Melissa Holmes-Stephens

Administration & Co-Owner

Melissa has almost 30 years in the automotive field having worked as a service writer, parts salesperson and small business bookkeeper she has a comprehensive knowledge of automotive repair and garage management. When not at Bob’s she tends to her old world rose collection, travels whenever possible, loves her Welsh Corgis and studies language and dance.

Favorite Food: Woodhouse Chocolates
Dream Car: 1963 Mercedes 220SE convertible
Bucket List Travel Destinations: Milford Sound, Seychelles and Patagonia
Favorite Television Show: Masterpiece Mysteries: Wallander

Astrological Sign: Libra

Sean Stephens

Master Technician & Co-Owner

Sean has always enjoyed taking things apart but it was the Army that ushered him into the automotive trade afterwards apprenticing at his father’s friend’s garage. He has 26 years experience wrenching. His average day consists of troubleshooting, problem solving and managing the garage. An ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) master technician, Sean had to pass 8 exams on all operating systems of the automobile. In his spare time he enjoys computer games and the Forty-Niners.

Favorite Food: Tandoori Chicken
Dream Car: Aston Martin DV9
Bucket List Travel Destinations: Turkey, Greece and Italy
Favorite Television Show: Breaking Bad
Astrological Sign: Aquarius

Leo Torrez

Service Writer

Joining the Berkeley Bob’s team in 2021, Leo had been overseeing procurement for a local retail chain when he jumped ship and entered the small but mighty world of automotive repair. Professionally trained in drama arts he has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Cal State Fullerton. Leo possesses stellar communication skills, has an easing going manner and builds instant rapport with people. An area local, Leo enjoys attending anime film showings, anything labeled horror and community stage performances. He is also a fan of artisanal beer and aged Whiskey. A huge music fan, last year he attended over 100 live music gigs as well as collecting vinyl. He travels when he can, recently undertaking an epic journey to camp with friends in Yellowstone.

Favorite Food: Popcorn
Dream Car: 2008 Lexus GS350
Bucket List Travel Destinations: Machu Picchu, Portugal, Harz Mountains of Germany

Favorite Cartoon(as a kid): The Grim Adventures of Billy Mandy
Favorite Television Show: It Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Astrological Sign: Cancer
Favorite Musical Band: The Flaming Lips

Abraham Tellez

Service Technician

Starting at Berkeley Bob’s as a technician in the summer of 2018, Abe had previously been wrenching for a popular foreign auto repair shop in El Cerrito. Their loss was our gain as Abe is the mainstay of our tech team. He loves a challenge, is methodical and detail oriented, some of the best qualities a tech can have. He’s a life time learner and continually improves his skill set by seeking out and attending classes, seminars and reading up on everything car related. 

When Abe’s not at work he loves listening to music, playing guitar, enjoying time with his family. He’s a super fan of boxing and can be frequently found watching televised bouts. 

Favorite Food: Chili Cheese Fries
Dream Car: 1966 Ford Mustang
Bucket List Travel Destinations: Rome, Jerusalem
Favorite Television Show: Simpsons
Astrological Sign: Libra
Favorite Musical Band: There are many, top favorites include: The Eagles, Johnny Cash and Black Sabbath

Oswaldo DelaCruz

Oswaldo joined our team in 2023. A self taught “natural” he has been tinkering with trains, planes and automobiles since his teenage years. He has studied automotive technology at Chabot College and hopes to get his Associate of Applied Science down the line. Oswaldo exhibits a voracious appetite for learning new skills and is quickly earning his stripes to become a journeyman. His passion is modifying his collection of Lexus cars for performance in drifting competitions. In his off time when not on the “race track” he enjoys bargain hunting for fixer upper vehicles.       

Favorite Food: Pizza

Dream Car: Lexus IS500 F Sport

Bucket List Travel Destinations: Washington DC, Las Vegas, New York, Grand Canyon

Favorite Cartoon (as a kid): Kids Next Door

Favorite Band: Los Bukis

Favorite Television Shows: Supernatural, The Office, Shameless

Astrological Sign: Gemini