WHO WE ARE
We are committed to offering each person that completes our training
program the opportunity to receive job placement in the automotive
industry as a certified mechanic or technician.
Petra Cares is dedicated to supporting young adults transitioning out of foster care and homeless, at-risk youth. Our mission is to eliminate barriers and offer exceptional training opportunities to empower our students to graduate, secure employment, and build stable futures for themselves and their families, thereby creating a ripple effect of positive change for generations to come.
At Petra Automotive Products and Petra Cares, we are deeply committed to investing in the next generation, both locally and globally. We believe that everyone has a purpose, and sometimes all it takes is a guiding hand or a clear path to unlock their potential. By extending this support, we not only transform individual lives but also uplift entire families and leave a lasting impact on future generations. In doing so, we strive to reshape the economic landscape of our world for the better.
THE PETRA PATHWAY
Established in 2021 – with the first class in June of 2023, Petra Cares is the charitable arm of the Petra Automotive Products Company based in Cypress, Texas.
Over the years, Petra has been a staunch supporter of various charitable endeavors. However, recognizing the escalating needs in Houston, Petra took a decisive step in 2021 by establishing its own non-profit organization to effect greater local change, with the first class in June of 2023. After careful consideration, the focus was set on addressing the pressing issue of young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.
Statistics reveal a sobering reality: within three years of leaving foster care, 80% of these youths face homelessness, incarceration, or worse. It’s imperative for the community to rally around these vulnerable individuals during this pivotal phase, as many lack the necessary education, social skills, and support systems to navigate adulthood successfully.
Our strategic approach aimed to provide a solution to uplift one of society’s most marginalized demographics. While some organizations excel in offering post-transition housing support, few tackle the equally critical challenge of securing meaningful employment.
We are uniquely positioned to make a tangible difference in the lives of these youths. Through our tailored training program and by leveraging our connections within the automotive industry, we’re dedicated to guiding these individuals towards fulfilling careers and a brighter future.
Our Mission
Changing Lives and
Generations to Come
- P - Purpose
- E - Education
- T - Training
- R - Responsibility
- A - Achievement
Apply Now
We provide a place for training and utilizing our relationships in the auto industry to connect you with a good-paying job.
Staff
Brian Meza
Managing Director
Kimberly Elliott
Director of Development
Board of Directors
Arnold services on
the following boards:
Petra Cares
National Christian Foundation
Alley Theater
Woodsedge Community Church
Awards:
Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year
Hope Ward
Hero Award
Automotive News Vendor of the Year
Arnold Gacita
President & Founder
Arnold Gacita is the President and Founder of Houston-based Petra Automotive Products, Inc., one of the fastest-growing chemical companies and a trusted brand throughout the United States and 44 countries. From an early age, Arnold, who emigrated to the U.S. from Cuba when he was seven months old, learned two important lessons: you shouldn’t take anything for granted, and you have to outwork everyone else. As a child, his grandfather, who left behind a successful grocery store and meat market in Cuba, told him, “No matter what position you have, do something; if you see a broom, pick it up and start sweeping.” He learned his work ethic from seeing his Father work 14-16 hour shifts as a painter for an oil tools company. An entrepreneur from an early age, Arnold worked in the streets after school and in the summers, selling a variety of products – from furniture his grandfather and uncle built to snow cones.
Arnold honed his entrepreneurial skills at Wynn’s, a performance polymers division of the publicly traded Illinois Tool Works, Inc. when he went to work for a local distributor and turned it into the #1 Wynn’s distributor in the U.S. After Arnold developed a groundbreaking sales method based on relationship-building and selling programs rather than just products, Wynn’s took notice, bringing him in-house and promoting him from business development manager to national sales manager to director of sales and marketing for the Americas Group of Wynn’s.
After 18 years at Wynn’s, Arnold started Petra Automotive Products, Inc., in 2010, and since then, the business has doubled five times and has outgrown its facility four times. In 2016, Arnold purchased a plot of land in Cypress where he built Petra’s headquarters. Under Arnold’s leadership, Petra has broken sales records consistently each year and currently has 1300 people selling its products throughout the world and in approximately 4800+ automotive dealerships in the U.S.. He also has served as a longtime member of the prestigious Automotive Sales Council, an elite group of 100 top automotive industry executives. He is the former Chairman of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2020). Arnold is also the host of the new and highly popular podcast: Wheels, Deals & Meals. Arnold is also the Founder of Petra Cares, their charity arm which takes homeless young adults, and those exiting the foster care program. They teach them automotive mechanic skills, and level 1 technicians and place them in the workforce.
Named one of the winners of the 2018 Governors Business Award. Also, named 2017 Male Entrepreneur of the Year by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Arnold’s business success is matched by his commitment to community service. He sponsors programs for area schools and teachers, sends food and supplies to flood victims, and has served as a mentor at Christian colleges. In 2017, Arnold also received the Hero Award from Giving Hope in New Orleans for his community service and efforts to establish orphanages. In 2019 he had a dream come true as he, along with Giving Home completed an orphanage in Brazil, dedicated August 2019.
Arnold believes that we are distributors of God’s blessing.
Arnold spends his free time with his family – wife Veronica, daughter Victoria, two sons Andrew and Arnold Jr., daughter-in-law Megan (Arnold Jr.’s wife) and his granddaughter, Mila, Katalina and grandson Leo.
Samuel Diaz
Vice President
Samuel Diaz is an Executive Coach, Certified EOS Implementer®, and Business Lifecycle Advisor who helps entrepreneurial leadership teams build healthy, high-performing organizations. He works with founders, owners, and leadership teams to gain clarity, strengthen accountability, and execute their vision with discipline and confidence.
Before becoming an EOS Implementer, Sam spent years leading and growing businesses from the inside, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face. His practical leadership experience, combined with his coaching expertise, enables him to guide organizations through growth, leadership transitions, and organizational change.
Sam is passionate about developing leaders, building strong organizational cultures, and helping businesses create lasting value for their employees, customers, and communities. He believes that exceptional leadership begins with trust, clarity, and a shared purpose, and he is committed to equipping leaders to build organizations that thrive for generations.
Sam is a devoted husband and father. He is lives in Houston with his wife, Kimberly, and enjoys cycling, international travel, and spending time with family.
Jo Vonna Hill
Secretary
Jo Vonna Hill, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is a senior human resources professional, corporate consultant, paralegal, and legal liaison at Pagel, Davis & Hill, P.C. Working under the supervision of legal counsel, she advises employers on regulatory compliance, employee relations, workplace investigations, EEOC and unemployment claims, FMLA and ADA administration, and litigation prevention and support.
Having been an employer herself, Jo Vonna understands the practical challenges and competing priorities businesses face. She has provided human resources management and consulting services across numerous industries, helping employers develop compliant, practical policies and systems addressing the entire employee life cycle.
Jo Vonna has held several leadership positions with HR Houston, including Chair of the 2019 Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues, and regularly teaches its intensive two-day “HR Basics” workshop.
Her commitment to service is rooted in 12 years of ministry and her experience as a licensed lay chaplain. She currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Petra Cares, supporting young adults aging out of foster care and other at-risk youth, and assists with the organization’s human resources functions. Her husband, Marty Hill, a shareholder at Pagel, Davis & Hill, serves as legal counsel to Petra Cares and has been involved with the organization since its inception.
Outside of her professional and community work, Jo Vonna is a vocalist with Cool Freddie E & The Crew, a regional variety band.
Eric Merchant
Member
Eric Merchant is a Senior Vice President and Middle Market Banker at Truist Bank, where he partners with large privately held and sponsor-backed companies throughout the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding markets. Eric brings 22 years of financial services experience, including the past six years with Truist, and previously held banking and relationship management roles with BBVA and Citi.
He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Houston and holds several FINRA investment licenses. Throughout his career, Eric has focused on helping middle-market companies achieve their strategic and financial objectives through customized banking and capital solutions.
Eric resides in Cypress, Texas, with his wife, Tanya, and their two children. Outside of work, he enjoys playing basketball and golf and exploring the Houston area’s diverse culinary scene.
Brady Schmidt
Member
Brady is the Founder and Managing Partner of Accrual Equity Partners, where he applies more than 33 years of experience in the retail automotive industry to help companies achieve sustainable growth and long-term value. A nationally recognized leader in dealership mergers and acquisitions, Brady has personally managed over 450 dealership buy/sell transactions.
With Accrual Equity Partners, Brady is responsible for business development and works with AEP’s portfolio company founders, owners, and operators to accelerate growth, increase value, and unlock their full potential. Rooted in strong vision, clear purpose, and intentional leadership, he helps build high-performing companies by aligning teams around shared values and developing exceptional leaders. Along with a team of experienced entrepreneurs, Brady drives sustainable, impactful growth by fostering unity, clarity, and long-term value creation.
Since 2004, Brady has also served as President and CEO of National Business Brokers, the largest new car dealership brokerage firm in the U.S. Under his leadership, the company has facilitated the sale of more than 950 new car dealerships and over 4,500 total business transactions.
In addition to his advisory and investment work, Brady is a partner in four new car dealerships across Southern California and Oahu, Hawaii, including Ford, CDJR, and two Hyundai franchises, while serving as Dealer Principal in three. He was appointed by Governor Newsom to the California New Motor Vehicle Board, where he is one of only three dealer representatives statewide. He is also a licensed real estate broker in California, Washington, and Florida.
He serves on the boards of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, which funds $25 million in pediatric cancer research grants annually, and Petra Cares, a nonprofit workforce development program that trains youth aging out of foster care to become certified automotive technicians.
Brady holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from Biola University. Brady has been married to his wife for over 30 years with whom he shares four children. Outside of work, he is passionate about community service, youth mentorship, and involvement at his local church.
Laura Sherman
Member
Laura Sherman is the Managing Partner of the Automotive division of Priority Commerce (PCA). With more than 34 years of automotive and retail dealership experience, Laura has built her career around improving dealership operational efficiency, profitability, and financial performance.
Laura began her career as a receptionist at a Subaru dealership and worked her way up to become General Manager of the fifth-largest BMW dealership in the country after serving 11 years as its Controller. Her dealership background gives her deep expertise in operations, accounting, expense management, and dealership profitability.
She later served as Vice President of Sales for a Houston-based digital advertising agency, helping lead the company through a period of rapid growth that earned recognition on the Inc. 500 list.
In 2020, Laura partnered with Amberly Allen, the founder of Dealer Merchant Services (DMS). DMS has helped over 1000 dealerships reduce payment processing expenses and improve profitability through compliant surcharge strategies. In only its 4th year, Dealer Merchant Services earned the rank of 120 on the Inc. 5000 list. Following DMS’s acquisition by Priority Commerce in 2025, Laura has remained focused on helping dealers reduce expenses, implement practical payment strategies that support long-term profitability, and is helping to build new products that allow a dealer to have complete visibility into their financial picture using the Automotive Commerce Command Center.
Amy Gore
Member
Amy Gore is a Houston-area community publisher, business owner, and volunteer leader with a long-standing commitment to connecting people, organizations, and resources for meaningful impact. As Publisher of Energy Corridor Living and Magnolia Neighbors, Amy has built trusted platforms that highlight local families, schools, nonprofits, small businesses, and community champions.
Her volunteer background includes board and committee leadership with HSPVA Friends, school-community governance through West Briar Middle School’s Shared Decision Making Committee, fundraising support for the Lymphoma Research Foundation and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, and chamber involvement through the Houston West Chamber of Commerce. She also co-founded the Energy Corridor International Festival, celebrating the diverse cultures that live, work, and serve in the Energy Corridor.
Amy and her husband are proud parents of four grown children. Outside of her work and community involvement, she enjoys playing golf and mahjong, and she has recently become a backyard bird lover.
Amy brings Petra Cares a strong communications lens, relationship-driven leadership, and a passion for helping young adults access opportunity, support, and practical pathways toward a stronger future.