Technicians

Andrew Gescheidt, Owner
Andy attended Carnegie-Mellon University where he studied Computer Science. His first love has always been cars so instead of finishing his degree, he dropped out to pursue his hands on, ''Doctor of Motors,'' which lead to the establishment of Popular Mechanix in 1983 and its many satisfied customers. In his spare time, Andy and his wife Karen, bike ride, attend Comic Book Conventions and are active members of the Yoga Society of San Francisco on Folsom Street.

Jon Miller, Service Manager
After retiring from a 23-year career in public transit, Jon joined Popular Mechanix in 2000 to help Andy manage Popular Mechanix after his accident. Jon has a B.S. in bacteriology from Syracuse University and a Certificate in Computer Science from UC Berkeley. Like Andy, he has always loved diagnosing and fixing car problems. He spends his hours away from Popular Mechanix with his wife Anne and children Matthew 18 and Sophia 12. His hobbies include origami, yoga, hiking, biking and camping.

Lawrence Fonseca, Technician
Lawrence is Popular Mechanix’ diagnostician. When your car has a problem, it’s Lawrence who figures out what’s the matter. He has worked for Popular Mechanix for 13 years and was hired just after he completed auto mechanical training at the Sequoia Institute in Fremont, California. He then went on to complete his ASE Masters Certification. He values the flexibility and people he works with at Popular Mechanix and likes serving its customers. He spends his spare time being a Dad to his two daughters, 12 and 5, and playing softball.

EJ
EJ says his nickname stands for “energetic and joyful” and that's the truth. A mechanic since 1969, EJ has been with Popular Mechanix for five years. He is a factory trained Saab technician and has specialized in Volvos for the past 10 years. He “cut his teeth” in Cleveland, Ohio working on BMW's, Mercedes, Saabs and Volvos before moving to California in the early 80s. He’s a jack of all trades and can fix anything. In his spare time, he races cars, restores “old iron”, restores Victorians, creates beautiful stained glass and gardens. He loves the atmosphere at Popular Mechanix, the people, attitude, and customers.

Philip Farinas
Our newest addition to the team, Philip has had an interest in cars since childhood. Philip's uncle is a US Air Force automotive mechanic and his grandfather was a head mechanic in the Philippines. You could say engines run in his family. Philip recently completed his automotive training at Sequoia Institute in Fremont and loves working on and modifying cars. He says a big reason he's so happy here at Popular Mechanix is the valuable hands-on experience he now gets daily: real world vs. theory-only schooling. His desire to learn is welcome, not discouraged. He says if he has a question, our other mechanics don't tell him to !&*#@! Off, they answer his questions and educate him. We're glad to have Philip on the team and hope his eagerness to learn continues at Popular Mechanix.

RC Bishop
Robert Charles began his professional life right here at Popular Mechanix, back in 1994. After a few years he moved to San Diego and worked at a Volvo dealership, perfecting his trade, getting his ASE certification, and becoming a Volvo Master Technician. Between then and today he also gained two years experience with Audis and VW's, and developed a fondness for Volvo P-1800's like the one he's pictured with here. RC recently married his sweetheart, Allison, and they have a new baby, Jadalynne to make his return to the Bay Area complete. He looks forward to hiking, and camping with his new family. We're lucky and glad to have him,and his Volvo expertise, back home at Popular Mechanix!