Meet The Team

Dale Baca – Owner & Founder

Dale Baca, a Commerce City native and 1987 Adams City High School graduate, began his automotive career after completing a two-year automotive and diesel college program. He worked his way up from independent shops to a Honda dealership, earning the prestigious Gold Level Honda Professional title in 1996.

Driven by a dream to build something of his own, Dale opened a small three-bay shop in Thornton, Colorado. As the business grew, he purchased land and, in 2013, opened a custom-built facility just three miles from the original location.



Dale is married to Shelly Baca, and together they have three children and four grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and creating lasting memories.

Shelly Baca – Co-Owner & Operations Manager

Shelly Baca is the heart behind the scenes at the shop. A proud Commerce City native and 1989 Adams City High School graduate, Shelly and Dale have been high school sweethearts and lifelong partners in both family and business.

Before joining the shop in 2000, Shelly worked in a variety of fields—from animal care and the food industry to healthcare and corporate administration. Today, she manages daily operations, HR, and accounting at the shop.

Now working part-time, Shelly spends the rest of her week caring for three of their four grandsons. When she’s not juggling grandkids or office duties, she’s usually busy with crafts, creating something special with her hands and heart.


Together, Shelly and Dale have built a business—and a life—rooted in hard work, love, and family.

Derrick Baca – Service Writer

Derrick Baca has been part of the shop’s story since day one. He grew up at Alternative Auto Care, helping out from a young age after his father opened the business. At 14, he officially joined the team as a lube tech, learning every part of the trade from the ground up.

After graduating high school, Derrick became a full-time technician, gaining deep experience in diagnostics and repairs. He eventually transitioned into his current role as a service writer, where he focuses on helping customers understand their vehicle needs and making sure they receive honest, dependable service.



Outside of work, Derrick is a devoted husband and proud father of three boys. He loves spending time outdoors—dirt biking, camping, fishing—and often finds himself in the garage working on motorcycles or RC cars. His hands-on passion and commitment to family continue to fuel his role at the shop every day.

Raushell Baca – Team Support & Service

Raushell Baca, the youngest of the Baca siblings, brings energy and versatility to the shop. A 2012 graduate of Mountain Range High School, she earned a softball scholarship to Pratt Community College and later attended CU Boulder. Though she initially planned to pursue chemical engineering, her journey eventually led her to the family business.


Today, Raushell plays a key role in both front-end service and behind-the-scenes operations, always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed. Outside of work, she keeps busy with her toddler and two energetic dogs. Whether she’s fishing, riding dirt bikes, playing disc golf, or enjoying a quiet walk, Raushell embraces life with adventure and heart.

Victor Alvarez – Master Certified Service Technician

Victor Alvarez has been working as a service technician since 2004. With no prior background in auto repair, he discovered a passion for working with his hands and solving problems that quickly turned into a career. Today, he’s a Master Certified Honda Technician and is currently pursuing his ASE Master Certification.


With more than 20 years of experience, Victor takes pride in every diagnosis, repair, and service. He’s known for his attention to detail, ongoing commitment to training, and ability to adapt to new automotive technologies. His goal is to deliver quality, trustworthy service to every customer.

Outside the shop, Victor is a devoted husband and proud father of two teenage daughters. He enjoys skating, snowboarding, and traveling with his family—including their two dogs. His fun-loving personality and strong work ethic make him a valued part of the team.

Cameron Rivera – C-Level Technician

Cameron Rivera found his passion for cars early on, thanks to his dad, who was a crew chief for a friend’s race team. Instead of spending weekends playing video games, Cameron was in the garage learning the ins and outs of engines.


He kickstarted his automotive journey at Job Corps, earning certifications in petroleum systems and his GED. From there, he took his first job at a lube and tire shop, but he didn’t stop at the basics. Determined to grow, he joined Alternative Auto Care and has spent the past few years working his way up to a C-level technician.

Outside of work, Cameron enjoys building and riding motorcycles, as well as gaming on his custom-built PC. His curiosity, work ethic, and sense of humor make him a great addition to the team.

Meet Nicole Betts-Chavez: A True Jane of All Trades

Nicole Betts-Chavez is a proud Colorado native with deep Wyoming roots and a life story that reads like a roadmap of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on experience. A graduate of a small-town high school class of just 23 students in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, Nicole returned to Colorado at 18 and has been blazing her own path ever since.

With an Associate Degree from Parks Jr. College and an SMA in Medical Office Administration and Transcription, Nicole's career has been anything but conventional. From managing a 200-bus fleet as an assistant parts manager to teaching others how to drive a bus, Nicole has thrived in roles that blend mechanics, logistics, and leadership.

Her love for machinery and mechanics started early—hanging out with her dad in the garage, getting her hands dirty. That passion led her to join a racecar pit crew in 1997, working on everything from Superstock to Late Model and open-wheel racecars.

Nicole’s talents extend far beyond the garage. She's operated light rail trains, worked in paratransit for 7 years, and even explored roles in aviation. Whether it’s planes, trains, or automobiles—if it moves, Nicole’s probably worked on it.

Outside of work, Nicole is a true creative. She’s an artist who explores various mediums, a woodworker, and a musician who plays the saxophone and harmonica. Forever mechanically minded, she’s been known to take apart broken items just to figure out how they work—and maybe even fix them.

Her dream car? A monster truck—or a classic 1969 Z28 Camaro.

Favorite books? The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Painted House.

Favorite quote? “The purpose of life is to find your gift. The meaning of life is to give it away.”

Nicole Betts-Chavez is living proof that you don’t have to fit in one box to make a big impact—you just have to follow your curiosity, stay hands-on, and always be willing to learn something new.

Dave Springer - Master Certified Service Technician

I am an Auto Technician at AAC, where I have proudly worked since July 2014. My passion for cars and mechanics began early in life, inspired by watching my grandfather work on and build his own vehicles. Those experiences sparked my love for automotive repair and set me on the path to a rewarding career in the auto mechanic industry.

What I love most about my job is the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to help customers get their vehicles back on the road. I enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest automotive technologies, which constantly challenges me and expands my knowledge. Meeting new people and solving complex problems keeps my work both engaging and fulfilling.



Outside of work, I enjoy watching NASCAR, going fishing, and exploring new destinations through travel. These activities help me unwind and keep a balanced lifestyle.