Bret Voelkel
Owner
Bret Voelkel
Owner
Title: Grand Poobah
On the crew since: Day one
Interesting bit-o’-info: Before starting the company in 1996, Bret was a product rep for Autometer, MSD and B&M on the NHRA circuit from 1987-1990 — Mobile display manager for Blower Drive Service from 1990 -1995
Stuff that makes Bret smile: My kids Andy and Sara – My wife Sharon – building cool car parts – a curvey road in a good car- live music (of any kind) – cocktails with my friends – really good food – traveling
Something that hardly anyone knows: Bret can play the guitar
Vehicles: 1969 Boss 429 Mustang KK1634 -1970 Pro Street Mustang 351w, 8-71 BDS w/ EFI – 1970 Buick GSX w/ 560 hp 455, ZF 6 speed – 1997 2 dr Tahoe lowered 8?/12? w/ 18? wheels and 14? Baer brakes – and many others!
Sharon Voelkel
Office
Sharon Voelkel
Owner
Title: Sleeps with President
On the crew since: Day one
Interesting bit-o’-info: Bret and I started dating after running into each other at the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville during the “Flood of 1992?. Claims his desire to go out with me had something to do with a wet t-shirt… but the real story is because I had more hot rods, a bigger tool box and a taller stack of car magazines :)
Vehicles: 71 GTO & 68 Bonneville – Interesting Story: One weekend Bret calls me and ask, “Hey do ya’ have any extra money? I just found a very nice ’68 Pontiac Bonneville, I think you’d really like it.” I said, “Yes I have the money” and he bought the car with my money. Well about 2 weeks later the title comes in the mail, IN HIS NAME – NOT MINE, and it remains that way 16 years later. Once in awhile I have to gently remind him this.
Darren Schilling
Sales Manager
Darren Schilling
Sales Manager
Title: Begs People To Buy Stuff
On the crew since: September 2001
Email: darren@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4706
Interesting bit-o’-info: Former mechanic for NASCAR Craftsmen Truck Series team and participates in various sports, football, volleyball & mountain biking. Found his true love at Ridetech: Beth Schilling, and is now a father.
Vehicles: 70 Chevelle – Air Ride Technologies Street Challenge kit, SSBC brakes, Billet Specialties 18″ wheels, BFG KD G-Force tires, hydroboost brake assist, 454 engine & 350 turbo trans.
Jeremy Horton
Sales / Tech Support
Jeremy Horton
Sales / Tech Support
Title: Really Nice Guy
On the crew since: January 2004
Email: jeremy@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4722
Interesting bit-o’-info: Jeremy is an avid hunter and makes some mean jerky. He’s not against playing basketball with friends in winter with only shorts on. He’s an avid Cowboys fan and a great guy to have a cold one with.
Vehicles: 67 Camaro -CPP 4 Wheel disk brakes, 18inch Billet Specialties Wheels and topped off with a complete Street Challenge Kit with the Level Pro
Danny Coultas
Sales / Tech Support
Danny Coultas
Sales / Tech Support
Title: Your Going to Want One of These
On the crew since: May, 2011
Email: danny@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4712
Interesting bit-o’-info: Races dirt bikes regularly, has owned more trucks than the junkyard. Danny is a craigslist supreme master and knows how to sow a deal. If you buy him a breakfast sandwhich at any car show, he may just give you a free t-shirt.
If Danny ever offers you a ride in a UTV, politely decline or try not to scream like a girl.
Vehicles: Depends on the week
Kyle Nichter
Warranty / Sales / Tech
Kyle Nichter
Warranty / Sales / Tech
Title: Warranty Rat
On the crew since: February, 2012
Email: kyle@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4738
Interesting bit-o’-info: Male, 6’ 1”, brown eyes, lean… “single”. Girls drop him a line at 812.481.4738.
Loves to travel and has driven across the US on the back of a motorcycle. Kyle is also a dirt biker but now that he owns a Blue 69 Camaro, you can expect him to start showing up at some autocrosses. He is not afraid of driving his Camaro every day to work and is glad to get under any car to help a stranger.
Vehicles: 1969 Camaro with Ridetech Coilovers, 4-Link, and StrongArms, has LT4 T56 with white racing stripes
Mike Mendenhall
Sales / Tech Support
Mike Mendenhall
Sales / Tech Support
Title: Booth Bouncer
On the crew since: July, 2012
Email: mike@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4732
Interesting bit-o’-info: Previously worked at Gauge Media, has owned over 80 vehicles since 1998. He enjoys rebuilding “backet cases”. His first bagged vehicles was a 1998 Ford Ranger. Mike always knows a good joke and if you get him on YouTube you can expect to find a good laugh. Mike would drive hours to help a friend in need.
Vehicles: Dodge 2002 and 1986 Pickup
Josh Gladish
Sales / Tech Support
Josh Gladish
Sales / Tech Support
Title: Mustang Connoisseur
On the crew since: May 2012
Email: josh@ridetech.com
Interesting bit-o’-info: Likes to race his mustang and listens to country music. Josh is down-to-earth, approachable and friendly. He went to college on a Tennis scholarship, so don’t let him fool you if he offers a game!
Vehicles: 2004 Mach1 Mustang, Harley Davidson Motorcycle
John Meadows
West Coast Sales
John Meadows
West Coast Sales
Title: West Coast Gangsta
On the crew since: March, 2012
Email: jmeadows@ridetech.com
Interesting bit-o’-info: John has twenty years of technical experience in the Hot Rod & Custom Car Industry with a background in customer service prior to starting his own shop (Deuces Wild).
John worked for Harley Davidson in the technical and management areas in the Western states also promoting customer service, satisfaction and dealer to dealer relations.
He has also contributed his customer service background with multiple landscape construction companies including Agromin Horticultural Products in Ventura County, California.
He graduated from Fillmore High School and attended Ventura College and Pierce College.
Vehicles: 1970 Nova
Ruth Wilson
Sales Support
Ruth Wilson
Sales Support
Title: Zookeeper
On the crew since: April 2010
Email: ruth@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4741
Interesting bit-o’-info: Loves the beach, is involved with Make-a-Wish Foundation, and enjoys traveling. Keeps the salesmen in line and volunteers much of her time at Church. She is the moral guide in a den of devils.
Vehicles: Wants a 67 Impala
BJ Elmore
General Manager
BJ Elmore
General Manager
Title: But Wait… There’s More!
On the crew since: March 2004
Email: bje@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4711
Interesting bit-o’-info: Likes to watch 1980″s “B” movies, plays all sorts of “sports” like bowling and softball. He prefers winter over summer and home made wine over store bought. Reads Steven King novels religiously.
Vehicles: 66 El Camino, 69 Olds Cutlass, 03 Yamaha Warrior (High compression kit, tall 5th gear, Power Commander programmable fuel injection computer)
Jim Cozzie
New Business Dev.
Jim Cozzie
New Buisness Develop.
Title: The Third Wright Brother
On the crew since: October, 2012
Email: jcozzie@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4731
Interesting bit-o’-info: Jim has been in the industry for over 30 years and has worked with companies such as B&M Racing and Performance, RTM Productions, and Zoom Performance Products to name a few. Jim has also worked as SEMA Chairman of the Board and was named SEMA Person of the Year. He’s kind of a big deal. Jim is the only guy we know who can fly to work.
Britt Marolf
Engineering Manager
Britt Marolf
Engineering Manager
Title: Skunk Werks
On the crew since: September 2001
Email: britt@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4714
Interesting bit-o’-info: Britt is named after a town in Iowa, and has a passion for dirt late model racing, Bonneville Land Speed Racing, & wrestling
Vehicles: 66 Lincoln – Full Air Ride Technologies suspension system: Strong Arm lower control arms, Cool Ride front kit, Shockwave 9000 in the rear, two 3-gallon tanks, 2 Thomas 327 compressors, Level Pro electronic control system, otherwise completely stock vehicle with 64,000 miles and an 8-track stereo system.
1968 AWD Camaro – custom frame, C5 Corvette suspension front and rear, Z06 disk brakes front and rear, C5 Corvette rear differential, C5 Corvette rear drive axles, 405hp 5.7L LS6, Tremac 5-speed, Cadillac STS-SRX transfer case and front differential, Cadillac STS-SRX front drive axles
Rodney Mason
Product Dev. / Tech
Rodney Mason
Product Dev. / Tech
Title: Developer of pieces and parts
On the crew since: March 2001
Email: rodney@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4717
Interesting bit-o’-info: Likes to hunt, ride 2 wheelers, and has a hanker’n to visit Alaska. Rodney’s daily suburbon has a massive sound system that will take your breath away. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to suspension design.
Vehicles: 62 Bel-Air Wagon
Herb Lumpp
Shock Specialist
Herb Lumpp
Shock Specialist
Title: Human Shock Dyno
On the crew since: June, 2012
Email: herb@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4725
Interesting bit-o’-info: Worked as a recruiter for the Coast Guard, don’t sign any paper work he hands you! Herb grew up in Chicago and Pheonix but has lived all over the country. He is a frequent visitor of pro-touring.com and is ingrained in the pro touring culture.
Vehicles: 1966 ElCamino, 1966 Chevelle, 1963 Chevy C10 ( His wife drives a 2012 Boss 302 Mustang )
Greg Schneider
Motorsports Manager
Greg Schneider
Motorsports Manager
Title: Certified Fixer of Broken Hot Rods
On the crew since: January 2007
Email: greg@ridetech.com
Interesting bit-o’-info: Greg has been involved in every car Bret has built. He enjoys boating, fishing, water skiing, family, church, 4-wheeling, Jack Daniels (friend), friends and pork chop sandwiches
Vehicles: 67 C10 Truck – Air Ride, Sway Bar, Vintage Air, disc brakes, ididit column , 700R4, Budnick wheels, strong arms, relocated gas tank, alum intake, holley carb, headers with flowmaster mufflers, late model seat, custom auto sound cassette am fm radio, c-notch, indash tack
James Crosby
Fabricator
James Crosby
Fabricator
Title: The Traveling Engineer
On the crew since: May, 2011
Interesting bit-o’-info: Travels back and forth from California and Indiana. From sunshine and paradise to rain and dirt. He has many stories to tell and has a gorgeous girlfriend. If you find youself in Cali, this is the man to hang with.
Jason Brady
Media
Jason Brady
Media
Title: Covers Media Department From Trouble
On the crew since: September 2002
Email: jason@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4705
Interesting bit-o’-info: Wise beyond his age, Jason has the skills to work on anything, from hot rods to computers. He and his Dad recently built one of the meaniest C10s, it already has many autocross wins under it’s belt. He is a big colts football fan and loves to watch a good game at Indy. Buy this man some tickets!
Vehicles: 86 Monte Carlo
Dave Schuetter
Production Manager
Dave Schuetter
Production Manager
Title: Master Metal Melter
On the crew since: 2003
Interesting bit-o’-info: Dave’s into hunting, fishing, riding, Frisbee, family time, and fabricating at home and he is easily the best golfer we have on staff!
Vehicles: 1989 Harley (low rider) 1340
Beau Anderson
CNC Manager
Beau Anderson
CNC Manager
Title: CNC Conquerer
On the crew since: 2003
Email: beau@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4743
Interesting bit-o’-info: Still working on his truck- and building on a crazy motorcycle project – anything to get him into the garage! Wants to start working on a Rat Rod project.
Vehicles: 1988 C1500, 1968 Cougar, 1979 H-D Sportster
Bryan Groeninger
Welding/Assembly
Bryan Groeninger
Welding/Assembly
Title: Fab Shop B. A. Baracus
On the crew since: March, 2011
Interesting bit-o’-info: Hunts, is a pool shark, and rides side-by-sides. Brian can fabricate just about anything you can imagine. A fun game to play with Brian is to count how many piercings he has.
Chris Ferguson
CNC Operator
Chris Ferguson
CNC Operator
Title: Stares at CNC Lathes
On the crew since: March, 2012
Interesting bit-o’-info: A hunter and dedicated worker, every company should have at least a few Fergusons on their team. Owns one of the ugliest christmas sweaters
Ian Ahner
Warehouse Newb
Ian Ahner
Warehouse Cyclist
Title: NC-17
On the crew since: March, 2013
Interesting bit-o’-info: Ian has pedaled his way from Sacramento California to NY twice. This year he will be venturing on a trip from Mexico to Canada.
Tyler Allen
CNC Operator
Tyler Allen
CNC Operator
Title: Ole Partimer
On the crew since: December, 2010
Interesting bit-o’-info: Is into archery, guns, and anything that shoots a projectile. Likes to ride 4 wheelers.
Ethan Schepers
Welder
Ethan Schepers
Welder
Title: Ole Partimer
On the crew since: 2011
Interesting bit-o’-info: If a jeeper for life and loves to trail ride. Used to be a rabbit hunter.
Steven Fuhrman
Production
Steven Fuhrman
Production
Title: Cool Hand Luke
On the crew since: May, 2012
Interesting bit-o’-info: Steven can tear appart and put back together any transmission blind folded. He recently graduated from Vincennes University with an Automotive degree. He alawys has his hands tied up in some automotive project.
Beth Lee
CAD design
Beth Lee
CAD design
Title: Design Wizzard
On the crew since: 2009
Interesting bit-o’-info: She has her own log splitter and knows how to use it, can out presuade our sales manager, oh, and she knows karate. But we mostly use her for her advance CAD skills.
Vehicles:Honda 350 Rancher
Jeff Wehr
CAD design
Jeff Wehr
CAD design
Title: Draws Lines All Day
On the crew since: May, 2011
Interesting bit-o’-info: Attends college (IUPUI) while working at RideTech, so that means in his spare time he’s concentrating on building a keg-r-ator. He likes to fix odd electronics and works on the farm. He played basketball in highschool
John Hochgesang
Special Proj. Manager
John Hochgesang
Special Proj. Manager
Title: Toymaker To The King
On the crew since: 2001
Interesting bit-o’-info:John has a track at home where he and his friends race home made go carts! He’s also into quarter and saddlebred horses, and any form of 4 wheel racing – but not lawnmowers (that’s just stupid)
Vehicles:Rat Rod Malibu Wagon, 350 crate motor, 3.73 gears & God awful paint work
Mick Hochgesang
Property Manager
Mick Hochgesang
Property Manager
Title: VP of light bulbs
On the crew since: September 2001
Interesting bit-o’-info:Builds race cars and is scouting for parts to build a motorcycle from scratch! Mick is extremely likeable and has a youthful attitude. He’s a great shot with a shotgun and is impossible to beat in a game of Cornhole.
Amy Schoeff
Accounts Rec./Payable
Amy Schoeff
Accounts Rec./Payable
Title: Female Hitman
On the crew since: January 2005
Interesting bit-o’-info: She would like to fly a fighter jet and to take a vaction to mexico. She is always game for a town feastival.
Amy likes Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain.
Shes not much into health food, is into champagne.
She will meet you at noon, and cut through all the red tape.
At a bar called O’Malley’s, where she will plan the escape.
Johnny Merder
Oper./Purch. Manager
Johnny Merder
Oper./Purch. Manager
Title: Inventory Bean Counter
On the crew since: December 2010
Email: merder@ridetech.com
Interesting bit-o’-info: Owns a huge garage with all kinds of awesome toys (tools). Johnny is busy restoring his dad’s old truck. His word are always insightful and honest.
Vehicles: 1965 C10 Truck
Corey Kreilein
Inv./Shipping Manager
Corey Kreilein
Inv./Shipping Manager
Title: Fork lift stunt driver
On the crew since: 2009
Email: corey@ridetech.com
Phone: 812.481.4713
Interesting bit-o’-info: Can’t get enough Colts and / or Notre Dame Football. When he’s not working with the shipping department, he’s hanging out with them. Can grow any type of facial hair style.
Vehicles: 2005 Dodge Darango
Gary McCain
Order Fulfillment
Gary McCain
Order Fulfillment
Title: Keeps Inventory Company
On the crew since: 2004
Interesting bit-o’-info: Digs his John Deere tractors as much as his hot rods. Gary’s easy to count on and knows our product line like the back of his hands.
Vehicles: 1970 Mustang Mach 1
TJ Ferguson
Order Fulfillment
TJ Ferguson
Order Fulfillment
Title: Tells UPS where to send Stuff
On the crew since: January, 2011
Interesting bit-o’-info: Tyler’s older brother. He is a big football fan, owns a GSXR-600 2003, likes playing basketball, enjoys fishing and hunting, bowler on the Ridetech bowling team, knows how to Dougie.
Vehicles: 1992 Dodge Dakota
Tyler Ferguson
Order Fulfillment
Tyler Ferguson
Order Fulfillment
Title: Random Word Generator
On the crew since: March, 2011
Interesting bit-o’-info: TJ’s younger brother. Can play a mean game of basketball but also plays all kinds of sports. Tyler is also a dirt biker and owns a lieutenant dangle costume.
Matt Wilson
Order Fulfillment
Matt Wilson
Order Fulfillment
Title: Warehouse Strongman
On the crew since: August, 2012
Interesting bit-o’-info: A black belt, tattoo wielding, red headed ninja. Has some of the sharpest Ink you’ll ever see on his arm. He bartends after work and knows how to have a good time.
Vehicles: Yamaha Bike
Dennis Niehaus
Bodyshop Operations
Dennis Niehaus
Bodyshop Operations
Title: Playboy “Mechanic”
On the crew since: 2002
Interesting bit-o’-info: Not only is Dennis a world class body man, he’s also dead shot with anything that can be loaded. He’s braved the alaskan wilderness on a hunting trip with his buddies and is no stranger to camping. Dennis is a good guy to go to for some good advice.
Vehicles: 1967 Impala 396
Kurt Blackgrove
Hotrod Builder
Kurt Blackgrove
Hotrod Builder
Title: Magician, Chunk of Metal Shows Up, Car Leaves
On the crew since: January 2010
Interesting bit-o’-info: Likes to go mountain biking and owns a few acres of woods where he’s building a “getaway” resort. One of the most skilled fabricators you will ever meet. If your ready, he’s up for a good canoe trip. When he’s not at work, he’s busy working on his hot rod projects.
Vehicles: 1969 Camaro Convertible
