Meet Our Team
John Grupenhoff
Sales and Service Manager
John joined Second Chances Garage in the Spring of 2016. He is the Sales and Service Manager, overseeing daily shop operations. During his time at Second Chances Garage, the organization grew from 2 on-site staff members to the facilities and operations seen today. John has been a small business owner since graduating from Towson University. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and working on old cars. John’s dream rides include the ‘06 AMG S65 and the S Works Epic.
Teya Lowe
Office Manager and Partner Liason
Teya joined Second Chances Garage in January 2023. She is the Office Manager and Partner Liason, overseeing the daily operations and developing relationships with partner companies. She has been in the auto industry for 5 years and in customer service for 20 years. She enjoys working with people and wanted a fulfilling career giving back to the community, which lead her to Second Chances Garage. Teya enjoys everything that Second Chances Garage is able to do for the community and all the people that have been helped. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors, hiking, fishing, and exploring.
Lester Gonzalez
Technician
Lester joined Second Chances Garage in 2021 as a Youth Apprentice. He was top of his class and came highly recommended. After graduating from the Youth Apprentice program, Lester was hired as a full-time Technician. He enjoys perfecting his automotive talents to better help the community. In his spare time, Lester likes to play soccer.
Joe Hall
Lead Technician
Joe joined Second Chances Garage in 2017. He graduated, top of his class, from the Universal Technical Institute in 2009. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of Central America. Joe has over 10 years of Automotive Repair experience. He enjoys using his expertise to help the community and to provide a reliable resource.
Russell Portney
Sales & Program Assistant
Russell started with Second Chances in winter 2025. He is the Shop Program Assistant, helping with all daily operations. He first started working in the automotive industry in 2010, with in-between stops in the commercial construction and flooring industries. He wanted to return to the automotive industry and help others at the same time and there was no better place to be than Second Chances. He is very excited to be helping the community as a member of Second Chances. In his spare time Russell enjoys travel, reading, watching great movies and television, having deep philosophical conversations and almost all sports.
Tonya Hatosy-Stier
Executive Director
