Meet our Team of Automotive Specialists

<div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Robert-E-Crabtree-Jr-19302.jpg" alt="Robert E. Crabtree Jr." class="photo" title="Robert E. Crabtree Jr." /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Owner</div> <div class="name fn">Robert E. Crabtree Jr.</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 </div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>Biography – Robert E. Crabtree Jr . Updated August 2015 I was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on July 27, 1964. Although my parents just made it to the hospital, my mother often tells the story that my birth actually began in a 1964 Chrysler Imperial. I was destined to be in the automobile business. I am a third generation automobile man. My grandfather started in the business in 1928, and opened his own dealership in 1938 which marked the beginning of Crabtree Motors in New Rochelle, NY. After the untimely death of my grandfather, my father, only 26 years old, became the youngest Dodge Dealer in the Country, and continued for over 55 years in business with tremendous success until his death on February 9th, 2005. My father exposed me to the business as early as 11 years old, cleaning cars. He always told me, “we are not just in the car business, we are in the people business”, a philosophy I continue to hold today. During my high school and college years, I worked summers, and was exposed to all aspects of the business, from prep to parts, to service, then as a Salesperson and eventually a Finance Manager. My summer education in the automobile business rivaled my scholastic education. I knew from there that I wanted to be in the automobile business. After my graduation from Boston University on May 17th, 1987, I spent a year in the Chicago region as a management trainee for Toyota Motor Sales, then went on to sell cars at Crabtree Ford, and quickly became the Sales Manager. After the Dealerships in New Rochelle were sold in 1989, I came to work at Colonial Toyota. I began selling after-sales and soon became the used car Manager, and was eventually promoted to General Sales Manager. Two and 1/2 years later, I earned the General Manager Position. The Dealership was not healthy, but due to the dedicated young crew, we soon became Connecticut’s #1 volume Toyota Dealer. As early as 1993, I began to assist my father in our other operations which included Toyota of Westport and Lexus of Westport, the C.O.O position was created. In 1994, I became a 25% partner in Colonial Toyota. After my younger brother Michael’s tragic death in 2003, with tremendous emotions; my father and I increased the role of the C.O.O. position and it was here that I learned the most. In 2005, I became the President, C.E.O. and Dealer Principal of Crabtree Automotive Group, which included Toyota of Westport and Lexus of Westport, as well as 100% Owner and Dealer Principal of Colonial Toyota in Milford. As President and C.E.O. of the Westport Dealerships, my responsibilities were not only limited to the day to day operations, but I was also appointed the lead man on our decision to sell the operations. We closed in March 2008. This was the largest transaction of two dealerships in the State of CT, and the timing could not have been better. In 2007, I earned the Presidents Award, and I began a massive renovation and re-engineering of the former Colonial Toyota which is now a one of a kind, state of the art Dealership. The year 2009, was a monumental year for me in many ways. The newly constructed Colonial Toyota, made its debut, along with my "No Haggle; One Associate" sales approach. That same year, I received the Businessperson of the Year Award by The Milford Chamber of Commerce, where I currently serve on The Board of Directors. In addition, I received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2009 from the American Business Defense Advisory Council. My wife Carolyn, of 25 years and I have four daughters, Sarah 21, Morgan 20, Emily 18, and Maggie Mae 11. Most recently, I am in the process of adopting my late older brother Joseph’s twins, Michael and Kathryn, age 10. I was raised and continue to raise my children with a strong Christian value and spirituality which expands much further than just church on Sunday. We pray every evening and I consider us to be a very close knit loving family.</p></div> </div>

<div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Dan-Pagan-54374.jpg" alt="Dan Pagan" class="photo" title="Dan Pagan" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">General Sales Manager</div> <div class="name fn">Dan Pagan</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x560</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>My name is Dan Pagan and I am the General Sales Manager here at Colonial Toyota in Milford. The road that has led me here has been a long one, filled with many experiences that have made me who I am today. I started working for Bobby Crabtree, owner of Colonial Toyota in Milford in 1997. Six months later I joined Westport Toyota working with Michael Crabtree, Bobby Crabtree’s younger brother, who sadly died in a car crash in March of 2003. Working with Michael at Toyota of Westport taught me so much! He was a great man and, I worked diligently and effectively to learn all I could from him, and it didn’t go unrewarded. I climbed the ladder from Sales to Finance Manager. After 10 years in Westport, I took my talents to the Barbarino Group as The Used Car Manager. After a short time, I moved to Acura of Milford as the Used Car Manager. Based on my strong work ethics and devotion, I was promoted to General Sales Manager. Two years later, I was approached by Colonial Toyota in Milford, and I had a chance to come back to where it all began. I am home again, back to my roots. Colonial Toyota is where I belong. My spare time is devoted to my family, with my fiancé and my four beautiful children, Dan Jr, Jamie, Ivana and Olivia. All of these experiences have been necessary to develop me as a salesman, father and the person I am today. I am very blessed and thankful to everyone who helped, educate me on my journey back home to Colonial Toyota in Milford. I look forward to helping you on your next vehicle purchase.</p></div> </div> <div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Eli-Velazquez-79175.jpg" alt="Eli Velazquez" class="photo" title="Eli Velazquez" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Business Development Manager</div> <div class="name fn">Eli Velazquez</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x335</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>I grew up in Bridgeport CT and now I currently reside in New Haven. I graduated from Central High School in 2005. I am the co-founder of the "All Out Brothers" a DJ management and event promotion team that has sparked the career of our most notable DJ and best friend of mine, WZMX Hot 93.7's own DJ Santo. About 2 years ago I ventured into the Car Sales Business where I've been able to flourish due to the experience I have owning my own company (All Out Brothers). I've taken my relationships with me into the car business. By this I mean the same people who relied on me to create special moments for them and their family as an event promoter, are also confiding in me to provide them with great deals, reliable transportation and an all-around memorable experience when purchasing a vehicle. Colonial Toyota has provided me with a home i can call my own, They've instilled in me good work ethic along with great product knowledge. So if you are looking for a trustworthy sales person to help you find the right car for you and your family, search no more just come down to Colonial Toyota and #AskForEli. You can find me on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram using the hash tag #AskForEli to see for yourself the faces of the many happy customers I've been been so lucky to assist in purchasing their cars here at Colonial Toyota.</p></div> </div> <div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Gaby-Morales-44398.jpg" alt="Gaby Morales" class="photo" title="Gaby Morales" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Sales Consultant</div> <div class="name fn">Gaby Morales</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x758</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>I was born and raised in Bridgeport Ct, and graduated from Central High in 1996. I went straight from High School into the car business, as I was so anxious to get a job and start earning my own money. In 1997, at a very young age, I became a detailer in the Colonial Toyota Prep Department. I learned as much as I could about every car I worked on, as when you are detailing you touch every part of the car. My goal was to transfer into the Sales Department. Robert E Crabtree Jr, Owner of Colonial Toyota’s younger brother Michael was in charge of Toyota of Westport and he was hiring Sales People. With the blessing of Robert, I took the Sales Position at Toyota of Westport and stayed for 13 years, until the dealership was sold in 2009. I stayed on for about a year, after the dealership was sold, but I missed working with the Crabtree’s, so in 2010, I came back to Colonial Toyota. I worked my way up to the management level, and am now a Sales Manager for Colonial Toyota in Milford. I work really hard for my customers, to insure they are getting everything they want and need in their vehicle. I spend my spare time with my family, friends, and my beautiful daughter, Chanel. I want to be your next salesperson, and once you work with me, you will want all of your future purchases to be handled by me. I am looking forward to meeting you.</p></div> </div> <div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/James-Mountzouris-36270.jpg" alt="James Mountzouris" class="photo" title="James Mountzouris" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Sales Consultant</div> <div class="name fn">James Mountzouris</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x753</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>I was born and raised in Milford Ct. I was raised to respect and treat people the way I would want people to treat me. This is what I live by. I graduated from Joseph A. Foran High in 2006 where I was active in sports, and after school programs. After graduation, I attended Ithaca College majoring in communications and minored in psychology. I took part in intermural sports and special clubs. Upon Graduation, I held various jobs that helped me grow, and learn the direction I wanted to follow. I have great communication skills and I love being around people. When the opportunity presented itself to me at Colonial Toyota, I was very excited. The environment is positive, and filled with lots of areas for growth. The environment is upbeat, and you feel camaraderie among your coworkers. Almost like being part of a sports team, where you all work together for a common goal. I am also involved with my church, St Barbara Greek Orthodox where I volunteer with the annual Odyssey Festival. I look forward to my career at Colonial Toyota in Milford.</p></div> </div>

<div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Barry-Haughton-35849.jpg" alt="Barry Haughton" class="photo" title="Barry Haughton" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Operations Manager</div> <div class="name fn">Barry Haughton</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x 340</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>I have devoted over 20 years to the success of Colonial Toyota in Milford, and am very proud to be part of a team that truly makes an effort to meet the needs of our customers and community. It is wonderful to work for a company that has a proven record of making a positive difference in the lives of the employees, and the people that we serve. This has been made possible by the owner, Robert E Crabtree Jr, who has invested not only into the dealership, but each and every one of his employees. I look forward to being part of our continued growth and contributions in the years to come.</p></div> </div> <div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Dan-Pagan-54374.jpg" alt="Dan Pagan" class="photo" title="Dan Pagan" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">General Sales Manager</div> <div class="name fn">Dan Pagan</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x560</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>My name is Dan Pagan and I am the General Sales Manager here at Colonial Toyota in Milford. The road that has led me here has been a long one, filled with many experiences that have made me who I am today. I started working for Bobby Crabtree, owner of Colonial Toyota in Milford in 1997. Six months later I joined Westport Toyota working with Michael Crabtree, Bobby Crabtree’s younger brother, who sadly died in a car crash in March of 2003. Working with Michael at Toyota of Westport taught me so much! He was a great man and, I worked diligently and effectively to learn all I could from him, and it didn’t go unrewarded. I climbed the ladder from Sales to Finance Manager. After 10 years in Westport, I took my talents to the Barbarino Group as The Used Car Manager. After a short time, I moved to Acura of Milford as the Used Car Manager. Based on my strong work ethics and devotion, I was promoted to General Sales Manager. Two years later, I was approached by Colonial Toyota in Milford, and I had a chance to come back to where it all began. I am home again, back to my roots. Colonial Toyota is where I belong. My spare time is devoted to my family, with my fiancé and my four beautiful children, Dan Jr, Jamie, Ivana and Olivia. All of these experiences have been necessary to develop me as a salesman, father and the person I am today. I am very blessed and thankful to everyone who helped, educate me on my journey back home to Colonial Toyota in Milford. I look forward to helping you on your next vehicle purchase.</p></div> </div> <div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Justin-Raffone-94068.jpg" alt="Justin Raffone" class="photo" title="Justin Raffone" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Service and Parts Director</div> <div class="name fn">Justin Raffone</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x321</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>Justin was hired at Colonial Toyota in 2000 as an Entry Level Toyota Service Technician. In 2001, he achieved Certified Level Toyota Technician Certification, and started to perform more in depth repairs. In 2002, Expert Level Toyota Technician Certification, and promoted to Team Leader of Toyota Technician Production Group. In 2003 Master Level Toyota Technician Certification and promoted to Shop Foreman of Colonial Toyota's Technical Team. In 2008 Master Diagnostic Level Toyota Technician Certification, and promoted to Service and Parts Manager. Professional Achievements include but not limited to: Placing 36th Nationally with the "VICA" National Automotive Skills Program, and holds an Associates Degree in "applied science" Toyota T-10 Training Program. He is Master Diagnostic Certified, and ASE Master Level Certification, as well as Master Service Manager Certified. Justin worked his way up at Colonial Toyota with well deserved promotions, and a loyal service team. He is highly respected by the management team, his service support team, as well as the many administrative support people. The Colonial Toyota Service department under the direction of Justin Raffone, is one of Colonial Toyota's greatest assets! In July of 2015, Justin was named General Manager of the dealership.</p></div> </div> <div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Gloria-Powers-27782.jpg" alt="Gloria Powers" class="photo" title="Gloria Powers" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Marketing Director - Website Manager</div> <div class="name fn">Gloria Powers</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x320</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="start-date"><span>Start Date:</span> 2012-02-24</div> <div class="bio"><p>I have worked with Mr Crabtree, Owner of Colonial Toyota since 1996. Prior to becoming a full time Marketing Director for Mr Crabtree, I ran a small ad agency in Pa, followed by 5 years at a cbs television affiliate, in Pa, an abc affiliate in Ct, and a Fox TV Station in Washington DC where I helped hundreds of businesses grow through television advertising. In 2010, I became a silent partner in Media Synthesis Inc, a boutique agency in Ct. This agency is now operated by my son in NYC. In 2012, due to the overwhelming success of Colonial Toyota, Owner Robert E Crabtree Jr. decided to take his marketing to another level. He created a Marketing Dept within the dealership, and offered me the position of running that department. In all the years, I have spent in broadcast sales, I enjoyed working with dealerships, more than any other retailer. The energy, enthusiasm, and excitement that a car dealership thrives on, was very attractive to me. It was a win win situation to become the Marketing Director for my favorite Dealer Owner, Robert E Crabtree Jr. Colonial Toyota in Milford is a beautiful state of the art dealership nestled in lovely Milford Ct. I have 2 grown sons, a high maintenance Yorkie, and I reside in Milford Ct. I look forward to helping Colonial Toyota reach it's maximum potential. Colonial Toyota in Milford, a great place to work.</p></div> </div>

<div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Steve-Purcell-39342.jpg" alt="Steve Purcell" class="photo" title="Steve Purcell" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Internet Customer Relations Consultant</div> <div class="name fn">Steve Purcell</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x553</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>I may be the oldest “rookie” in the industry. Toyota's have changed a great deal since I last sold them some 27 years ago. However, two things remain the same. The Courtesy, Respect and Gratitude I owe each guest, and my Confidence in My Product. My Family Car has been a Camry since the model was introduced in 1982. Come see me and drive home in the best ride of your life.</p></div> </div>

<div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Michael-Fournier-31602.jpg" alt="Michael Fournier" class="photo" title="Michael Fournier" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Assistant Service Manager / Service Advisor</div> <div class="name fn">Michael Fournier</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401 x377 </div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>Michael Fournier has been in the automotive field for most of his life. He began by working on his own cars as a teenager and spent a couple of years racing Autocross in the SCCA in a modified 98' Dodge Neon. From there his love of cars led him to working for Western Auto who was eventually bought out by the second largest parts store chain Advance Auto Parts. He managed five stores over the course of fourteen years before going to work for Curran VW in Stratford. He worked full time at VW while helping his colleague start a small used car business in Seymour. The small business grew quickly and he was soon asked to create and manage the service and reconditioning departments. After five years in the used car business, Michael chose to seek a service position closer to home which led him here at Colonial Toyota! He currently lives in West Haven with his wife and two teen aged children and enjoys bicycling, kayaking, and playing the drums.</p></div> </div> <div class="com-our-team-staff-bio"> <div class="info-window"> <div class="info-window-header"></div> <div class="info-window-content"> <div class="staff vcard"> <div class="photo"><img src="//cdn-ds.com/media/staff/w_50/h_50/zc_3:4/Bret-Smith-62805.jpg" alt="Bret Smith" class="photo" title="Bret Smith" /></div> <div class="info"> <div class="position role title">Inventory Photographer</div> <div class="name fn">Bret Smith</div> <div class="phone">203-878-7401</div> <span class="org"><span class="value-title" title="Colonial Toyota"></span></span> <span class="adr"><span class="value-title" title="470 Boston Post Road"></span></span> <span class="url"><span class="value-title" title="http://colonialtoyotact.com"></span></span> </div> </div> </div> <div class="info-window-footer"></div> </div> <div class="bio"><p>My name is Bret Smith, I was born to Frank Smith and Denise Connolly in 1987. ever since then, I have caused both my parents mountains of headaches with my tireless need to explore and learn new things, even at my own expense. I graduated from North Haven High School in 2006, and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. I received an honorable discharge from active duty in 2009, and returned to Milford to attend school. I was originally attracted to the car business because of my love of cars planes, ships, and all things that go. I found a unique and wonderful opportunity here at Colonial Toyota that lets me nurture my continued habit of constant learning and exploration.</p></div> </div>