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Some people find their calling early and never look back. Fernando Rodrigues, GM Certified Automotive Technician at Maritime Chevrolet, is exactly that kind of person. With a career that spans four decades and a passion for all things automotive that extends well beyond the shop floor, Fernando is one of the most experienced and respected members of our team, and we are thrilled to introduce him to you. Fernando grew up splitting his early years between Lisbon, Portugal and Bridgeport, Connecticut, giving him a unique perspective and a genuine appreciation for the opportunities his career has provided. Fernando's journey in the automotive industry began in 1985 with Chevrolet, making him one of the longest-tenured Chevy technicians you are likely to meet. His formal training includes studies at the Porter and Chester Institute of Automotive Technology and the GM Service Technical College, and he has spent the decades since building on that foundation through hands-on experience and continuous learning. He has been a proud member of the EH Automotive family for 21 years, a testament to the loyalty and dedication he brings to his work every single day. What keeps a technician engaged and motivated after 40-plus years in the business? For Fernando, the answer is simple: the technology never stops evolving.  That curiosity and commitment to staying current is exactly what makes Fernando the kind of technician customers can trust with their vehicles year after year. If you thought Fernando's love of cars stopped at the end of his shift, think again. When he is not in the service bay, you can find him out on the water boating and fishing, cruising on his Harley-Davidson, or doing what might be his most impressive side pursuit: restoring his 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS. He also has a knack for bodywork and paint, a skill that tends to surprise people who know him primarily as a mechanical technician. And his dream garage? A classic 1966 to 1970 Chevelle, a 1969 to 1970 Nova, and a 1970 SS Monte Carlo. In other words, if it is a classic American muscle car from the golden era, Fernando is a fan. One last fun fact he wanted to share? He is much younger than Ralph (our Service Manager). We will leave that one there. Fernando Rodrigues is the kind of team member that every dealership hopes to have: experienced, passionate, customer-focused, and genuinely dedicated to his craft. We are incredibly grateful for his 21 years of service to Maritime Chevrolet and the countless customers he has taken care of along the way. Next time you bring your Chevrolet in for service, there is a good chance Fernando has had a hand in keeping it running at its best. Now you know a little more about the person behind the work. Stay tuned for more employee spotlights celebrating the people who make Maritime Chevrolet what it is!

At Maritime Chevrolet, we have always believed that being a great dealership means being a great neighbor. That belief is at the heart of our newest community partnership. We are proud to announce that Maritime Chevrolet is partnering with Connecticut United Youth Foundation, Inc. through the Chevy Youth Sports program, a national initiative that positions Chevrolet as the Official Vehicle of Youth Sports while giving local dealerships the opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact on youth athletics in their communities. Through the Chevy Youth Sports program, Maritime Chevrolet is providing a one-time monetary contribution to Connecticut United Youth Foundation, Inc. to help cover registration fees, equipment costs, facility maintenance, and other administrative expenses that keep youth sports programs running and accessible for local families. For the kids and families in Fairfield, that support translates directly into more opportunities to play, compete, and grow. "Sports can help kids develop skills like leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship while bringing families and communities together to show their support," said Eric Sandstrom, President of Maritime Chevrolet. "Maritime Chevrolet and Chevy Youth Sports are proud to help Connecticut United Youth Foundation, Inc. bring so many smiles to kids and families in Fairfield. Chevy believes in the power of play as a way for young people to build the skills needed to be successful in the future." The Chevy Youth Sports program is one of the most far-reaching community initiatives in the automotive industry. In 2025 alone, nearly 700 Chevrolet dealerships across the country participated, collectively supporting youth athletic programs in communities from coast to coast. Maritime Chevrolet is proud to be among them, bringing that national commitment to giving back directly to our corner of Connecticut. The partnership with Connecticut United Youth Foundation, Inc. is a natural extension of what Chevrolet vehicles are designed to do every day. "Chevrolet vehicles are designed and built with busy families in mind, featuring a comprehensive suite of available safety features, technologies that make the journey more comfortable and engaging for the entire family, and the space and flexibility needed to haul people and cargo," Sandstrom added. "We encourage everyone to come take a look at what Chevrolet has to offer." Whether you are hauling soccer gear, driving the carpool to practice, or loading up for a tournament weekend, Chevrolet has a vehicle built for the way your family lives. To learn more about the Chevy Youth Sports program, visit chevrolet.com/youthsports. And to explore the full Chevrolet lineup, stop by Maritime Chevrolet. We would love to show you what we have to offer and share more about the work we are doing right here in our community.

At Maritime Chevrolet, our team is made up of people who care about our customers and our community. This month, we are shining the spotlight on Kristoff Victor, one of our Sales Consultants whose energy, work ethic, and remarkable journey make him one of the most unique members of our team. Kristoff's path to the automotive industry is anything but conventional. Born in Haiti, he lived there until the age of 12 before relocating to New York, where he would spend the next several decades building a life full of varied and meaningful experiences. From running a cigar lounge to managing grocery stores, working his way up from car detailer to Detail Manager and Trainer, and eventually managing valet operations across three locations, Kristoff has always found a way to lead, grow, and connect with the people around him. In 2025, he made Connecticut home, and not long after, he found his way to Maritime Chevrolet. In just seven months with our team, he has already made a lasting impression. What Drives Him Ask Kristoff what he loves most about the automotive industry and his answer comes without hesitation: the people. "I love getting to know new people and building new relationships," he says. "I love the mystery of never knowing who you're going to meet next." That genuine curiosity about people is rooted in something deeper. Kristoff was raised by a single mother whose selflessness shaped the way he sees the world. "She put her needs before mine, not out of selfishness, but out of love and sacrifice," he reflects. "In doing so, she taught me that kindness is a choice we can make every day." That philosophy guides the way Kristoff approaches every customer interaction, every single day. Proud Moments at Maritime In his short time with the dealership, Kristoff has already collected some memorable milestones. A standout moment was helping a client purchase a Corvette they had worked 29 years to afford, a sale that meant far more than a transaction. He has also earned recognition as a top New Car Sales Consultant just months into the role, and of course, there was the beloved dealership tradition of getting his tie cut on his very first sale. He is also trilingual, something that allows him to connect with an even broader range of customers in a meaningful way. Outside the Showroom When Kristoff is not at Maritime Chevrolet, you can find him at home with his wife and their cats, making trips to New York to spend time with his mother, or working on his personal vehicles in Bridgeport. He is a car enthusiast through and through, and his dream ride? A C6 Corvette in red. Kristoff is not just building a career at Maritime Chevrolet. He is building a future. "I plan to be in the business for the rest of my life," he says. "I have my goals set already." We are grateful to have Kristoff on our team and cannot wait to see everything he accomplishes in the years ahead. If you have not had the chance to work with him yet, stop by Maritime Chevrolet and introduce yourself. We have a feeling you will be glad you did.