Key Staff

Charlie Marcotte-Owner
Loving what you do every day is a dream for most but it’s a reality for Charlie Marcotte, who entered the car business with his father in 1990. “As Americans we share a passion for automobiles,” he says. When Charlie isn’t at work you may find him with his wife Diane and three children, or perhaps road-racing bicycles with the James River Velo Sports cycling club — he serves as the organization’s president and helps manage their Adopt-A-Highway and Capital Trails Improvement programs.

Chuck Marcotte-Owner Emeritus
With fond memories of riding in his father’s Packard convertible, Chuck Marcotte loves to drive his vintage Buick Wildcat convertible. His passion for the car business remains as constant as his belief in exceptional customer service. “Cars and customers are more complex then they used to be,” Chuck says, “but the fundamentals never change. Determine the need, discover the solution and execute with integrity.” These are the principles that form the foundation for American Pride Automotive and American Pride Auto Sales.

Gerald Bradshaw-General Manager Sales
Looking for the perfect car? Call Gerald Bradshaw. He has been involved in sales and marketing for over 27 years, many of those in the car sales industry. Gerald has a passion for helping people find the car that fits their needs, personality and budget. A native of Franklin, he enjoys watching sports, golfing, and spending time with his wife at the beach.

David Lawson-General Manager, Williamsburg
An area local, David invariably offers service with a smile — and one of the biggest handshakes on the Peninsula. “I started out as a technician for American Pride,” David explains, “but years ago I made the transition to the front counter where I get to greet customers, update them and deliver the service they expect.” When not at the shop, David enjoys riding his Harley and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Rick Knehr-General Manager, Yorktown
Rick’s passion for cars runs through his veins. He began working on cars at a GM dealership professionally in 1973. Eventually he moved to a Ford dealership and became the lead drivability and electrical diagnostician. That is one of the most challenging and stressful positions a technician can hold- and he enjoyed it! Even today, he is still the go-to guy for complex problems. Rick is also of Cherokee descent and when not found with a wrench in his hand, he and his wife Robin are active in the Native American community, and travel the east coast pow-wow circuit as Native vendors.

Tom Horning-Service Writer, Yorktown
Service advisor extraordinaire Tom Horning has been a friend of the Marcotte family for 20 years as the former manager of a local import auto parts store where he gained 27 years of experience. As a European sports car enthusiast Tom understands what it takes to make a car run right while delivering quality and being on time. These days Tom’s personal time is directed to the “two wheel” sports vehicle with a fondness for oil leaks where he parks (old Harleys); “I am very proud to call American Pride my home” says Tom.