Al Hooper
Founder & Vice President — ahooper@svine.com
As a firefighter, EMT, and mechanic for the Town of Wrentham, Massachusetts for more than 25 years, Al Hooper became aware of the importance of emergency vehicles. Through his research and analysis, he learned why some emergency vehicles performed better than others. In 1987, Al put this education to use and founded Specialty Vehicles. He wanted to provide his customers with vehicles of the quality they deserved. He has been selling ambulances ever since and continues to take pride in offering the best possible emergency medical vehicles available in today’s market. He formerly served as President until August of 2003 and currently serves as Vice President. Al’s customers appreciate his vast knowledge and extensive experience in the field.
Mark Hooper
President — mhooper@svine.com
Beginning his third decade in business, Mark has worked closely with his father Al, since 1990 — first as General Manager and now, as President. He has been a driving force in the successful expansion of the family business. He oversees all daily operations and continues to exercise his skill in sales. Mark’s desire to stay in contact with customers is indicative of the company’s philosophy. Mark is innovative by nature, often calling upon the extensive knowledge he has learned during the past 20+ years.
Dawna Lewis
Office Manager — dlewis@svine.com
Dawna’s college education in Business Administration has served as an asset for her involvement with the day-to-day operations. She has worked closely with both her father Al, and brother Mark, since the company began. Besides overseeing the general operations of the business, Dawna provides our customers with direction whenever any necessary actions require special attention. She offers outstanding communication skills, attention to detail, and is very service-oriented with a dedication to satisfying the needs and concerns of our customers.
Steve Harnois
Service & Parts Manager — steveh@svine.com
Joe Bevilacqua
Fire Apparatus Sales — joeb@svine.com
With over a decade of fire service expertise, Joe is an asset to our fire apparatus sales team. A resident of Rindge, NH, he is currently a Lieutenant with the Rindge Fire Department and understands the challenges departments face today. Joe became interested in fire apparatus sales after heading up a committee to purchase a pumper for his own department in 2016. After taking on the challenge of developing a specification for a fire apparatus and coordinating with multiple manufacturers, his passion for becoming a resource for New England fire departments grew. Joe is committed to making the process of buying a fire apparatus significantly easier, and his unique experience with the Rosenbauer product line perfectly positions him to do just that.
Gigi Lee
Ambulance Sales — glee@svine.com
Gigi Lee has joined SVI with 20 years of experience in ambulance sales and 25+ years in the Fire & EMS industry. In addition to her assigned Patrol Duties while serving in the United States Navy, she also took on additional shifts working on the ambulance. After serving, she advanced and became a Paramedic. Gigi is a 21-year career Firefighter and Paramedic for the Town of Natick Fire Department, assigned to Engine 2. She received an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, served as a Union Delegator and volunteered for several years with the Special Needs Program.
With her extensive firsthand experience, Gigi is well versed of the challenges that our Fire and EMS personnel are faced with on a daily basis. Over the years, she has contributed to numerous ambulance projects, assisting departments throughout New England with her attention to detail, design, and meeting budget and procurement goals. Her knowledge and familiarity is critical when assisting departments in purchasing the best-suited ambulance to meet their requirements.
Gigi is married and has two step-daughters, who have thriving careers of their own. During her free time, she enjoys travel, time near the ocean, sunshine, flower gardening, interior design and cruising in her Corvette Grande Sport.
Gigi’s territory includes covering the State of Connecticut along with Western Massachusetts; counties of Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin.
Jamieson Williams
Fire Apparatus Sales — jamiesonw@svine.com
Michael Davenport
Fire Apparatus Sales — michaeld@svine.com
Cheri Barnes
Receptionist/Administrative Assistant — frontdesk@svine.com
Cheri’s extensive background in Office Administration within a wide range of industries has allowed her to be knowledgeable in many areas of business, including marketing, executive assistance, and operations. When she is not assisting staff and leadership or representing Specialty Vehicles, Inc. at the front desk, Cheri uses her administrative experience to assist in special projects. She is committed to attention-to-detail and service with a smile.
