Our Team

Rob, our Owner, has been the driving force behind The Oil Connection for the past 38 years. What began as a bold move in his twenties has grown into a trusted, community-rooted business known for honesty, quality, and care for nearly four decades. Rob built the shop’s reputation from the ground up — leading with integrity and an unwavering commitment to his customers. His vision, work ethic, and dedication have shaped The Oil Connection into a cornerstone of the Fairfield community — and continues to guide its growth today.

An expert in drivelines and transmissions, Rob has always brought deep mechanical insight to the shop. Though retired from his daily mechanic duties, he still spends time at the shop doing what he loves most: building and restoring old-school and vintage vehicles — a true passion that keeps him connected to the heart of the business.

Sara, our Office Manager and second-generation leader, has been part of The Oil Connection her whole life — growing up around the shop and officially joining the team 13 years ago. She continues her family’s legacy with heart, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility.

From managing day-to-day operations to supporting both the team and our customers, Sara plays a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Her commitment helps ensure that the quality, care, and community values we’re known for remain strong with every passing year.

Dream Car:

• A 1972 Z28 RS Chevrolet Camaro— my childhood dream car; or a Porsche 911 Carrera—in a super cute color.

Outside of Work:

• I love painting.

Favorite Car I’ve Seen at the Shop:

• Susan’s 1950 Retro-Mod GMC Truck (cherry red + white top, beautiful) and Jack’s 1963 Ford Thunderbird — we really do see some gems here.

My Car’s Name:

• Alexis, because she’s... a Lexus.

Where I Shine at Work:

• My customer service skills and written communication.

Kyle, our dependable and experienced Shop Manager, has been the backbone of The Oil Connection for the past 8 years. With a steady hand and a deep commitment to excellence, he keeps our daily operations running smoothly and efficiently. Kyle has been instrumental in developing new processes and protocols that have streamlined our workflow and improved service quality. He’s also led the introduction of new services, helping us better meet the evolving needs of our customers. 

A Fairfield native, Kyle grew up just down the street and would walk past The Oil Connection every day — a full-circle moment that adds extra meaning to the pride he takes in his work. His leadership, innovation, and consistency are a driving force behind everything we do.

Dream Car:

• A '67 Chevrolet Chevelle, a Porsche 911 Carrera, and a Ferrari SF90 Stradale

Fun Fact:

• Kyle has personally driven a Ferrari F8 Tributo, and let’s just say, the Ferrari itch is real.

Outside of Work: 

• I love cooking, baking (especially breads and pastries), and watching movies.

Favorite Car I’ve Seen at the Shop:

• The 1972 Chevy Nova we’re building.

My Car’s Name:

• Olive — she’s green, and also named after my great-grandma.

Where I Shine at Work:

• I’m a Jack of all trades.

Ashley, our friendly and knowledgeable Service Writer, has been delivering exceptional customer care at The Oil Connection for the past 4 years. With a natural ability to make every visitor feel welcome and informed, she plays a key role in shaping the customer experience. Ashley has also been instrumental in developing new service protocols that have improved both our efficiency and overall service quality. 

Her connection to the shop runs deep — her dad was a technician here, and she grew up around the business. Can you spot him in this team photo? That legacy gives her a unique understanding of our culture and values. 

Dream Car:

• Sara’s Lexus.

Outside of Work:

• I enjoy hiking.

Favorite Car I’ve Seen at the Shop:

• Any of the old-school classics that roll through.

My Car’s Name:

• Ranger Rick.

Where I Shine at Work:

• Building connections with our customers.

Oz is our newest Lube Technician and is already proving to be a strong addition to the team. He’s reliable and proactive, and helps connect us with our Spanish-speaking customers, ensuring they feel understood and supported. 

Always looking for ways to improve, Oz regularly shares ideas to make the shop even better. With a sharp sense of humor and a willingness to learn, he’s not only quickly finding his rhythm — he’s keeping the shop smiling while he does it.

Dream Car: 

• A Nissan GT-R. 

Outside of Work:

• I enjoy working on cars.

Favorite Car I’ve Seen at the Shop:

• My own. 

My Car’s Name: 

• “G”.

Where I Shine at Work:

• Speaking Spanish and bridging the communication gap.

Stephanie was more than a co-owner of The Oil Connection — she was its heart. As Rob’s wife and partner in both life and business, she poured her energy into the administrative side of the shop while cultivating a culture of warmth, gratitude, and genuine care.

Stephanie’s personal training shaped a culture of exceptional service, where every guest is treated with care, genuinely thanked for their visit, and sent off with kind wishes for the day ahead. In the summer months, she made sure customers stayed cool by offering cold water and popsicles with a smile. 

She made birthdays feel special by baking or providing a treat for each team member, and during the holidays, she would spend weeks baking dozens of different flavors of cookies for every one of our vendors — a gesture they looked forward to every year.

Stephanie’s thoughtful touches and personal warmth shaped the soul of The Oil Connection, and her influence still guides how we treat our customers and one another. 

When she passed in 2020, she left behind a legacy of kindness and connection that continues to live on. Deeply loved by our staff, Stephanie’s celebration of life was attended by countless longtime team members and vendors — a true reflection of the lives she touched.

Charles was a lifelong friend of Rob and Stephanie, a beloved member of our extended family, and an honorary uncle to Sara. For decades, he served as a dedicated lube technician and a steady, reliable presence at The Oil Connection. He was always at work at least an hour before his shift, opening the shop every morning without fail, and setting the tone for the day with his quiet consistency and care.

Charles brought with him not just a strong work ethic, but also a great sense of humor, deep loyalty, and a genuine connection to our customers. Known for his easygoing nature and his unwavering love for the 49ers, he often bonded with visitors over football and friendly conversation that left people smiling.

He passed in 2023 and is fondly remembered by all who knew him — coworkers, customers, and friends alike. His presence is still felt throughout the shop, and his memory remains a cherished part of The Oil Connection family.