Meet Our Staff

Management

  • Ray Catena

    Ray Catena

    President

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    Ray Catena

    Ray Catena

    President

    “If you think anything is more important than the customer, think again.
    We have a philosophy here… You take care of your life, your family, your business, and we’ll take care of your car.”

  • Leigh Farrell

    Leigh Farrell

    General Manager

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    Leigh Farrell

    Leigh Farrell

    General Manager

    I started with the Ray Catena family in the summer of 1990.
    My passion is never ending for the family’s brand and for the Mercedes Benz brand.
    I am extremely proud of my fabulous grown children and grandchildren. I love the beach, reading, running, yacht rock and “high noons”!
    Looking forward to seeing you soon.

  • Matt  Bower

    Matt Bower

    Sales Manager

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    Matt  Bower

    Matt Bower

    Sales Manager

    Matt Bower is a sales manager with over 15 years experience with the Ray Catena Organization. With a driving passion for automobiles, he started with the company washing vehicles and drove his way up the ladder into management. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with friends, dining out and racing cars.

  • Tim Antoniszyn

    Tim Antoniszyn

    Sales Manager

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    Tim Antoniszyn

    Tim Antoniszyn

    Sales Manager

    With over 20 years at Ray Catena Mercedes-Benz, I started as a lot attendant and have grown through the ranks to become Sales Manager. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work at all three of our Mercedes-Benz locations, gaining valuable experience across every part of the dealership. I’m passionate about the Mercedes-Benz brand and committed to providing every customer with a world-class experience. In my free time, I enjoy playing hockey and golf.

Sales

  • Adriana Barile

    Adriana Barile

    Sales Advisor

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    Adriana Barile

    Adriana Barile

    Sales Advisor

    Adriana Barile is a Certified Sales Consultant with over five years of luxury brand experience, proudly serving clients at Ray Catena since 2024. A Monmouth county local, Adriana is known for her personalized attention and commitment to each client. She ensures every buying experience is both seamless and enjoyable. Outside of work, Adriana enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family, friends, and beloved Cane Corso.

  • Cole Vernaci

    Cole Vernaci

    Sales Advisor

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    Cole Vernaci

    Cole Vernaci

    Sales Advisor

    I have been in the automotive industry since 2022, and with Mercedes since early 2024. First starting out as a product specialist here at Ray Catena, I instantly fell in love with the brand and what it offers to its customers. I now have grown in the company to sales, and it has been nothing but amazing! I look forward to giving anybody in front of me the Ray Catena experience the second you walk into the showroom floor. I’ve been a Monmouth County resident my entire life. I enjoy staying healthy, and working out in my free time, along with spending time with family and friends, and watching the Jets play on Sundays. I take pride in my Italian American Heritage greatly as well!

  • Dillon Card

    Dillon Card

    Sales Advisor

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    Dillon Card

    Dillon Card

    Sales Advisor

    I’m a dedicated sales and Leasing consultant with over 6 years of experience with Ray Catena of Freehold. A proud veteran and Monroe, New Jersey local. Having graduated with honors in Automotive Technology, I am able to explain how our products are built and perform with confidence and clarity. Cars are more than just a profession, they’re a passion. I’m an avid cyclist, enjoy fishing, and love to travel. Above all, I am family man who values time spent with loved ones. 

  • Gary Placona

    Gary Placona

    Sales Advisor

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    Gary Placona

    Gary Placona

    Sales Advisor

    Gary Placona is a Certified Sales Consultant with over 10 years of experience at the Ray Catena Auto Group. My certification in Mercedes-Benz product knowledge is extensive and pride myself is making the customer the most important thing to me. Outside of Work I am a car enthusiast of all models, love going to the gym and spending time with my family.

  • John Farrell Jr.

    John Farrell Jr.

    Sales Advisor

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    John Farrell Jr.

    John Farrell Jr.

    Sales Advisor

    John Farrell Jr. has worked at Ray Catena for 15 years. He started with the company as a young man washing cars while going to school. His passion for Mercedes-Benz engineering and helping others has blossomed into becoming the seasoned, top performing Sales & Leasing Representative that he is today. John is a family man who enjoys good conversation, trying new food, and is an avid sports fan.

  • Michael Quarles

    Michael Quarles

    Sales Advisor

    Michael Quarles

    Michael Quarles

    Sales Advisor

  • Mudassir Ilyas

    Mudassir Ilyas

    Sales Advisor

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    Mudassir Ilyas

    Mudassir Ilyas

    Sales Advisor

    I started with Ray Catena early 2020 on the heels of the birth of my first born children, which happened to be twins. I am privileged to work at a company where I have been able to learn and grow in the business, working my way  up from a product specialist to a successful salesperson, and being able to provide for my family. Being hit with challenges in lieu of the pandemic, I have been able to remain grounded and drives sales with the support of my managers and peers.

  • Nicholas Castaneda

    Nicholas Castaneda

    Sales Advisor

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    Nicholas Castaneda

    Nicholas Castaneda

    Sales Advisor

    With 16 years of experience and the highest certification in the Mercedes-Benz brand, Nicholas Castaneda delivers expert guidance and exceptional service to every client. A local resident, husband, and father, he’s dedicated to making the car-buying experience personal, transparent, and enjoyable

  • Nicholas Petroff

    Nicholas Petroff

    Sales Advisor

    Nicholas Petroff

    Nicholas Petroff

    Sales Advisor

  • Stephen Kennedy

    Stephen Kennedy

    Sales Advisor

    Stephen Kennedy

    Stephen Kennedy

    Sales Advisor

  • Vincent Trainor

    Vincent Trainor

    Sales Advisor

    Vincent Trainor

    Vincent Trainor

    Sales Advisor

Business Development

  • Irene  Halkias

    Irene Halkias

    Business Development

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    Irene  Halkias

    Irene Halkias

    Business Development

    With 4 years of experience as a Business Development Consultant at Mercedes Benz, I pride myself on delivering a personalized luxury buying experience for every client. Fluent in Greek and passionate about fashion, I bring both professionalism and style to my work. Outside of the showroom, I cherish time with family and friends, especially over a good meal and meaningful conversation.

  • Kate Bolante

    Kate Bolante

    Business Development

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    Kate Bolante

    Kate Bolante

    Business Development

    Proud to be a part of the Ray Catena family of dealerships for the past couple of years! I have built a strong foundation in Sales and now serve in our Business Development office. I am passionate about the automotive industry and dedicated to delivering a client-focused experience, ensuring every interaction whether in-person or remotely, aligns with the client’s true needs. I am a lifelong Monmouth County resident and proud mom of 3 young kids. Outside of the dealership, the kids and I are big travelers, avid sport enthusiasts and animal lovers! I know the value of trust and reliability and try to make sure that every client that walks through our doors, knows they are in the best hands in purchasing their vehicle from Ray Catena!

 

Sales Reception

Sales Reception Team

Madison, Sydney & Belissy

Service

  • Chris Paserba

    Chris Paserba

    Service Manager

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    Chris Paserba

    Chris Paserba

    Service Manager

    I have been in the automotive industry for 15 years, with three different brands; saving the best for last. I joined the Ray Catena family in 2018, and I take great pride in being part of the most honest, hardworking and customer service-oriented group in the world. I absolutely love what I do and could not imagine working with a more tight-knit group of people. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my beautiful family, going to the beach, and collecting fine spirits. I also enjoy watching my favorite sports teams, the Yankees, Giants & Devils.

  • Andrew Frizziola

    Andrew Frizziola

    Service Advisor

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    Andrew Frizziola

    Andrew Frizziola

    Service Advisor

    Hi! My name is Andrew Frizziola and I am a Service Advisor at Ray Catena of Freehold. I have been with the Ray Catena and Mercedes-Benz brand for over 3 years. I specialize in product knowledge and customer service. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my girlfriend, family, and dogs.

  • Marian Luke

    Marian Luke

    Service Advisor

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    Marian Luke

    Marian Luke

    Service Advisor

    Marian Luke is a Service Advisor with Ray Catena, many years of experience in delivering exceptional customer care. Known for her professionalism and dedication, she ensures every client’s needs are met with expertise and attention to detail. Outside of work, Marian enjoys reading and immersing herself in new stories and ideas.

  • Taylor Negron

    Taylor Negron

    Service Advisor

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    Taylor Negron

    Taylor Negron

    Service Advisor

    I started off in the automotive business when I joined the Ray Catena family in 2013. Working for the best of the best it’s easy to say I love my job and the people I work with. With my spare time I enjoy spending it with my beautiful fiancé and my dog either on the beach or in the woods fishing.

  • Phil Scherrer

    Phil Scherrer

    Service Advisor

    Phil Scherrer

    Phil Scherrer

    Service Advisor

  • Sean Wong

    Sean Wong

    Service Advisor - Formerly of Mercedes Benz of Union

    Sean Wong

    Sean Wong

    Service Advisor - Formerly of Mercedes Benz of Union

Service Reception

Lisa & Stephanie

 

Service BDC

Service BDC

Megan, Caitlyn, Madison and Lesley

Parts

parts department

Pictured from left to right: Shea McNamara, Dave Carmon, Dave Torres (Parts Manager), Elizabeth Milo (Asst. Parts Manager), & Rey Rivera

This dynamic Mercedes-Benz parts team brings a combined depth of knowledge, certification, and personality to Ray Catena. David Torres, a Master Certified Parts Manager with over 20 years of experience, is known for his operational excellence and passion for RC car racing. Supporting him is Assistant Parts Manager Elizabeth Milo, who brings 19 years of industry experience, ASE certification, and a dual degree in Applied Automotive Science and Marketing. Liz’s love for animals and flair for fashion add a vibrant touch to her leadership. Dave Carmon recently joined the team but brings nearly 15 years of parts experience and a motorsports spirit, balancing the fast lane with quiet escapes into nature. Rey Rivera, a Certified Mercedes-Benz Parts Advisor with five years at Ray Catena, blends his technical precision with a love for music and car customization. Rounding out the group is Shea McNamara, a multi-brand Master Certified Parts Counterman with 13 years of experience, currently working toward his Mercedes-Benz Master Certification. He’s a passionate traveler and collector who brings creativity and heart to the team. Together, they represent the excellence and passion that define the Ray Catena legacy.

Service Valet

valet team

John, Reid, Joe, Stephen, Jayson, Jake, & Chris

Mercedes-Benz Factory Certified Technicians

tech team