Spanish Guy Behind Commentators

[aintjustthem]

On ESPN, TNT, etc. whenever they switch to the camera shot of the commentators there's this Spanish guy that has a seat behind them and has sat their for as long as I've been a fan of the Spurs (since 2003). Is he well known in San Antonio or is he just one of those long-term Spurs fans? I'm just curious.

[SnakeBoy]

Yes he is well known as the spanish guy behind the commentators.

[Whisky Dog]

He's a business owner in SA... Owns car lots or something like that

[playblair]

[Skoobz]

I have wondered the same thing too.

[eyeh8u]

I always thought he was indian

[SA210]

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/...2481-2,00.html
Keep Thinking
Develop Your Own Formula

Navin Bhatia, 49, owns nine Valvoline Instant Oil Changes in San Antonio, Texas, employs 90 people and brings in $6 million annually. He has had not just one innovative masterstroke that Valvoline has incorporated into other stores, but two. First was Bhatia's "good, better, best" marketing strategy, which differentiates each type of motor oil and includes recommendations specific to the needs of each customer's car. His second idea evolved into the Maximum Vehicle Performance (MVP) program, which allows Valvoline employees to schedule services based on the model of the car and the driver's traveling habits.
Learn More
What's it really like being a franchisee? Check out the archives for our "Day in the Life" and "Big Idea" columns to find out.
Go Ahead, Get Creative!
The question remains: How can you be as innovative as Bhatia?

* Determine whether your store follows your basic philosophy. The MVP program came about because Bhatia wasn't comfortable with employees giving general advice to customers. They started referring to an industry publication, giving specific recommendations for customers' cars. "We were doing what was good for their vehicles, not necessarily what was good for our bottom line," he says. Impressed with Bhatia's system, Valvoline headquarters developed a computerized database to make specific auto-servicing recommendations.

* Look for problems before they become problems. Bhatia bought a formula for running a business, but when meeting with managers, he asks, "How can we enhance the system?"

* Don't forget that you once had a life outside of franchising. Bhatia's "good, better, best" marketing strategy was inspired by his former job with American Express. Just as American Express users upgrade to Gold, Platinum and Centurion cards, Valvoline customers get grades of oil based on their cars' needs.

[freetiago]

anyone know who that middle eastern looking women is that sits in the first row usually near the opponents bench

milf tbh...

[SA210]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/M...eb32_html.html

Do ABC's telecasts remind you it's time for an oil change? Here's why
The most noticed fan at the SBC Center couldn't resist using his court proximity to plug his company.

Navin Bhatia, the president and local franchisee of the Valvoline Instant Oil Change, took advantage of his courtside seats directly behind ABC broadcasters Al Michaels and Hubie Brown.


On every cutaway to the announcers, Bhatia and his company received wide national exposure, thanks to a huge logo superimposed on the chest of his T-shirt.

Bhatia, a Spurs season-ticket holder for 15 years, pays about $150 each for his two seats per game. During games that are not nationally televised, he has two rows of spectators in front of him.

"I do feel a little uneasy at times," Bhatia said about his one-man advertising blitz. "I don't really think it's my nature to show off. But it's something that my employees convinced me to do."

The proximity has given him a unique perspective of ABC's broadcast. He can follow all the action on a bank of high-definition televisions, complete with replays and statistics.

And he's learned quirks about the announcers. Michaels, for example, munches grapes for energy throughout the game and drinks coffee from a large thermos stashed at his feet.

It could be worse. Bhatia cringes when he remembers trying to crane his neck around Bill Walton.

"This isn't too bad," Bhatia said, smiling. "I do have a lot of leg room."

[Splits]

Looks Mexican to me, not Spanish.

[Whisky Dog]

Looks Mexican to me, not Spanish.

Bhatia... Some some really ing Far East Mexican. Like... way past Matamoros.

[HI-FI]

i always wondered about that guy too. guess he's Indian. either way, props to him for the great seats.

[crc21209]

I've noticed this guy for years as well. I always wondered who he was.

[lefty]

Who is that guy who looks like Ned Flanders, always sitting courtside ?

[aintjustthem]

Thanks guys, cleared up years of curiosity haha.

[Obstructed_View]

He's been known as Valvoline Guy for a while. In '99 we called him Smiling Guy.

[redskinfan]

$150 each ticket? wow I can afford that.

[davidbowie]

that's mister valvoline!!!!! cmon man!!!!!

[Humberto]

The Ned Flanders guy that always sits first row is awesome... I like his move of holding his nose telling the refs that they stink. He seems nerdy but pretty funny... I think he's the guy that used to always take his glasses off to offer to the refs during bad calls as well.

[look_at_g_shred]

anyone know who that middle eastern looking women is that sits in the first row usually near the opponents bench

milf tbh...

[mabrignani]

Like... way past Matamoros.

actually, indians hate the moors, so to say they are way past matamoros is not necessarily true

[Assman]

actually, indians hate the moors, so to say they are way past matamoros is not necessarily true

Moops.

[lefty]

Who is that guy who looks like Ned Flanders, always sitting courtside ?

anyone

[JR3]

My dad and I affectionately call him "Vato".

[MR-Clutch]

I've always known him as the valvoline guy, because he would always wear vavoline shirts. In fact, there's a Facebook group about him.Also, I thought it was pretty obvious he was Indian, but I guess not. Basque you say?