Meet Our Team of Automotive Specialists

Teddy Volkswagen of the Bronx is the huggable dealer. That’s not just something we say or even a play on our name, that’s the truth. We are a family-owned dealership that believes in being approachable, friendly, and knowledgeable above all else. When our customers shop with us, we want them to feel like they had the best car-buying experience possible. See one of our team members today, and learn for yourself what makes Teddy Volkswagen of the Bronx the place to buy and service all things VW.

All

Owner

Ted Bessen

Bio

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												<div class="bio"><p><strong>Automotive Experience</strong></p>
<p>During his 20+ year career in the retail automotive business, Ted moved up from top salesperson to President and equal owner of one of the largest and most profitable automotive organizations in the world.</p>
<p>1979-1982: Dale Oldsmobile - Bronx, NY<br />1982-1984: Potamkin Cadillac - New York, NY</p>
<p>1984-1989: Dale Oldsmobile - Bronx, NY</p>
<p>1989-2001: President of, and equal partner in Potamkin Auto Center and later President and partner of Potamkin Mitsubishi, Potamkin Cadillac-Buick-Chevrolet</p>
<p>1999: Sold interest back to the Potamkin organization and CarsDirect.com</p>
<p>2001-Present: Consultant to advertising and retail automotive industries</p>
<p><strong>Prior to entering the retail automotive profession:</strong></p>
<p>At 13, opened first pet supply business</p>
<p>At 17, opened Jungle Habitat in Brooklyn, NY; ran it for three years and sold it</p>
<p><strong>Record of Professional Achievement</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Numbers</strong></p>
<p>Retail over 15,000 vehicle sales/year through four showrooms</p>
<p><strong>Representative examples</strong></p>
<p>Largest volume in leased for a number of leasing companies</p>
<p>Dealer Council member for General Electric Credit Auto Lease</p>
<p>Presented to participants of the New York Daily News Summit Meeting</p>
<p><strong>Industry Innovation</strong></p>
<p>In 1984, Ted created the concept for, implemented, developed and grew the Any Car Store business. Any Car Store served customers who were uncomfortable buying and leasing through a traditional dealership by purchasing for them any car, truck or sport utility vehicle they desired from other dealerships. This business, related to the Potamkin organization, ultimately grew to over 1000 new vehicle sales per month. In 1999, CarsDirect.com acquired Any Car Store.</p>
<p><strong>Personal</strong></p>
<p><strong>Family</strong></p>
<p>Ted is unmarried, he's actively involved in the lives of his immediate and extended family- including a host of nieces and nephews many of whom are his Godchildren.</p>
<p><strong>Commitment to the Community</strong></p>
<p>Ted has lived his entire life in the New York metropolitan area. He understands the culture and has a solid network of personal and professional relationships in this part of the country. Ted's community activities include personally and financially supporting...</p>
<p>Barely Balancing Theatre Company as they grew to produce off-Broadway shows including Rebel Without a Cause.</p>
<p><strong>Other Interests</strong></p>
<p>These days, when Ted isn't managing his real estate portfolio, he's pursuing an avid interest in health and fitness. Ted is also the consummate New Yorker, enjoying fine dining, the theatre and sporting events.</p></div>  
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