Mike Hernandez (Mike Sr.) established Camino Real Chevrolet March 16, 1976. He was involved in the day-to-day operations until his passing in 2019 at 83. Mike Sr. believed in giving back to the community. He felt that when you have the ability and capacity to help, it becomes a responsibility to do so. Since the 1950s, Mike Sr. was involved in various youth groups and foundations, including The Boy Scouts of America, Little League Baseball and various police associations. He also worked with underprivileged children throughout East Los Angeles, Major League Baseball players who needed help adjusting to life after baseball, and mentored and advised Oscar De La Hoya early in his career. Many dealerships f lounder after the founder passes, but Mike Sr. made sure he taught his children the importance of family. He always said, “I won’t be here forever. Don’t cry for me. Get back to work.” His highest priority was that Camino Real was always considered a family business. It wasn’t about the accomplishments of individuals but about the dealership and what it provided for the family, employees and, most importantly, the community. Mike Sr. left a legacy in a blended family that included his five children. Michael, the oldest, has worked at the dealership for 47 years and serves as the vice president and general manager. Lisa is the chief financial officer, controller and HR director. She has worked at Camino Real for 32 years. Robb is the dealer operator and has been involved full-time since 2014. Mike Sr.’s other children, Tom and Liz, are not involved in the dealership’s day-today operations; however, Liz does assist with dealership marketing and social media. In addition, JJ Margullis, Lisa’s son, is the used car manager and Mikey Hernandez, one of Michael’s sons, is an internet sales manager. The Hernandez family and Camino Real are now focusing on the future, planning and preparing the next generation. Robb is the next generation. Mike Sr.’s desire was for Michael and Lisa, with their knowledge and experience, to prepare Robb for f lying solo. Robb has a bachelor’s degree from CSU-Long Beach and an MBA through GM-sponsored DeVos Graduate Robb Hernandez — CARRYING ON A FAMILY LEGACY Left to Right: Mike Hernandez Jr., Lisbeth Hernandez, Lisa Hernandez and Robb Hernandez Left to Right: Sara McKinney, Michael Hernandez, Lisa Hernandez, Robb Hernandez, Layne Barajas and Jonathan Margullis Left to Right: Mike Hernandez Jr., Lisa Hernandez, Lizbeth Hernandez, Robb Hernandez 10
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