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Staff

Click on one of the people below to find out more information.

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  • Monte Roder
    President
    Monte Roder
    970-259-3940

    As President of Economy Nissan, it is my responsibility to provide our employees an opportunity to work in the automotive industry in a beautiful town like Durango, and to furnish them with the tools they need to be successful in their endeavors.

    I was born in the Bronx, NY and  as a kid I lived 4 blocks from Yankee Stadium. So as you can guess I am a BIG Yankee fan.

    I graduated from Erasmus Hall High School on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn in 1967 and moved to Colorado shortly thereafter . I attended Adams Sate College in Alamosa where I graduated with a degree in Psychology and Business Administration in 1971.

    I got into the car business in 1973 working for the local Ford dealer. He and I bought a Datsun dealership in Salida, Colorado in 1982 and named it Economy Datsun.

    We moved the dealership to Durango in September of 1985 and have been here ever since.

    I pride our store on customer satisfaction. We have won numerous President's Club Awards from Nissan and also are a two time winner of Nissan's Owner First Award of Excellence.

    It is our commitment to bring world class quality cars to Durango and with that a 5 Star Parts and Service Department.

    Most of our employees have been with us for years. That means our customers have the opportunity to deal with the same people again and again and to establish relationships that become more than just business.

    I am proud of our business and all of our employees and the efforts they give in providing the people of  Durango and the Four Corners a quality place to buy a new Nissan.

    We hope to be here for many years to come !

  • David Roder
    Executive Manager
    David Roder
    970-259-3940

    I've been  at Economy Nissan since June 1st 1999 but you could say I've been in the car business my whole life.  When I was three my dad bought into a Datsun dealership in Salida CO and we actually lived in an apartment above the showroom.

    We moved to Durango when I was five and opened up Economy Nissan.  By the time I was 13 ,I was working in the shop after school and during the summers washing cars and doing all the things no one else wanted to do.  Eventually I moved into sales when I was 19,  and had a lot of fun in that position for seven years.  I met a lot of people made a few friends and learned a lifetime  of knowledge from the best teacher in the world!

    I've been in management for four years now and recently became Executive Manager of the dealership, where I oversee the day to day operations of all departments.  It was really a great benefit starting from the bottom and working my way up.  I wouldn't change that for anything.  A couple  of things  I love about this business is you never stop learning new things, facing new challenges and meeting new people.


    When not working, I enjoy camping in the La Platas ,boating at Lake Navajo, skiing at Durango Mountain Resort or as we locals will always know it, Purgatory!  I've come to love Durango and plan on always living here.

     
    Please do not hesitate to call or email me with any questions, concerns or just casusal conversation.  I look forward to meeting you for the first time or seeing you again! Have a great day!!

  • Darin Jensen
    Sales manager
    Darin Jensen
    970-259-3940

  • Bob Madril
    Parts manager
    Bob Madril
    970-259-3940

  • Jeremy Bird
    Service Manager
    Jeremy Bird
    970-259-3940

    I grew up in Durango, attended Riverview Elementary and Durango High School.  I spent eight years in the Denver area after attending college in Boulder.  I moved back to Durango 20 years ago and have never wanted to leave again.
    I have worked at Economy Nissan 13 years.  Before that I was a Honda technician and parts manager at Durango Small Car. 
    I love Skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer as well as riding my motorcycle.
    I enjoy the small town feeling Durango retains even though it has grown since my youth.

  • Wendy O'Brien
    Accounting Manager
    Wendy O'Brien
    970-259-3940

    I am a Colorado native who attended both Fort Lewis College and Western State College. I obtained an accounting degree from Western State graduating Magna Cum Laude. My husband, Mike, is a Durango native and we have a son, who will be a junior at Fort Lewis, and a daughter who will be a junior at Durango High School.

    I have spent many years as a "sports mom" attending soccer, basketball, baseball and football games. I am an avid skier and a supporter of Mike in his biking endeavors.

    For the last four years, I have been coordinator for the Durango Community After Hours Prom event, helping to keep over 400 young adults safe on Prom night.

    I am proud to say that Economy Nissan has been a sponsor of this event every year,

    My career with Economy Nissan began in 2000, when Mike and I came in to buy a car. We left the dealership with a new vehicle and a new job for me. Not a bad deal on either side !

    I moved to my current position as Accounting Manager in 2001 and have earned the Nissan Owner First Award of Excellence from 2002 to 2009.

    I have one of the best office crews around and hope you will feel free to give any of us a call if you have any questions.

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  • John Renza
    Shop Foreman
    John Renza
    970-259-3940

    My profession of 35 years began by having to constantly work on my muscle cars in the early 1970's.  After graduating high school in 1973 I got my first job as a mechanic changing oil at a local Ford dealership.
    I then moved to Steamboat Springs where I landed a job with T.I.C. (The Industrial Company).  It was my job to maintain a fleet of 200 Ford pickup trucks.
    I met my wife in Steamboat and we both moved to New York to be with my mom who had cancer.  During this time I worked at an independant shop learning how to repair everything from Jaguars to old willy Jeeps. 
    After my mom passed, my wife and I, with two children now, moved back to Colorado, Durango this time.  I found an opening at Economy Nissan where I have worked since 1992, no longer a mechanic, but an automotive technician.  I have reached the highest level of achievment becoming a Nissan Master Technician and an ASE Master Technician.
    Over the years I've taught automotive classes, testified in Federal Court as an expert witness, and work with Nissan engineers on many issues. 
    Having to keep up with the ever changing advances in automotive technology, I have gone to many schools over the years and continue to do so. 

  • Lucas Ratcliff
    Assistant Service Manager
    Lucas Ratcliff
    970-259-3940

    Born and raised in Evergreen CO.  After high school I pursued a career in snowboarding and did that professionaly for three years.  After injuries pulled me away from that I followed my passion for cars, moved to L.A. and went to a high end automotive school, UTI.  Graduated with honors and was accepted into Mercedez Benz Grad School.  Placed in a dealership in Seattle where I worked my way up through the ranks to achieve the title of Master Technician, then Team Leader and eventually Shop Foreman. 
    My family moved me here to Durango where I was very fortunate to get in here with the family at Economy Nissan.  I've been here now for three years!  My passion for cars and people keeps me going along with such a great work environment and store owner. 
    I strive to be honest and work hard at understanding people and cars.  The opportunity here continues to provide me the education and interaction I need to stay at the top level of professionalism and skill to help my customers!!

  • Jay Jensen
    Sales and Leasing
    Jay Jensen
    970-259-3940

    Hi ! My name is Jay. Many of you know me, but for those who don't let me tell you a little about myself. I was born in Staten Island, one of the five boroughs of New York City.

     After attending the prestigious Ivy League School, Jersey City Junior College, I embarked on a 7 year stint in the United States Marine Corps.

    I am a veteran of the Viet Nam War circa 1966-1968. I was honorably discharged and began selling Nissans in 1977. They were known as Datsuns back then. I worked in the Bay Area of the " left coast" ...commonly know as California.

    I ventured to Durango and joined Economy Nissan roughly 14 years ago. I found a home here.

    It has been nice meeting you and hope to see you soon at Economy Nissan. "Where Cars Cost Less".


    Testimonials

  • Benny Gutierrez
    Sales and Leasing
    Benny Gutierrez
    970-259-3940

    Native of Durango CO.  Attended Riverview Elementary, Smiley Jr. High and graduated from Durango High School class of 1981.
    I've been in the auto industry in the Four Corners area for 30 years and with Economy Nissan for four years.
    Avid bowler, motorcycle enthusiast and fisherman.  Currently on the board of directors for the United States Bowling Congress and a member of Harley Owner Group.

    Testimonials

  • Kathy Norris
    Accounts Payable
    Kathy Norris
    970-259-3940

  • Elsie Minser
    Car Deal Clerk / Reception
    Elsie Minser
    970-259-3940

    I am a Durango native. My husband Scott is a Colorado native. We are a scouting family with two our two boys.

    Brandon is 20 and Eagle Scout and Army bound.

    Garrett is 16. He is sophomore at DHS. He is Eagle bound for 2010.

    We love Colorado and all it has to offer.

    I have been with Economy Nissan for 9 years. It feels like 4. I am the voice you hear on most mornings to help you with your needs.

    I think Economy has a great team of employees. You feel like family here.

    I look forward to meeting you.

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  • Mary Orbison
    Title Clerk
    Mary Orbison
    970-259-3940

    I have been with Economy Nissan since 1998. I do the title work on your car deals and also take turns at reception and cashier.

    My husband Guy have I have lived in Durango for 22 years and our three children are graduates of Durango High School.

  • Jeff McConkie
    Nissan Technician
    Jeff McConkie
    970-259-3940

  • Jaime Garcia
    Service Technician
    Jaime Garcia
    970-259-3940

  • Mason Davis
    Lube Technician
    Mason Davis
    970-259-3940

    Born and raised in the Dolores River Valley and Mancos River Basin.  Decided to make Durango my home and have worked mostly in construction here most of my life. 
    Wanted a change of pace and decided to come to work for Economy Nissan and have been employed here for two years.

  • Doug Thomas
    Detail
    Doug Thomas
    970-259-3940

  • Eddie
    Mascot
    Eddie
    970-259-3940

    I was born Oct. 22, 2008 right here in the Mancos Valley.  My parents, not being able to handle all six of us, gave each of us up for adoption.  This is where my luck turned and I was received with open arms by probably the greatest guy on the face of the earth.  I can't say enough good things about him and I am forever in his debt.
     
    He quickly recognized my people skills and my ability to maintain composure under any situation; he handed me the keys to the family business and has entrusted me with the well being of all the employees and their families.

    After two short weeks I realized I needed more challenge in my life and decided to fulfill my life long dream of becoming a rescue dog in the harsh, unforgiving environment that is Alaska.  I won many medals and awards of achievment, spent weekends with the royal family in England and even a night or two at the White House.
     
    After fulfilling my satisfaction of achievement, I have moved back to Durango where I continue to run the business and treat every person that walks through the door with utmost courtesy and professional service that is deserved by each of our loyal customers.
     
    I plan on having a family of my own one day and considering it worked out so well for me I will give each of them up for adoption as well.  For a nominal fee of course.
     
    I look forward to many more years here and can't wait to meet you personally.  Please stop by and feed..I mean see me any time you'd like. 


    -Eddie 

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  • Frankie "Bones"
    Top Dog
    Frankie
    970-259-3940


    It's always nice to be mistaken for a celebrity which I often am. If you recall the pug in Men In Black was also named Frank and people are always asking if I am that Frank. What most of you don't know is that I actually am well known in many circles in Hollywood. Before Durango and Economy Nissan I was the professional instructor and trainer of all pugs you've seen in any major motion picture.  I was such an inspiration and personal role model to the pug in Men In Black that he insisted his character name in the movie be "Frank".  
    Dogs in Hollywood are actually paid in treats, rawhides and the best payment one can recieve is actual real bones.  I had the reputation of being the highest paid canine in lala land hence the nickname "Bones".  It was not uncommon to hear celebrities, directors, producers and the like whisper "hey look there goes Bones" as I would walk by.  
    Not a day goes by that I don't think of the good times on the golden coast.  I really miss all the friends made and lost and think of them often.
    After a tough downward spiral I decided to make a move here to Durango, CO  where no one knew me and there isn't a paparazzi in sight.  Without a bone to my name I was fortunate enough to meet my new owner who is undoubtebly the most generous individual I've ever known.
    He gave me the position at Economy Nissan of customer service specialist.  With my experience in Hollywood this was an easy postion to grasp and we currently lead our region in customer satisfaction.
    Whether your next trip to the dealrship is for parts, service or sales, just tell 'em "Bones" sent ya'!  

  • Dan Bell
    Sales and Leasing
    Dan Bell
    970-259-3940

     Hi. My name is Dan Bell. Many of you in the community may remember purchasing a new or used vehicle from me in the past.

    I was born in New York City but I've lived in various states and cities on the East Coast before moving to Durango in 1991.

    I have spent 20 years in the Auto Industry since arriving in Durango and I have gotten to love it here. Customer Service and Product Knowledge are my specialties.

    I invite you to give me a  call for any automotive needs you may have. If you've done business with me in the past I want to say Thanks and if you haven't I look forward to meeting you.


    Testimonials

  • Janice Garcia
    Assistant Parts Manager
    Janice Garcia
    970-259-3940

     

  • Miguel Salazar
    Sales and Leasing
    Miguel Salazar
    970-2593-940

     

  • Danny Clayton
    Sales and Leasing

    Photo not available
    970-259-3940

    Hi, My name is Danny Clayton. I was born and raised in Oklahoma and came to Durango for college at Fort Lewis in 1997. 


    I fell in love with the community and environment. I continue to enjoy the mutiple activities Durango has to offer. Before auto sales I worked as a social worker in town when my friend who was working as a salesman  sold me on trying it as well.

     I enjoy all the people I come in contact with .It's really a fun job where I learn something new everyday.
    I have been in Auto Sales for 3 years and am new to Economy Nissan. I invite you to shop our great selection of new and used vehicles, and recieve exceptional customer service.

    I hope to see you soon.                                   Danny Clayton