Let us introduce you to our staff!
Dan M. Griffin - Owner
Dan started working on cars with his father at 14 years of age. After restoring a 1962 Austin Healey Sprite, then purchasing a wrecked 1964 Lotus Elan and transforming it thru a frame up restoration then ultimately into a very lightweight and fast autocrosse racecar, he looked for employment in the automotive field.
Dan started with BMW in 1977 at Savage BMW in Glendora, California. After gaining 6 months experience performing P.D.I. inspections and doing a 6 month apprenticeship he was sent to BMW's factory training center in Los Angeles, CA for an initial two week BMW specialization training course in Tune Up I, Tune Up II and Tune Up III. My how things have changed since then! After continuing with BMW factory training, Dan recieved his Member Technician Status with BMW in 1982, his Master Technician Status in 1984 and maintained his BMW Master Technician Status through 1993 when he recieved BMW's Master Technician Regional Award for the South Eastern United States. Out of approximately 600 technicians in the region, only 12 obtained this status, to compete in Atlanta, Georgia for the oppurtunity to compete at BMW's Natioanl Award Level. Dan also has 8 years of Volvo experience. From 240's to the latest V-90's he has the experience to service and diagnose your vehicle correctly.
Dan moved to Ocala from the Southern California area in 1989. Dan's hobbies are Golf, going to various race car events, digging' in the garden (with alot of help from Rick Frisby), and keeping fit.
Bill Townsend- Mercedes Benz/ Volvo Master Technician
Bill started with Griffin Automotive in 1994. Bill has spent many years of Factory Trained Mercedes Benz experience with Star Motors of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He has also spent countless hours working with Volvo, Austin Healey, Ferrari, Lotus, Pantera, Lamborghini Automobiles and Lamborghini marine racing applications.
Bill owned his own shop in Fort Lauderdale, FL for 8 years specializing in Mercedes Benz. He moved to Ocala in 1994. I have met many talented and knowledgeable individuals in my life, employees from McLaren International in England to nationally recognized Master Technicians, and Bill ranks with the best! His knowledge of Mercedes Benz never ceases to amaze me. From the early 1960's SL to the new 600 SL and all models in between Bill has the experience to diagnose and repair your vehicle correctly, the first time.
Bill enjoys time with his wife Rose, daughter Billy, son Dustin and grandson Brandon. His hobbies are working around his property, soccer and baseball games with the family and getting a little time to relax!
Shannon De Vaughn- Service Manager
Shannon started with Griffin Automotive in 1999. He worked in the Automotive parts business for 17 years and formerly owned the Foreign Car Parts Chain of Parts Stores in the Ocala, Belleview and Chrystal River Areas.
If you are looking for a honest, professional, courteous, and timely relationship with your vehicle's maintenance, repair, detail, or tire needs, then you need to meet Shannon! We are committed to prompt attention to your service calls, accurate and timely diagnosis of your vehicles needs, and quality service at reasonable prices. Shannon has the experience to ask the right questions to accomplish an accurate, timely repair, and ensure a pleasant, professional relationship with us!
Shannon grew up in the Jacksonville area and moved to Ocala in 1984. He enjoys time with his son Shannon Jr., playing golf, rebuilding (from a truly "frame up" foundation) his 1970 VW Convertible Bug, and jet skiing.