Meet Our Staff
Tim Burns
General Sales Manager & Military Program Liaison
Phone: 830-632-2200
Text Me:
Email: tburns@steeleauto.com
Meet Tim! Tim relocated to the New Braunfels area 15 years ago from Buffalo, New York, and brings over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Tim is passionate about leadership, service, and creating a truly stress-free car-buying experience—what he calls the “easy button” for customers. As a stroke survivor, Tim believes deeply that determination and perseverance can overcome any challenge in life, a mindset he brings into both his work and personal life. Outside of the dealership, he enjoys spending time with his family and his five dogs—four French Bulldogs and one Rottweiler—who keep life entertaining and full of energy.
Tom Cruz "Mav"
New Car Sales Director (se habla espanol)
Phone: 512-262-2200
Text Me:
Email: tcruz@steeleauto.com
Tom Cruz brings over 20 years of automotive experience to Steele Hyundai New Braunfels and a passion for making every customer’s buying experience fun, comfortable, and stress-free. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, Tom understands the value of trust, clear communication, and treating people like family. He is fully bilingual (English & Spanish) and takes pride in helping customers feel confident and informed every step of the way. When he’s not at the dealership, Tom is a proud New York Giants fan and loves spending his time coaching his son’s flag football team—a role that reflects his leadership, patience, and team-first mindset. Whether you’re buying your first vehicle or upgrading to your next one, Tom’s goal is simple: make the process enjoyable and make sure you leave happy.
Jorge Trevino (se habla espanol)
Used Car Director
Phone: 512-262-2200
Text Me:
Email: jtrevino@steeleauto.com
Jorge recently relocated from the Rio Grande Valley and brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry to Steele Hyundai New Braunfels. Jorge has a true passion for the pre-owned market and is known for hunting down the best inventory to ensure Steele customers get quality vehicles at strong values. His knowledge of the used-car landscape and attention to detail help make the buying process transparent and straightforward. Outside the dealership, Jorge is an avid Miami Dolphins fan, a tradition that started watching games with his father as a kid. In his free time, he enjoys working out, spending quality time with his kids, and whenever possible, getting in a round of golf. Jorge’s goal is simple: help customers find the right vehicle while making the experience easy, honest, and enjoyable.
Rene brings decades of automotive experience to Steele Hyundai New Braunfels, leading our Service and Parts departments with precision, efficiency, and a deep understanding of how every moving piece fits together. His mastery of service operations and parts logistics ensures our customers get fast, top-notch service—without the headaches. Known for his friendly attitude and trademark high-five, Rene believes great service starts with great people. He takes pride in keeping our team aligned, our parts flowing, and our service drive running smoothly day in and day out. When he’s not keeping Steele customers on the road, you’ll find Rene cheering on the Seattle Mariners or repping the LA Raiders. Stop by the service department and don’t be surprised if you leave with both a well-serviced vehicle and a high five.
Preston Gleaton
Senior Product Specialist
Phone: 830-632-2200
Text Me:
Email: pgleaton@steeleauto.com
Preston is a Senior Product Specialist at Steele Hyundai New Braunfels and takes pride in delivering an experience that’s knowledgeable, efficient, and built around the customer—not pressure. Having called New Braunfels home for several years, Preston values working with and serving the local community he’s proud to be part of. Recently becoming a first-time father, family now sits at the center of everything he does—bringing a grounded, responsible approach to both life and work. Outside the dealership, Preston keeps life moving fast. Whether he’s unwinding on the Guadalupe River, pushing limits at Oasis Sim Racing, or following every turn of Formula One, competition and precision are part of his DNA. That same attention to detail carries over to helping customers understand today’s technology, features, and options—so they can make confident decisions. Preston’s goal is simple: make the buying process smooth, informative, and enjoyable from start to finish.
Jeff Bennett
Senior Product Specialist & Military Program Liaison
Phone: 210-416-6049
Text Me:
Email: jbennett@steeleauto.com
Jeff is a retired U.S. Army veteran with 13 years of experience in the automotive industry and 4 years with the Steele Auto Group. His military background brings discipline, integrity, and a mission-focused mindset to everything he does—qualities customers immediately recognize and appreciate. Jeff takes pride in providing a straightforward, honest buying experience and understands the importance of attention to detail and follow-through. His years of industry knowledge allow him to guide customers with confidence and clarity. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, getting out on the golf course, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether on the lot or off the clock, Jeff values teamwork, loyalty, and doing things the right way.
David joined the automotive industry a couple of years ago and quickly discovered a passion for the business—especially the joy that comes from helping people find their dream car. His positive energy and customer-first mindset make the buying process enjoyable and memorable. David takes pride in listening to his customers, understanding what matters most to them, and guiding them through the process with clarity and enthusiasm. His focus is always on creating a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish. Outside of work, David enjoys working out, spending time on the golf course, and cheering on the Houston Texans. He brings that same energy and dedication to everything he does at Steele Hyundai New Braunfels.
Lisa Griffin "From Griffendorf"
Product Specialist
Phone: 830-632-2200
Text Me:
Email: lgriffin@steeleauto.com
Lisa brings over a decade of experience in the automotive industry and truly wears the business on her sleeve. She cares deeply about her customers and takes pride in building genuine relationships rooted in trust, honesty, and follow-through. Known for her dedication and heart for service, Lisa goes above and beyond to make sure every customer feels heard, valued, and confident in their decision. Her commitment isn’t just to selling vehicles—it’s to delivering an experience people feel good about long after they drive off the lot. Outside of work, family is her top priority, and it’s the foundation behind everything she does. And for those who know her well, Lisa proudly hails from the magical land of Griffendorf—a fitting badge for someone known for courage, loyalty, and heart.
Mike brings years of automotive experience to the Steele Auto Group and is committed to providing a smooth, straightforward, and enjoyable buying experience for every customer. Recently relocated to New Braunfels from Missouri, Mike enjoys getting to know the community and helping customers find the right vehicle to fit their lifestyle. His approach is centered on honesty, clear communication, and making sure each customer feels confident in their decision. Outside of work, Mike enjoys gaming, spending time with his family, and hanging out with his English Bulldog, Sinatra. His laid-back personality and customer-focused mindset help make the car-buying process comfortable and stress-free.
John Cappelli
Product Specialist - Se Habla Espanol
Phone: 830-632-2200
Text Me:
Email: jcappelli@steeleauto.com
John brings 25 years of automotive experience to Steele Hyundai New Braunfels and is known for creating a straightforward, no-nonsense buying experience—while still keeping things fun and relaxed. With decades in the business, John understands that customers value honesty, clarity, and efficiency. His goal is to make the process simple, informative, and enjoyable from start to finish, without pressure or confusion. Outside of work, John enjoys practicing archery, playing video games, and working on cars—interests that reflect both his focus and hands-on mindset. Whether you’re buying your first vehicle or your next one, John is committed to making sure you leave confident and satisfied.
Joseph Villalpando
Product Specialist
Phone: 830-632-2200
Text Me:
Email: jvillalpando@steeleauto.com
Joseph is new to the Steele Auto Group and joined the team because he believes strongly in the company’s vision and commitment to putting the community first. He takes pride in creating a positive, respectful experience and looks forward to building long-term relationships with customers. Joseph approaches every interaction with honesty, patience, and a genuine desire to help, ensuring customers feel comfortable and confident throughout the buying process. Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his wife and young child, and family is at the center of everything he does. That same sense of care and responsibility carries over into how he serves his customers each day.
Meet Ashley! Ashley recently relocated to the New Braunfels area from Fort Worth and brings three years of Hyundai experience with her. She’s passionate about helping customers find the right vehicle and believes the car-buying process should be easy, transparent, and enjoyable. Ashley takes pride in creating a comfortable, low-pressure experience and enjoys guiding customers through their options so they can feel confident in their decision. Outside of work, Ashley loves to play guitar, sing, spend time outdoors, and hang out with her cat, Luna. Fun fact—customers often tell her her celebrity look-alike is Kristen Bell, which always brings a smile. Ashley is incredibly excited to be part of the New Braunfels community and looks forward to serving customers at Steele Hyundai New Braunfels.
Baxter is the face, paws, and occasional snore behind Steele Hyundai New Braunfels’ social media presence. As our official Social Media French Bulldog, he specializes in boosting engagement, stealing the spotlight, and reminding everyone that life—and car shopping—should be fun. When he’s not supervising photo shoots or making surprise cameos in videos, Baxter can be found napping on the job, demanding treats, or judging your vehicle choice with a very serious stare. He has a natural talent for going viral and an unmatched ability to improve morale across all departments. Likes: Cameras, attention, rides in new Hyundais Dislikes: Empty treat jars, being ignored, low battery phones Special Skill: Instantly increasing likes, shares, and smiles
Daisy is the friendly face and welcoming voice you’ll meet as the receptionist at Steele Hyundai New Braunfels. She has been with the company for three years and truly enjoys working in the customer service industry, where making people feel comfortable and taken care of is her top priority. Daisy believes strongly in the Steele Philosophy and takes pride in creating a positive first impression for every guest who walks through the door or calls the dealership. Her attention to detail and genuine care help set the tone for a great experience from the moment customers arrive. Outside of work, Daisy loves spending time with her kids and is also a professional makeup artist, combining creativity and passion in everything she does.
Julie Cain brings over five years of experience in the automotive industry and a genuine passion for taking care of people. Known for her friendly demeanor and attention to detail, Julie works hard to make every service visit smooth, transparent, and stress-free for our customers. Outside of work, Julie loves spending time with her kids and family, cooking great meals, and enjoying the open road. Whether she’s riding her motorcycle or hitting the trails in her Jeep, she’s always up for an adventure—bringing that same energy and dedication into everything she does here at Steele Hyundai.
Known for his willingness to help and his proactive mindset, he’s the kind of team member who’s already solving problems before anyone has to ask. He genuinely enjoys helping people and takes pride in making sure every customer experience is smooth, efficient, and positive. Before entering the automotive industry, he studied computer science in college, bringing a strong technical mindset and problem-solving approach to everything he does. That background helps him navigate both the technical and customer-facing sides of the business with ease. Outside of work, he’s an avid gamer, enjoys creating music, and values spending quality time with family. His mix of technical skill, creativity, and genuine care for others makes him a valuable part of the Steele Hyundai New Braunfels team.
Jenni Ramirez
Customer Service and Appointments
Phone: 830.632.2202
Text Me:
Email: jramirez@steeleauto.com
Jennifer “Jenny” Ramirez is a key part of our Service BDC team, bringing over five years of experience and a genuine love for helping our guests. Known for her positive attitude and constant smile, Jenny takes pride in making every customer interaction welcoming, helpful, and stress-free from the very first call. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her grandkids and family, listening to music, and—like any true shoe lover—adding a new pair to her collection when she can. She’s also a big fan of the Houston Astros and Texans and never misses a chance to cheer on her teams. Jenny’s warmth, energy, and dedication to our guests make her an important part of the Steele service experience.
Title: Senior Service Greeter & Vibe Manager Boots is the calm, seasoned professional of the Service Department. With years of experience watching vehicles roll in and customers walk through the door, Boots specializes in quiet reassurance, confident eye contact, and making everyone feel like they brought their car to the right place. He’s known for supervising the service drive from a seated position, maintaining morale during busy days, and subtly reminding the team that patience (and strategic naps) are essential to great service. Boots doesn’t rush—because good service shouldn’t either. Favorite perks: Clean floors, warm lights, and customers who notice the paws Hidden talent: De-escalating stressed guests without saying a word Motto: “Relax. I’ve got eyes on it.” ??
Title: First Impressions Specialist Whiskers takes his role as Service Greeter very seriously. With a keen eye for incoming vehicles and an even keener sense for treats, he ensures every guest feels acknowledged the moment they arrive. Known for his intense eye contact, calm demeanor, and occasional silent judgment, Whiskers specializes in greeting customers, supervising service advisors, and keeping the shop morale high. When he’s not on duty, Whiskers enjoys sunbathing, inspecting hoses and cables for quality control, and reminding everyone that naps are an essential part of peak performance. Favorite perks: Warm engines, head scratches, and customers who say “Is that a cat?” Motto: “You bring the car. I’ll bring the welcome.”
Nick brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry and a deep knowledge of parts and vehicle systems. With a strong attention to detail and a passion for getting things right the first time, Nick plays a key role in keeping our service team running efficiently and our customers back on the road. Outside of work, Nick is a fan of automotive racing—real race cars, not NASCAR—and enjoys the technical side of motorsports. When he’s not immersed in cars, he likes spending time gardening, bringing the same patience and precision he uses at work into his hobbies. Nick’s experience, reliability, and passion for the industry make him a valuable part of the Steele team.
Carson Thomas brings over four years of experience in the automotive industry and a strong attention to detail to our Parts department. Known for his reliability and product knowledge, Carson works closely with both technicians and customers to ensure the right parts are sourced quickly and accurately. Outside of work, Carson has a deep interest in geology and history, with a particular appreciation for rocks and how the past shapes the present. He also enjoys learning about firearms and their mechanical design, reflecting his interest in precision and craftsmanship. Carson’s curiosity, focus, and commitment to doing things the right way make him a valuable member of the Steele team.
Bladen Canales is the Shop Foreman at Steele Auto, bringing strong leadership and hands-on experience to the service department. He plays a key role in keeping the shop running efficiently while maintaining high standards for quality and teamwork. Outside of work, Bladen enjoys motorcycles, skateboarding, fishing, and restoring cars—interests that reflect his passion for mechanics and craftsmanship both on and off the clock.
Alan has been with Steele Auto for over two and a half years and is a valued member of our service team. Known for his strong work ethic and hands-on approach, Alan takes pride in diagnosing and fixing vehicles to keep our customers safely on the road. Outside of work, Alan enjoys playing soccer, running, and spending time with his family. His passion for cars doesn’t stop at the shop—he genuinely enjoys working on vehicles in his free time as well.
Frankie is a skilled technician who takes pride in doing things the right way and keeping vehicles running at their best. He’s a Mustang enthusiast at heart and enjoys spending his free time fishing, cheering on the Houston Texans and Astros, and making memories with his family. Frankie brings focus, consistency, and passion to everything he does in the shop—and it shows in his work every day.
Franny has been a valued member of the team for the past five years, bringing experience, reliability, and pride to everything he works on. He has a passion for motorcycles and trucks and enjoys any chance to be behind the wheel or out riding. When he’s not in the shop, Franny loves spending time with his family. His consistency, work ethic, and hands-on knowledge make him a trusted part of our service team.
Jayten Rodriguez has over a year of hands-on experience as a Lube Technician and takes pride in keeping vehicles running safely and smoothly. With a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Jayten plays an important role in our service department by ensuring routine maintenance is done right the first time. Outside of work, Jayten enjoys listening to music, driving European cars, and spending time skateboarding. His passion for cars and mechanics carries over into his daily work, where he’s always focused on learning, improving, and delivering quality service. Jayten’s energy, reliability, and growing skill set make him a valuable part of the Steele Auto service team.
Jacob brings over four years of hands-on experience to the service department, with a strong passion for cars and trucks. He takes pride in quality work and attention to detail, ensuring every vehicle is serviced right the first time. Outside of the shop, Jacob enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. His dedication, skill, and steady approach make him a reliable part of the service team.
Levi brings over 10 years of experience to the service department, with deep knowledge and a true appreciation for classic cars. His years in the industry have shaped a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing every job right. When he’s not in the shop, Levi enjoys spending time with his family. His experience, attention to detail, and dependable approach make him a trusted technician on the team.
Michael is new to the Steele Auto team and excited to be part of a company that values teamwork and growth. He enjoys helping people and takes pride in doing things the right way. Motivated and eager to learn, Michael plans to continue building his skills and work his way up within the company while delivering great service to every customer he helps.
Steele Hyundai New Braunfels
Address
485 N Business IH 35
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone
- Sales 830-358-4421830-358-4407
- Service 830-358-4434
- Parts 830-358-4465
| Monday | 8:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 8:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Closed on Christmas Day | |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Closed on Christmas Day | |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 7:30AM - 2:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Closed on Christmas Day | |