Meet Our Staff
DEALER
Charlie Burns
Dealer
A graduate of Gaffney High School, Charlie got his start at the Burns family business as a young child. After graduating from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, he returned to the Upstate in 2017 to follow in the footsteps of the generations before him to lead the Chevrolet dealership.
While in Columbia, Charlie gained experience working for both the Jim Hudson Audi and General Motors stores. Upon returning to Gaffney, Charlie started in the Parts department before managing the Internet Sales, Finance, and Buy Here Pay Here departments. Charlie graduated from the esteemed National Automobile Dealers Association Academy in 2019.
Stepping into the role of Dealer Principal in 2020, he carries on the legacy established by his father, Sam Burns, with a fervent commitment to employee development and community enrichment. Charlie lives in Spartanburg, with his wife, Carly, and their son, Shepherd. Charlie previously served as President of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and is a dedicated member of Grace Church, where he and Carly lead a community group and serve in children's ministry.
Carly Burns
Marketing
After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a Master’s Degree in social work, Carly worked in foster care before leading digital communications at United Way of the Piedmont. After she and Charlie welcomed their son into the world, Carly joined the team here at Burns Chevrolet to support the family business. Together, Carly and Charlie are passionate about stewarding the dealership to make a positive impact in the local community.
Shepherd Burns
Dealer Apprentice
Shep is our youngest and most enthusiastic team member at Burns Chevrolet. He's got a knack for spotting Chevrolets from a mile away and loves tagging along with his dad, Charlie, on dealership visits. When he's not busy shadowing his dad, you can find him working his magic on our team members, effortlessly convincing them to give him treats.
Sam & Terri Burns
President
U.S. VETERAN
Sam has been married to his middle-school sweetheart, Terri, for over four decades. Together, they are the proud parents of four adult children and eight grandchildren. After graduating from The Citadel in 1981, Sam's path led him to serve his country in the United States Air Force before joining the longstanding Burns family business.
Assuming leadership of Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney in 1990, Sam's tenure has been marked by his unwavering commitment to community betterment, serving on numerous boards, including the Boys and Girls Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and Limestone University. Widely respected for his generosity and integrity, Sam's accolades include the prestigious South Carolina Dealer of the Year Award in 2020, alongside the esteemed "Super Saint" recognition from Limestone University. Under Sam's stewardship, Burns Chevrolet was honored with the Business of the Year distinction by the Chamber of Commerce in 2015, a testament to his leadership.
Although officially passing the torch to his son, Charlie, in 2020, Sam remains an integral part of the dealership's leadership, seamlessly balancing semi-retirement with his continued commitment to the community. Alongside Terri, he finds purpose in their involvement with First Baptist Church of Gaffney, embodying a life rich in family, service, and faith.
BUSINESS OFFICE
Laura Geary
Office Manager
Laura serves as the dedicated Office Manager and brings a wealth of experience from her upbringing in the dealership as the 2nd oldest child in the Burns family. While she officially started at Burns Chevrolet in 2011 as a receptionist, she and her siblings were often found cleaning up the lot in the summers as children. Laura is passionate about the success of the dealership and goes above and beyond her role as Office Manager to improve our business processes. She and her husband, Donnie, have four children and love to take trips as a family when they’re not at sports practices or serving at First Baptist of Gaffney.
Heather Adams
Buy Here Pay Here Account Representative
Heather has been a dedicated Account Representative at Burns Chevrolet since 2017, all while being the best mom to her 7-year-old son. Growing up in Rock Hill, SC, she dreamed of being a lawyer, fueled by her passion for standing up for what's right. At the dealership, you can always count on Heather's lively presence and straightforward nature—she's the one who isn't afraid to speak up!
Norma Johnson
Cashier
Norma came back to the Burns Chevrolet family in 2020, bringing her knack for cooking and a dedication to top-notch customer service to the table. Growing up, she dreamed of racing horses, inspired by her aunt's trusty steed, "Little Bit." She loves spending time with her two children and her delightful granddaughter, Lillie. At the dealership, she thrives in the collaborative atmosphere, working alongside her teammates to ensure every customer leaves with a smile.
Robin Taylor
Title Clerk
Robin has been an integral part of Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney since 2012, renowned for her meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to spell checking. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her two daughters, two grandchildren, and her beloved dog, Cricket. Her first job was grading peaches back at Sunny Slope Farms, and her knack for detail and commitment to excellence has stuck with her ever since.
PARTS
Kurt Waters
Parts Manager
Kurt joined Burns Chevrolet in 2022 as the Parts Manager, but he is known at work for his culinary expertise. Originally from Cliffside, North Carolina, Kurt grew up king fishing in Myrtle Beach, SC and still enjoys hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. When he’s not at work, you can find Kurt cooking, farming, and spending time with his fiancée.
Cam Mullinax
Parts Counterperson
Cam started at Burns Chevrolet in 2019 in the detail department before being promoted to Parts Counterperson because of his work ethic and pleasant demeanor. As a child, Cam dreamed of being a pro bass fisherman, and you'll still find him out on the water or in the woods when he's not at work, soaking up quality time with his family and fiancée.
Brayden Wall
Parts Counterperson
Brayden joined the team at Burns Chevrolet as an Express Technician in 2022. He recently transitioned to the Parts Department, bringing his experience from his first job at O’Reilly Auto Parts. What Brayden loves most about working at Burns Chevrolet is the balance it provides, allowing him to thrive professionally while still enjoying life outside of work playing video games, fishing, and hunting.
SALES
Ben McCracken
General Sales Manager
U.S. VETERAN Meet Ben McCracken, the friendly face leading the Sales team at Burns Chevrolet since 2022! Married to his sweetheart, Angie, for an amazing 30 years, Ben's also a proud parent to three awesome grown-up kids and one adorable grandson who keeps him on his toes. Hailing from Frankfort, Indiana, Ben's first gig was in the cornfields, but today you can find Ben creating a fun, family atmosphere at the dealership. When he's not helping customers find their dream cars, Ben loves traveling and enjoying some well-deserved rest & relaxation with Angie.
Scott Young
New Car & Finance Manager
Scott is the driving force behind new car and finance sales at Burns Chevrolet. Originally from Jackson Township, Ohio, Scott joined the Burns team in 2011 as a Sales Professional and has worked tirelessly since then to help customers find their dream Chevrolets. Married to Katie for 14 wonderful years, Scott is a devoted father of four who loves nothing more than spending quality time with his family at Lake Jocassee, casting lines and making memories.
John Dew
Sales Manager
John joined Burns Chevrolet as Sales Manager in 2023. Originally from Wayne, Michigan, John grew up working in the blackberry fields, where he learned the power of hard work. He is married to Tabitha and is a proud dad to three awesome daughters, who he loves hanging out with when he’s not helping customers purchase their perfect car. John’s favorite part of his day is the pure excitement he sees on a customer's face when they drive off in their new vehicle.
Jeff Ferguson
Certified Sales Professional
Jeff Ferguson, affectionately known as the "Cartender," made his mark at Burns Chevrolet in 2024 as a Certified Sales Professional, bringing a hospitable attitude from his previous career as a bartender. Outside of the showroom, Jeff enjoys container gardening and treasures his family’s Christmas tradition of unwrapping plastic wrapped gifts with oven mitts on. Known for his knack for brain teaser puzzles, Jeff thrives in the warm, family atmosphere at work.
Thomas Gold
Certified Sales Professional
Thomas joined the Burns Chevrolet team in 2023 with previous experience in vehicle sales in North Carolina. Proud father to his daughter, Alisia, Thomas finds immense joy in helping others. Famous for his Christmas decorating skills, he loves coming to work everyday because of the family atmosphere. When not assisting customers, Thomas loves spending time hiking or traveling with friends and loves his friends’ annual Thanksgiving celebration.
Bri Hagner
Certified Sales Professional
Bri started at Burns Chevrolet in 2021 after moving to Gaffney from Pennsylvania. Inspired by a childhood dream of becoming a vet, her compassionate nature shines through in her dedication to helping people as a Certified Sales Professional. With a 13-year-old daughter and a household full of dogs, Bri brings a sense of warmth and empathy to her role, making every customer interaction meaningful and enjoyable.
Wendell Jones
Certified Sales Professional
U.S. VETERAN Wendell joined the team at Burns Chevrolet in 2023, bringing many years of experience in vehicle sales. The proud father of two sons, he was drawn to our dealership because of the family-friendly environment and hours. Originally from Macon, Georgia, Wendell loves spending time hiking or driving through the mountains. At work, Wendell is known for coaching others and working hard to help customers find the perfect car for their family.
Chris Quinn
Certified Sales Professional
Chris has been a Certified Sales Professional at Burns Chevrolet since 2021. Family is at the core of Chris's life, with his two daughters being his pride and joy. Outside of work, you’ll find Chris attending church on Sundays and enjoying his hobbies, whether it's fine-tuning his motorcycles or jamming on the drums. Colleagues know him not only for his warmth and easygoing nature but also for his expertise with lawnmowers – a story he's always eager to share.
Vicky Sherlin
Certified Sales Professional
Vicky started at Burns Chevrolet in 2024, bringing a laid-back vibe to the showroom floor reflective of her Asheville, NC roots. Vicky has a grown son that lives in Portland, Oregon, and she enjoys exploring our charming Upstate, SC town as a recent Gaffney transplant. She loves traveling to New Orleans and the beautiful Gulf Coast with her husband. Her childhood dreams spanned from astronaut to cowgirl, but now she finds fulfillment in the diverse array of people she meets as a Certified Sales Professional at Burns Chevrolet.
Deano Surace
Certified Sales Professional
Deano started his journey at Burns Chevrolet in 2022 as a Lot Attendant and worked for a year in our Service Department before transitioning to his current role in Sales. Outside of work, he finds joy in his family life, creating memories with his wife, Makenzie, and infant son, Bailey. Originally from New York, Deano's passion for Chevrolet vehicles runs deep, with the 2500 Heavy-Duty Silverado currently topping his list of favorites. Deano is known at work for his laid-back personality and versatility.
Dylan Fields
Inventory Management Specialist
Meet Dylan Fields, the man who’s been making the lot at Burns Chevrolet stand out since 2023. Juggling a lively household of six kids with his wife, Dylan loves playing Xbox in his downtime. Well-known for his dependability and helpfulness, it’s not surprising that Dylan dreamed of being a police officer as a child. Today, he finds joy in the ever-changing landscape of his job at Burns Chevrolet, where each day brings something new.
Jared Humphries
Customer Experience Coordinator
Jared came to Burns Chevrolet in 2022 as a Business Development Representative, and has since been promoted to Customer Experience Coordinator. He grew up down the road in Cowpens, SC, and true to his Cherokee County roots, started his customer service career at a local peach stand. Jared is close to his family and loves his Sunday lunches after church with them. Known for his unwavering dependability and friendly demeanor, Jared ensures that every customer starts their car-buying journey with a smile.
SERVICE
Matt Cole
Service Manager
Matt started at Burns Chevrolet in 1996 in the Parts Department, and after a brief hiatus, returned in 2006 as a Service Advisor, building a number of loyal customer relationships before being promoted to Service Manager. With a loving wife, Heather, and four children, Matt's life revolves around family, whether it's enjoying quality time by the pool or cheering on his kids at their sports events. While his favorite place is the Grand Canyon, for Matt, nothing beats the memories made at his family’s yearly vacation. At work, Matt is eager to help anyone and is known for his laid back personality and passion for eating.
Jessica Schurz
Service Advisor
Jessica joined the Burns Chevrolet team as a Service Advisor 2021. Known at work for her confidence and quick wit, Jessica is a loving mother to her daughter, Baylor, and adorable goldendoodle, Chipper Bones. Hailing from both Seymour, Indiana, and Gaffney, SC, Jessica's childhood dream of becoming a lawyer evolved into a passion for building strong relationships with customers. When Jessica isn’t at work, she loves to spend quality time with Baylor and indulge in retail therapy.
Dylan Patton
Service Advisor
Dylan has been a Service Advisor at Burns Chevrolet since 2019, known for his calm demeanor and distinctive long hair. Dylan and his girlfriend, Elena, have a household of lovable pets – a dog and a “ridiculous amount of cats.” Dylan has an affinity for Mexican food, specifically tamales, and highly recommends Frida's House in Gaffney for a delicious bite. With his friendly attitude and dedication to customer service, Dylan is a valuable asset to the Burns Chevrolet team.
Brad Turner
Service Dispatcher & Warranty Administrator
Brad started in the Parts Department at Burns Chevrolet in 2022, and joined the Service team in 2023 to increase efficiency as a dispatcher. Brad is married and has three children and is known for his commitment to his family. Off the clock, you'll find Brad enjoying quality time with his kids, tending to his garden, or getting creative with his 3D printer.
Emmett Knapp
Chevrolet Master Technician
U.S. VETERAN Emmett has been a Master Chevrolet Technician at Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney since 2016. Emmett's greatest joys come from his family, including his wife, two sons, three stepdaughters, one stepson, and seven grandchildren. Hailing from Norwich, New York, Emmett's journey took him from dairy farming to military service. When he's not fixing cars, you can catch Emmett indulging in his favorite snack, Blue Bell ice cream, and getting some well-deserved rest.
Mitchell Lanier
Chevrolet Master Technician
Meet Mitchell, our seasoned Master Chevrolet Technician at Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, who's been with us since 2010. Born and raised in Cherokee County, Mitchell's automotive journey began right here at Burns Chevrolet. With a knack for fixing anything on any car, Mitchell's expertise is unmatched. Mitchell is a devoted husband and father to four kids. Mitchell's favorite Chevrolet is the Silverado 2500, a testament to his appreciation for rugged reliability.
Brandon Gaffney
Service Technician
Brandon joined our Service Department in 2023, bringing years of experience as a technician. Married with three boys, Brandon's passion for fast cars dates back to his childhood dream of becoming a racecar driver. Though he’s a homebody from Gaffney, he enjoys family trips to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Anthony Jenkins
Service Technician
Anthony joined Burns Chevrolet as a Service Technician in 2024. Originally from Germantown, Pennsylvania, Anthony's passion for being a mechanic was ignited during his childhood. Known for his quiet demeanor and his unique ability to chase down hard-to-find electrical issues, Anthony is a hard worker who has been a great addition to the team. Off the clock, you'll find him unwinding at home, indulging in relaxing baths.
Matt Wilson
Service Technician
Member of the U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD RESERVES Matt joined the Burns Chevrolet team in 2023 with a wealth of experience as a technician. He is a devoted family man and car enthusiast, originally from Ossining, NY. With a loving wife, two boys, a daughter, and another son on the way, Matt's household is always buzzing with excitement. When he's not at work, you'll find him indulging his lifelong passion for cars. He cherishes family traditions like their annual vacations to Hilton Head Island, while his fondest travel memory was his visit to Israel, a trip that left a lasting impression.
Eugene Philpotts
Service Technician
Eugene started at Burns Chevrolet in 2023, bringing years of experience as a Service Technician. Hailing from one of the largest families in Jamaica, Eugene brings a rich cultural background to his work. Passionate about his faith, he spends his free time preaching and attending Christian meetings. At work, Eugene is known for his calm demeanor, diverse travel experiences, and unique taste in food. His favorite part about his job is getting to do what he loves, and he embraces each day with enthusiasm and gratitude.
Omarion Ross
Express Technician
Omarion, known as “O” at work, joined the team at Burns Chevrolet in 2023. Originally from Gaffney, Omarion enjoys getting to work on a wide variety of cars every day, but his favorite is the 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z28. When Omarion isn’t at the dealership helping customers with routine vehicle maintenance, he likes to use his creative side to make clothes.
Daniel Estrada
Express Technician
Daniel started as an Express Technician in 2023. His passion for working on cars started when he was young, and now he’s fulfilling his dream of becoming a Certified Technician at Burns Chevrolet. Having grown up in Gaffney, Daniel got his start working at The Big E, our local movie theater and amusement center. His ideal movie snack and drink combo? Gummy bears and a Dr. Pepper!
Jacob Norwood
Technician Apprentice
Jacob joined Burns Chevrolet as a technician apprentice in 2022 and has been a great addition to the team with his friendly attitude and willingness to help. When he’s not at work, you can find him fishing, hunting, and helping with his grandpa's car restoration projects. In the shop, Jacob’s the guy known for leaving water bottles everywhere (it’s no wonder it’s his drink of choice).