Meet Our Amazing Team
Michael Schafer
Owner
I started in this shop in 1999 and never looked back. I worked my way up from oil change lube tech to an ASE Certified Master Technician in 2007 where I was the lead tech for 8 more years. I became assistant manager in 2010 and manager in 2012. I finally took over the business in 2014. I enjoy bringing my boys (I have three) down on the weekends and having them help fix our cars, in the hope that someday they will take over my position.
Jennifer Hoffmann
General Manager
Has more than 20 years of management experience. Jenn is a South Philly native and still resides here. Customer satisfaction and care are number one for her. Schafer’s was able to steal her in mid-2020 to help lift this business to a new level of customer service experience.
George Garber
Lead Tech
George wanted to fix and repair vehicles since high school. He started out more than 10 years ago at Schafer’s and has worked his way up from oil change lube technician to shop foreman and now lead tech. He loves trying to figure out things that no one can.
Our Staff
STEVE LEVER
SERVICE ADVISOR
Steve is a seasoned automotive professional dedicated to providing exceptional service and guidance to car owners seeking expert advice. With almost 40 years of experience in the industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for delivering personalized solutions to every customer. Steve understands the challenges vehicle owners face on a daily basis. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, navigating the world of automotive care can often feel overwhelming. That’s where Steve, drawing on his experience and background, provides comprehensive guidance and reliable recommendations tailored to each individual’s needs. Steve takes pride in going above and beyond to educate and empower individuals, demystifying the automotive world and enabling them to make confident choices. When not at work, Steve enjoys spending time with this family at the Jersey Shore, doing home improvement projects, and cheering on the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers.
CHRIS MULLER
SERVICE ADVISOR
Chris Muller grew up in North Philadelphia, as one of 4 boys. He’s been in the automotive industry for 25 years, working in various dealerships and shops around the tri-state area. He believes in Integrity above all else, which is an asset in the automotive world (his high school yearbook quote was “No Roger, No Re-run, No Rent”, from the TV Show What’s Happening). He is a diehard Volkswagen fan (ask him about his collection), and loves to take spontaneous road trips, when he’s not at home relaxing with his wife.
MATHEW MARTINEZ
TECHNICIAN
Mathew Martinez has 12 years of professional experience in the automotive field as of 2021 and has been working on cars and engines his whole life. He is an A-level technician. He has joined our team to help Schafer’s grow in our ability to diagnose and make the hard repairs on of all the makes and models of vehicles that we see. He made the move from California to New Jersey to become a part of our team.
ERIC HENDERSON
TECHNICIAN
Always Part of the Schafer’s Family
Eric Henderson began his journey with Schafer’s Automotive right out of high school and quickly proved himself to be a dedicated, hardworking member of our team. During his three years with us, Eric developed his skills, gained hands-on experience, and consistently showed the kind of work ethic and positive attitude that made him a standout employee.
Eric recently made the admirable decision to serve our country by joining the United States Navy. While he is no longer working with us in the shop, he will always be part of the Schafer’s Automotive family.
We are incredibly proud of Eric and grateful for the time he spent growing with our team. We wish him safe travels, great success, and nothing but the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter serving our nation.
AURORA BINDER
CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATE
Aurora Binder brings a warm, neighborhood feel to the team at Schafer’s Automotive. A proud resident of South Philadelphia, Aurora spent 12 years working in the historic Italian Market, where she built strong relationships with customers and developed a deep appreciation for community-focused service.
At Schafer’s, Aurora helps keep the front office running smoothly while making sure every customer feels welcomed and taken care of. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, diving into all kinds of computer and tech-related projects, and, of course, fueling it all with a good cup of coffee. Her friendly personality and attention to detail make her a great addition to the Schafer’s Automotive family.
RICK CADE
TECHNICIAN
Rick Cade is a rising member of the Schafer’s Automotive team who has been working on cars for about four years and is already moving quickly through the ranks. His dedication to learning and improving his skills every day makes him a valuable part of the shop, and we’re excited to watch his career continue to grow with the Schafer’s team.
Outside of work, Rick is a devoted father who spends most of his free time with his son. Whether they’re watching anime or playing video games together, Rick enjoys every moment with his pride and joy. While he tends to keep to himself and is a bit of a loner, the team at Schafer’s is happy to have him on board—and we’re working on bringing him out of his shell. Welcome aboard, Rick!
ALEX RODRIGUEZ
TECHNICIAN
Alex Rodriguez joins the Schafer’s Automotive team as a skilled technician with over six years of hands-on experience. Known for his professionalism and his work ethic, Alex brings both precision and efficiency to every job he handles.
Outside the shop, he’s a self-proclaimed “professional, non-professional” racecar driver—someone who clearly enjoys life in the fast lane when time allows. With a baby on the way, most of his off-hours are now spent preparing for fatherhood and catching up on sleep whenever he can.
Alex is a valuable addition to the team, and we’re excited to have his experience and personality contributing to the Schafer’s Automotive standard.
