Meet Our Staff

For over 50 years, Mickey has dedicated his life to Rico auto complex. Not just as a business but as a legacy, built on hard work, family and community. As the son of late Howard Menapace & the grandson of founder, Enrico Menapace. He proudly represents the 3rd generation of leadership at Rico auto complex. What began as Enrico's vision, has grown into a trusted name in the community. From a young age, he learned the value of integrity, customer service and treating every person who walks through the doors like family. Over the years, he has worked in every aspect of the business. For Mickey, this isn't just about running a dealership. Its about trust and serving generations of communities and families who have relied on Rico's for their automotive needs. His dedication remains the same. To honor his father's and grandfather's legacy, to serve Gallup and surrounding areas with honesty and respect and to always continue to build a future worthy of the Rico name.

With over 20 years of dedicated service at Rico auto complex, Robert is a true example of hard work, loyalty and perseverance. Starting his journey at our body shop, he built his career from the ground up. Through determination, consistency and an unmatched work ethic, he worked his way into sales and ultimately earned his role as our general sales manager. His hands on experience in 2 major depts give him a level of knowledge and understanding few can match. He truly knows the business, inside and out. More than anything, he genuinely enjoys what he does. His passion for the automotive industry and helping customers shines through in all he takes on. His leadership continues to shape the success of Rico auto complex and inspire those who work alongside him.

A proud fourth generation Menapace, Ryan has been a cornerstone of Rico auto complex since July 1996, marking nearly 30 years of dedication, growth and excellence. Ryan began his career in our parts dept, learning the business from the ground up. That early hands on experience gave him a deep understanding of every vehicle that comes through the lot. Over time, he transitioned into sales, where he quickly found his true calling. Known for his signature, "little buddy" greeting and his upbeat, welcoming personality, Ryan has a way of making every customer feel safe, valued and genuinely cared for. His zany energy is unmatched, bringing positivity and laughter to both customers and co workers alike. Beyond personality, Ryan is a true pro. As a consistent top performer in both new and used vehicle sales, he combines product knowledge, work ethic and relationship building in a way that sets him apart. Ryan has taken the crown in vehicle sales in our entire region, being the # 1 sales consultant in GMC sales. Customers don't just buy from Ryan, they return to him year after year. A great salesman, team mate and an even greater man. Ryan continues to carry on the Menapace legacy with pride, passion and heart. In his free time, he has given back to the community coaching children's baseball and instilling hard work and self sufficiency into the children of the community. A true gem of not only Rico's, but to Gallup as a whole.

With 40 years of dedication at Rico auto complex, Jeff Montano is the longest serving salesman on the team, and a true legend in his own right. A genuine cowboy at heart, Jeff brings grit, authenticity and old school work ethic to everything he does. For four decades, he has built a reputation not just as a salesman, but as someone customers trust for life. His handshake still means something and his word carries weight. Jeff has developed a loyal following that stretches across NM and AZ. Generations of families have bought from him and kept coming back. That kind of loyalty doesn't happen by accident. Its built through honesty, consistency and relationships that go far beyond the sale. He understands people, He understands vehicles. And most importantly he understands how to treat customers right. His experience, resilience and dedication have helped shape the success of Rico auto complex over the years. Forty years in, Jeff is still doing what he does best, taking care of his customers the cowboy way.

Since joining Rico auto complex in 2003, Mitch Murphy has been a steady, trusted presence and a true asset to the dealership. Spending most of his career as a business owner. He then went into the automotive sales industry in 2000, serving as a sales manager at another dealership and then came into our sales dept in 03, and also served 5 years in our finance dept and then ending up back in sales years later. Mitch brings a well rounded understanding of the entire car buying process. As a former business owner, he understands responsibility, accountability and what it takes to earn someone's trust. That experience, combined with his strong work ethic, has shaped him into the kind of professional customers rely on. An old cowboy at heart, Mitch carries himself with quiet strength and integrity. Growing up on New Mexico's reservation, he developed not only resilience and grit, but also an appreciation for culture and community, even learning much of the Navajo language along the way. Known for having the biggest heart, Mitch treats everyone equally. He believes in fairness, honesty and doing right by people every time. Over the years, he has mentored many of the newer sales professionals, sharing his knowledge, experience and guidance to help them succeed. Dedicated, rounded and genuine, Mitch Murphy represents the values Rico auto complex was built on and a true jack of all trades.

With over 17 years in the automotive industry, including 9 years dedicated to Rico auto complex. Kevin Holgate brings experience, leadership and an unmatched product knowledge to the team. Having previously served as Sales manager at another dealer. Kevin understands the business from multiple angles. His leadership background, combined with years on the sales floor, gives him a strategic edge and a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver results while taking care of customers. Kevin is widely known for his top tier product knowledge. Whether its new model updates, technology advancements, incentive changes or future industry shifts, he is the go to source. If there is something new, past, present or upcoming, Kevin already knows it. A proud member of The Navajo Nation, Kevin represents his culture with pride and integrity. His professionalism, insight and commitment to staying ahead of the curve make him an invaluable asset to Rico auto Complex and to every customer he serves.

Nick has been a valued member of the team for the past 7 years. He began his career as a salesman, quickly earning trust of customers and coworkers, through hard work, product knowledge and consistency. His dedication and leadership naturally led into his current role as used car manager. Before entering the automotive industry, Nick attended college where he played baseball, an experience that shaped his competitive drive, discipline and team first mentality. Those same qualities show in the way he manages inventory and works with both customers and staff. Nick is known for his integrity. He believes in doing business the right way, being transparent and treating every customer with respect. Whether he's helping customers find the right vehicle or appraising customer vehicles. Nick brings fairness, leadership and pride to all he does.

Aaron is the newest member of our sales team, bringing with him a deep commitment to service. Originally from across the country, Aaron made the move to join our community and is excited to build lasting relationships in Gallup and the surrounding areas. Before entering sales, Aaron served as a police officer. His background in law enforcement shaped his character, integrity and dedication to helping others. He understands the importance of trust, clear communication and doing right by the people he serves. Aaron has heart, drive and a genuine desire to make a difference. He's looking forward to meeting new customers, learning their stories and helping them find the right vehicle for their needs. Outside of work, he's been enjoying the rich culture and incredible food our area has to offer. Stop by and welcome Aaron anytime!

Autumn is one of the brightest rising stars on our team and currently serves as our Finance manager. Her journey here is a true success story. She began as one of our cashiers, quickly advanced to finance assistant and earned her promotion to finance manager through hard work determination and undeniable talent. She's been in finance for 10 years now. Autumn is known for her lightening fast typing skills, sharp attention to detail and exceptional communication with our lenders. She has a natural ability to crunch numbers in her head and structure deals efficiently. Helping customers get approved and funded quickly. Her speed and accuracy keep the finance dept running smoothly every single day. One of the youngest members of our team, Autumn proves that drive and determination matter more than anything. She is a proud mom, a relentless worker and someone who strives for perfection in everything she does. Her commitment to excellence and her customers makes her an invaluable part of our dealership family.

Violet began her journey at Rico auto complex in our credit dept as a cashier. After a few years, she was then promoted to finance assistant. She assists now in getting deals approved and funded. Also a proud mom, she strives for excellence in all she does. Through the years she has worked as a banker and manager. Her experience in the workforce prior to Rico's taught her responsibility and ambition. Her love of the business, dealing with her customer base and assisting our sales team in getting deals approved has been a staple in Rico's success story. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new places and teaching her children the importance of love and life. Her skill, patience and trust continue to shine through in everything Rico's stands for. A signature gem all around.