marcus, he’s the face of the Stockton store,” Mark says. “He’s been there since day one. As we grow [my sons will] oversee the operations with me.”

NEKTER JUICE BAR

211 LINCOLN CTR., STOCKTON (209) 636-4694 | NEKTERJUICEBAR.COM

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The face of PUBLIC GOLF Manteca Park Golf Course is fast becoming one of the top courses in the Central Valley for playability and value.

driving range, golf carts, a chipping green, and a putting green, plus a banquet hall, coffee shop, clubhouse, and store.

Living up to its motto, ‘The Public Course with the Country Club Feel’, Director of Golf Jeff DeBenedetti says, ‘we treat our customers like family and we do what we can to exceed their expectations. All players of all ability levels are welcome and will enjoy their round of golf here.” And as one of the most affordable courses in the area, players will also enjoy enhancements made throughout the course.

For those who haven’t seen the course since the takeover, there has been a significant re-design. The holes were renumbered to encourage a better game flow and a faster pace of play, plus a better last hole experience. What was once known as a slow course can now reasonably be played in just over four hours.

Jeff and his team are embracing the idea of community at the course. A big part of the mission involves bringing junior golf to Manteca. Employees told Jeff they once left the city to play golf at the junior level because there wasn’t a local outlet. All of that has changed. Manteca Park hosts four junior leagues to hit every caliber of player. And with Jeff at the helm—his last junior golf team won the junior’s PGA national championship—young golfers are in good hands.

The full facility is more than an 18-hole course. It also offers a

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The City of Manteca also hired a new superintendent who is improving the look of the grounds, the playing conditions, and the drainage. Condition-wise, Jeff says it’s one of the top courses in the San Joaquin Valley, and the prices give players the best value in the valley ($29 on weekdays, $34 on weekends). Perhaps the biggest perk, however, is the course location. “It’s right here in peoples’ backyard,” Jeff says.

MANTECA PARK GOLF COURSE

305 N. UNION RD., MANTECA (209) 825-2500 | MANTECAPARKGOLF.COM

Stevan Michaels, VP and Business Banking Center Manager, Headquarters

Kent Fyffe, VP and Business Banking Center Manager, Lodi

Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt-Sandstrom, VP & Director of Retail Banking

John R. Primasing, Jr., VP, Chief Credit Officer

Douglass M. Eberhardt II, President, C.E.O. and Chairman of the Board Not pictured: Jim Nemmers, VP and Business Banking Center Manager, Manteca

The face of BANKING As San Joaquin County and the rest of the nation continues the slow recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic, the residual effect of the shelter-in-place orders is a potential economic downturn.

Throughout the pandemic, the Bank of Stockton, considered an essential services business, remained open and available to help customers with their banking needs. “We’ve been conducting business as close to usual as possible, despite these unusual times,” says Douglass M. Eberhardt II, Bank of Stockton President and CEO. As a local community bank, Bank of Stockton’s team of lenders worked tirelessly to assist both customers and noncustomers in securing much needed funding during this time, including acting as a conduit to the Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The bank assisted customers with successfully securing over 2,000 loans and had all hands on deck to help. “In these unprecedented times, when our communities need their bank most, it is our job to be here for them,” says Eberhardt II.

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Bank of Stockton has survived depressions, recessions, economic downturns, and uncertainties throughout its 153-year history, and while new challenges occur, like COVID-19, the bank continues to provide unprecedented strength and safety to the communities it serves. In the midst of the pandemic, the bank was able to complete a beautiful second location in Lodi on Kettleman Lane to meet the needs of its growing customer base. With 20 branches in 16 cities throughout nine counties, Bank of Stockton is wellknown for its personalized service and long-tenured bankers.

“Together, we will weather this storm and Withstand the Test of Time as we have for over a century and a half,” says Eberhardt II.

BANK OF STOCKTON

Branches in Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Ripon, Oakdale, Elk Grove, Rio Vista, Pine Grove, Angels Camp, Sonora, Modesto, Turlock, Fairfield, Napa, Brentwood.

BANKOFSTOCKTON.COM

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• 209 The face of Faces of the

•

2019

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Manshadi knew from a young age that he wanted to be a physician. “During a complicated pregnancy and birth, competent doctors in Israel saved both my and my mother’s lives,” he explains. Today, he seeks to emulate the confidence of those doctors by saving lives, educating others, and truly honoring the Hippocratic Oath.

Named a top doctor by Castel Connolly, Dr. Manshadi began volunteering and administering EKGs at UC Davis Medical Center as a college student at the age of 18. There, he met Ezra Amsterdam, a teacher and mentor. “He instilled in me the love of cardiology,” he says.

There was not only a love, but serious talent, as Dr. Manshadi dove deeper into the study—and with the ability to justify and analyze complex entities and categorize them, he excelled. “If your gift and passion are synonymous, you will be successful and happy.”

In May 2013 Manshadi Heart Institute welcomed patients with a simple yet profound mission: Improve the lives of patients through excellence in cardiovascular education, heart disease prevention, and the highest-quality treatment available. From prevention to intervention, the Institute offers a full spectrum of cardiac care.

Dr. Manshadi personally improves the lives of the general public, raising awareness of sudden cardiac death in athletes and donating his book proceeds to purchase and install AEDs in schools across the country. “It’s very important to know how to use and AED, and you never know when you’re able to save someone’s life,” he says. “When applied within first two minutes, there’s a 90 percent survival rate.”

In his free time, Dr. Manshadi enjoys coaching soccer and supporting a league he funds for young children.

DR. MANSHADI, MANSHADI HEART INSTITUTE 2633 PACIFIC AVE., # 1, STOCKTON (209) 944-5530 I DRMANSHADI.COM

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12th Annual

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