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Aaron Divell

Sales Engineer

Background: I have worked at Kickr Design as a Senior Design Sales Engineer for over 4 years now. I used to work for Motorola for 18 years designing batteries for consumer electronic products and then after that moved on to a sensor company for 4 years. I have assisted our customers in the design process for all types of products here at Kickr Design and really enjoy helping people learn about engineering design and development. I went to school at University of Rochester and studied Mechanical Engineering. My home town will always be Cleveland, OH. Go CAVS!
Out of the office: I like to mountain bike, windsurf, skydive, fish, racquetball, play Fifa with friends, enjoy time with my kids and wife outdoors, salsa dancing, and eating Pho soup.
Superpower: One item I really enjoy about my role at Kickr, which I think I am especially good at, is connecting with people and really understanding who they are. That helps me understand their motivations for their product which is critical in truly finding the right solution to the product or problem!
Favorite product/project: One project that I very much enjoyed working on was called a Cryotherapy gun. This is a complex tool to disperse a cold air stream at people’s skin for healing purposes. To be able to help this client think through this design and help him achieve his dream was exciting. Now we are helping to manufacturing these units for the client.

Addison Shelton

CEO

Background: As the CEO of Kickr Design, I am passionate about products and solutions. I created Kickr Design for two reasons: to work with brilliant customers who may not otherwise have the resources to solve their product or engineering challenges and to put skilled engineers to work on unique and exciting projects. I’ve been working in the engineering space for many years, even before graduating from Stanford University. I began working with a drill press and band saw by the time I entered middle school, building a 2kw hydro-electric power plant in a stream to provide power to my tree fort when I was only 16, and my engineering expertise has only been nurtured since then. I was an engineer at Apple, Inc, a founding engineer for Sila Nanotechnologies and a product design expert with TaskLab, my mobile accessories company. Through these and other avenues, I’ve built many close relationships with international manufacturers and industry professionals. All of the engineers, designers, prototype technicians and manufacturing experts at Kickr Design share my passion for engineering, product development, and solving all sorts of engineering challenges.
Out of the office: Out of the office I enjoy mountain biking, snowboarding and motorcycling. Most recently I completed a 9 hour endurance dirtbike race in the Nevada desert, which was absolutely grueling, but incredibly fun and rewarding!
Superpower: I really enjoy the intersection of engineering and business – thinking through with customers, how the engineering process and challenges ties in with their business goals, and how we can tweak and adjust what we do on the engineering side to more effectively meet those business goals. Given my experience on both sides of that coin I think I can bring often some unique perspective and different possible pathways to explore at this intersection of often competing goals.
Favorite product/project: One of my favorite projects was the automatic locking knee brace we did for a customer in the bahamas. The customer had a muscular degenerative disease, and was in his mid 50’s. Throughout his life he had been slowly loosing motor control of his legs. He could still walk, but had to essentially “lock” his knee in order to put weight on his leg, swing the other leg forward and then lock that knee. Part of his challenge was that he could not always tell if his knee was locked and ready to bear weight, and if it was not he would fall. We built a device that was completely mechanical which allowed for his knee to bend, but when he swung his leg forward, it would automatically lock, allow him to put weight on that leg and walk more reliably. His goal for the project was to allow him to walk into Starbucks, and the project was a success as the device allowed him to do just that!

Ben Gould

Principal Designer

Background: I have a diverse and in-depth design background in many forms of consumer packaged goods, toys, housewares, packaging, displays, as well as eVTOL, fashion, and soft goods. Having led many projects from concept to manufacturing, I have been able to chart the path forward through any challenge.
Out of the office: Outside of the office, I enjoy designing and building custom BBQs. I just recently completed a modular firepit and six-foot-long rotisserie, just in time for my neighborhood’s annual summer luau. I’m also an award-winning conceptual fashion designer and have received the Overall International Design Award multiple times at the World Of WearableArt Competition (WOW) in New Zealand.
Superpower: My superpower is the ability to bring ideas to life through rapid sketching, CAD, and 3D visualization. I can capture a client’s design intention, and apply my future-facing style to any new product.
Favorite product/project: My favorite product is “Smart Circuits: Electronics Lab” which I created for SmartLab. It was a fulfilling challenge to research and develop the electronic games, physical component systems, and visual instructions to allow children as young as six to learn the fundamentals of electronics. It continues to have a 4.8* rating on Amazon, and has taught thousands of children and families about electronics.

Brendan Thies

Mechanical Engineer

Background: I have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology and M.S. in Systems Engineering from Kennesaw State University (formerly Southern Polytechnic State University). I have spent a decade in the medical device space developing innovative orthopedic solutions to assist surgeons in achieving better patient outcomes. I have worked in both the start-up environment (Maruho Medical, Artelon) and within a Fortune 500 company (Stryker). Many of the products I helped develop for soft tissue fixation and augmentation have since been acquired by major players in the Medtech space and continue to be used today.
Out of the office: Outside the office, my growing list of hobbies keeps me busy. I enjoy spending time with my wife Briana and our dog Bennie, traveling (still a ton of places to cross off the bucket list), snowboarding, being a foodie, connecting online with friends, and 3D printing anything and everything I can think of.
Superpower: Throughout my career, I have had to wear many hats. This has led to me being able to evaluate a product or problem from various perspectives. When I work on a project, I shift my lens to view the problem from engineering, manufacturing, quality, business, and end-user perspectives, considering the overall system. This has helped me identify and reduce risk, understand different viewpoints, and develop products supported by a strong business case.
Favorite product/project: As I grow with Kickr, I anticipate having many favorite projects, as they will either help someone achieve their goals or allow me to grow as an engineer. In my career, I have been fortunate to develop a handful of devices for soft tissue repair that are still in use today, helping patients regain their quality of life after injury. It has been truly gratifying to work on projects that have impacted thousands of lives for the better.

Colin Granger

COO

Background: I’m a proud Georgia Tech alumni who graduated with a degree in material science engineering. I’ve worked in start ups building cutting edge battery technology and innovative sensor integrated textiles to measure vitals. I’ve been a part in designing ubiquitous packaging solutions, and helping countless customers bring their product ideas to life. One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is helping to build Kickr Design into an efficient/effective company that continues to innovate not only with our customers, but with our internal process and push the bounds of how we can help our customers.
Out of the office: Outside of the office I enjoy quality time with loved ones, live music, hiking, playing with my dog, reading, creative art/design and personal wellness.
Superpower: My superpower is the combination of my problem solving capabilities and my empathy. I find that being able to walk the line between understanding where a customer is coming from when talking about their product and leveraging that for truly meaningful solutions is incredibly powerful.
Favorite product/project: My favorite project was helping to improve a packaging design and creating an innovative packaging suite along with it that is now used worldwide with millions of products produced. Since this was early in Kickr’s history I was able to take on the roles of both engineer and project manager. It was a ton of fun to collaborate with the customer and think creatively on how we could create a packaging suite that not only was easy to use but saved the users time and money. I’ll never forget getting to help this customer learn about the new product development process and seeing them take that knowledge and turn it into a highly successful business. Plus it is always amazing when you get to see something you designed make it to retail stores!

Corey Vaughan

Director of Design

Background: I graduated from SCAD in 2010, the same year my son was born. I spent a year in Savannah after school working in the service industry and co-parenting before moving to NYC in order to get my foot in the door – I had a feeling that being in the right place was a big part of getting my career started. I scored my first offer after a few months of sleeping on couches. My first career job was in the music industry – I did not then have extensive audio background, but quickly learned and integrated into the culture and teams. I loved conducting user research, talking to industry pros and artists to learn how to leverage design and help them do their best work. After a couple years, I moved to Seattle on another whim, and was quickly picked up by a competitor in the music industry space. I spent another 5 or so years designing a variety of products in the audio space. At the end of this engagement, I had worked for about a dozen different brands. I still see many of my designs on stage at shows and store shelves in places like Guitar Center – and every now and then even some of my older designs (rejected years ago for being too futuristic) show up as manufactured products. I joined Kickr in 2017 and have worked to evangelized Design at Kickr, helping shape our process, outputs, and customer interactions.I’m continuously optimistic about working with a team who is always eager to learn and improve. Recent accomplishments are my mentorship for young designers through a couple local universities, taking on a leadership role with the IDSA, partnering with a number of startups, and working with Design-centered facilities such as MODA.
Out of the office: Me and my son take on new art projects pretty often, diving into cosplay, or gardening, or carpentry as the need and interests arise. A few years ago I harvested clay from my backyard and used it to build a cob-style pizza oven. This year, I’m learning to process the clay even further into a plaster for use in interior spaces. (It started as a joke with friends: “Wouldn’t it be funny to make a mud room out of mud?”) Living in Seattle infected me with a deep appreciation for mountains and mountain sports. I rock climb regularly and try to do at least one big mountain objective per year. Currently I am preparing for my next climbing objective in the North Cascades.
Superpower: Empathy. As an ID, deeply understanding customers from multiple perspectives, and connecting with the customer on a level that allows me to see the problem, product or solution from their eyes helps me to formulate better product solutions and solution pathways!
Favorite product/project: So many to choose from at Kickr! I enjoy multi-faceted projects, or projects with an engaging client – many times, the real problem is one that hasn’t been asked yet at the beginning of a project, and I enjoy the opportunity to utilize as much of the design process as possible.

Garrett Hix

Chief Financial Officer

Background: I graduated in 2014 from Columbus State University with degrees in accounting and mathematics. In 2023, I graduated from UGA with my MBA. From 2014-2018, I worked for a CPA firm in Columbus, GA where I worked on both the audit and tax side of the business. I joined the Kickr team in 2018 as the first in-house accountant and I’ve been growing with Kickr ever since then.
Out of the office: When I’m not at Kickr, I’m either traveling with my fiance, on a hike with our husky, or playing golf. Although, my favorite activity is heading out west to hit the slopes.
Superpower: My love of numbers certainly helps in my role. But I’d say my ability to integrate with the team at Kickr as the only non-engineer would be my superpower.
Favorite product/project: I’ve seen some amazing projects over the last few years, but the tie back gowns and face shields we produced during COVID was particularly fulfilling. It was a great display of how quickly we can adapt and how great of an impact we can have for our clients.

Glenn Zelniker

Senior Electrical Engineer

Background: I wanted to be an EE even as a child. I was fascinated with gadgets and wanted to go into a career that would let me be the guy who designed those gadgets. Ph.D. in EE and after a brief academic career I spent the next several decades as an inventor and serial entrepreneur, applying my expertise in electronics and signal processing to myriad products in the audio, telecommunications, and satellite-based positioning industries.
Out of the office: As cliche and anodyne as it sounds, I genuinely love doing just about anything with my wife and son.
Superpower: I can spell anything backward, out loud, even entire sentences or small paragraphs. I think this might give some insight into my problem solving, although I can’t quite articulate how.
Favorite product/project: I’ve designed equipment and systems for transcribing and archiving precious audio recordings for Smithsonian, Library of Congress, and even Cornell Lab of Ornithology. As both a music and a bird lover, it was a thrill to have participated in these efforts. I also developed a COVID-19 electronic contact-tracing system, which helped the world get back to work during the pandemic.

Harrison Bartlett

Principal Engineer

Background: I have a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. My expertise is in the areas of machine design, medical devices, and electromechanical system design. Prior to joining Kickr, I ran several small companies developing novel prosthetic and orthotic devices. My entrepreneurial and engineering experiences help to guide my approach to product development. I really enjoy diving into the technical details of projects, but I also can’t overemphasize the importance of a thorough understanding of the problem. Working the clients to understand their problem and come to the best technical solution is a passion of mine. I love tackling new and interesting problems and making product visions come to life!
Out of the office: Outside of Kickr, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends: going to the Zoo, hanging out at the park, tailgating for Georgia Tech football games, and playing board games!
Superpower: First principles thinking. I have a firm foundation in mechanics and physics-based thinking and am able to recognize which physical principles are most relevant to a problem. This foundation, when coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge of mechanisms and electromechanical design approaches, allows me to jump into just about any design problem.
Favorite product/project: My favorite project was a prosthetic ankle mechanism that I designed that reduces the likelihood of a fall for prosthesis users. The internal mechanism is simple and durable. Under the hood, however, there is a clever use of kinematic theory to achieve the desired function. This project was a good example of using a technically rigorous design approach to develop a very simple and practical end product. This prosthetic ankle product was licensed by a prosthetics company for manufacturing and sales.

James Ghiorse

Project Manager

Background: I studied mechanical engineering undergrad at Villanova University with a business minor. However, the bulk of my experience as been in entrepreneurship. My junior year at Villanova, I launched into a venture with my brother to build better software for nonprofit organizations, specifically processing donation funds. My experience from this startup was invaluable as I had to wear multiple hats of product management, engineering, building relationships with our customers as nonprofit organizations and understanding where the gaps in the software they use are to build a product that could truly help them succeed.
Out of the office: I love sitting down with friends getting dinner and drinks. I love playing guitar, and am getting into rock climbing on the weekends. When I am just looking to chill out I really enjoy fantasy novels.
Superpower: There are so many talented people here so I try really hard to listen to advice and make decisions by leaning on the level of experience and talent that’s sitting in the same building as me. It’s approaching every situation with an inclusive mindset and getting as many perspectives as possible that I would say is my superpower.
Favorite product/project: I like the variety. It’s the spice of life at Kickr since we work in just about any industry you can possibly imagine. The variety of projects, creativity of our customers, and their passion toward their product is always inspiring!

Joe Egan

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Background: I hold a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida, Gainesville and Graduate Studies in Electrical Engineering (Analog/Digital IC Design) from the University of Texas, Dallas. I have spent the last 37 Years as a design and Applications Engineer in the electronics space, and worked on thousands of projects from analog circuit design to digital and everything in between. I also am an Inventor/Co-Inventor on Several Patents.
Out of the office: I am married with Four Adult Children (no grandkids yet), so they take up plenty of time. Outside of family, I enjoy building and flying model aircraft, restoration and maintenance of my family’s automobiles (I just helped my daughter replace an engine in her vehicle), playing guitar (badly) and woodworking.
Superpower: I have seen a whole lot of different electronics designs, so my superpower is probably leveraging the experience to develop rock-solid system architecture, controls, and analog circuits.
Favorite product/project: A few years ago at Kickr we built a fantastic kinetic art sculpture for a major company trade show that consisted of 20 3D printed Birds each mounted on varying lengths of long rods that rotated about offset centers located around a large circle. When operating, the birds would dive towards each other, but the motion was perfectly phased such that they just missed contact with each other. The visual effect was stunning. The display was hung as a centerpiece above a client’s space at a large tradeshow, and the client loved it so much that they brought it back and installed it into their headquarters. On this project, I was responsible for system architecture, control design, and electronics design. The team on this project worked well together to yield a very successful project for a satisfied client.

Joxie Nguyen

Sales Coordinator

Background: I spent middle school in Singapore, High School in UK, College in Seattle and culinary school in California, so have enjoyed exploring different parts of the world. I started my career in the kitchen but soon learned that I liked the person-to-person interaction of front-of-house in restaurants more. From there I transitioned into sales in the hospitality industry for some major hotel brands and focused on event planning, sales and organization. I started at Kickr to explore a different side of the sales process!
Out of the office: I enjoy hiking, working out and exploring new countries, and I love food (some might say I live to eat), so I really like to try new restaurants in Atlanta and wherever I travel.
Superpower: I am a trained chef, and can cook a lot of different dishes across quite a few cultures without looking at a recipe!
Favorite product/project: My favorite discussion I have with customers is when they are just so passionate and excited about their product, that they can’t wait to tell me all about it when they call in!

Karan Doshi

Sales Engineer

Background: I graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to joining Kickr Design, I worked in the defense industry, and then in the power and energy/oil and gas industry as a design engineer, so I have a wide variety of experience that I enjoy leveraging in my discussions with clients as we think through possible solutions and development pathways for their projects.
Out of the office: Outside of work, I’m a huge sports fan! I played sports most of my life, and have a favorite team in pretty much every major league from college to pros, football, soccer, baseball, basketball, you name it! If I’m not doing something sports-related, I’m either working on my next DIY project around the house or getting creative in the kitchen.
Superpower: In general, I strive to keep perspective and awareness when it comes to what a client’s needs are, and how they envision the project going. Then when we are working in the weeds of the project day in and day out, I can use that perspective to make sure whatever we do is a step towards helping the client reach those goals!
Favorite product/project: A project I really enjoyed being a part of was when we made wireless headphones for a client. The client’s idea was based around a very unique way to wear the headphones, and we got to really use our creativity in how to make that work!

Kyle Lemmermen

Director of Business Development and Sales

Background: I have a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. I have worked in the defense industry and have been published in the Journal of Medical Devices (June 2010, 4(2)) for my work on an adult male circumcision tool for Use in Traditional Ceremonies. In the defense industry, I wrote DDISARs for LCS 1 and LCS 2 Navy ships to assess live fire tests and evaluation of different munitions attacks on the vessels and what capabilities they would still have after these attacks. I was responsible for all air systems diagnostics on Volvo/Mack diesel engines for the 2010-2018 model year when in the automotive industry, and owned and released more than 120 parts for Ford Motor Company across model years 2018-2025, including turbo, gas, and diesel applications. My variety of experience in engineering and customer-facing roles ultimately led me to pursue a career in sales and program management, as I love talking to and interfacing with customers.
Out of the office: I have an 18-month-old daughter named Olivia (or Ya-Ya to her since Olivia is too tough at this stage). She is quite the daredevil already! I also have a 5-year-old French Bulldog named Pumba after the warthog from The Lion King. He is much bigger than most Frenchies (35 pounds), loves to sleep and protect his sister. I start every day with a workout in my garage gym. I am in a golf league at a local 9-hole course and also enjoy playing with my dad and brothers-in-law. It is a huge challenge for me but I enjoy seeing slow progress and working towards something. My wife and I love to travel. She grew up overseas with her dad being an ex-pat for GM in China, Germany, and Dubai. We have been to Kenya, Oman, Iceland, Mexico, and all around the US. While I don’t get to do it as often living in the South and with a young daughter, I still enjoy skiing when I can and have been to Japan, British Columbia, Vermont, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Lake Tahoe.
Superpower: Working in multiple different industries and with all levels of employees, I can relate to different individual’s backgrounds, education, and career fields to find common ground for discussions. Whether you are the neighbor next door or the CTO of a Fortune 500 company, we can discuss what you are looking for and where you would like to go based on context that you can digest and understand.
Favorite product/project: In the 4.5 years I have been at Kickr Design I have talked with over 3500 potential clients about their projects and goals. While I can’t pinpoint one project, my favorite part of this position is being able to hear about the creativity, thoughtfulness, and technical advancements that individuals have come up with and want to pursue. Every call is unique and has the potential to be the next big thing which is one of my favorite aspects of my role!

Kylie Early

Industrial Designer + Sourcing Specialist

Background: “I’m an Industrial Designer with a background in beauty, wellness, and lifestyle product development—and a passion for helping ideas become manufacturable realities. My creative journey started with award-winning sculpture and photography, often infused with graphic design elements. I decided to turn that creative drive into something more tangible and earned my B.F.A. in Industrial Design from SCAD, where I focused on health and wellness design and had the opportunity to study abroad in Hong Kong. While I was still a student, I began consulting for fellow design majors and a few early-stage startups, which eventually led to a full-time role in Birmingham, Alabama. There, I helped lead a wide range of concept and form development projects. Over time, I discovered that my real niche wasn’t just in design—it was in bridging the gap between concept and production. Today, I specialize in both product design and manufacturing sourcing, working closely with clients and vendors to bring ideas to life. Whether it’s refining a prototype, troubleshooting with a supplier, or coordinating DFM feedback, I love the balance between creativity and strategy. What drives me is the moment a client holds their idea in their hands for the first time—and knowing I helped make that possible”
Out of the office: Outside of work, I’m usually on the move—traveling, walking my dog Meatball, or hunting down the next binge-worthy show. I have a thing for well-loved plants and any excuse to get on a lake, especially by boat or jetski.
Superpower: My superpower is being both an Industrial Designer and a Manufacturing Liaison—bridging the gap between concept and production. I help ensure that the products we create together are not just elevated in form, but also functional, buildable, and truly attainable.
Favorite product/project: I’ve always been drawn to wellness, beauty, and lifestyle products—projects where I can bridge creative thinking with real-world execution. The best part? Seeing a client hold their product for the first time, knowing we took it from sketch to shelf together.

Lee Farris

Mechanical Engineer

Background: I have my Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Tech. I also did a co-op there in the paper mill in Savannah, Georgia. I have about half a decade of experience doing machine vision systems, which is making intelligent decisions based on video feedback or photo feedback, measuring things in real-time and quality control feedback. I’ve traveled to 17 or 18 different countries around the world doing that. I’m very familiar with cameras and light and optics. I really enjoy designing and building small mechanisms, and pushing the limits of how small I can make an effective mechanical solution!
Out of the office: In my personal life, I was a skydiver for about 5 years – I have 300+ skydives. Outside of work I also enjoy doing a lot of the same stuff I do in the office. I enjoy making my own inventions and prototypes. I have a lab at home where I do amateur chemistry and robotics. I like to make art for burning man-type festivals and volunteer as a fire safety lead for the local regional burning man festival. I met my wife dancing, and we still enjoy organized dancing pretty regularly. I am an amateur musician and enjoy weekly rehearsals playing with my jazz band!
Superpower: Making something happen that seems nearly impossible – integrating multiple fields together to something that can really work, and relatively quickly. As an example, I made a real-time humidity meter and temperature gauge with tiny moving needles just by laser cutting pieces of material and writing the code. I did that in 3-4 hours for something we needed at the house, so being ultra-efficient to quickly arrive at a solution is one of my engineering talents.
Favorite product/project: My favorite project at Kickr has been the VR Platform project. I liked that one a lot because it integrated several different disciplines into a unique design that I thought had a lot of potential to be very useful and fun. It utilized a level of electronics that I could dig into really well at a fundamental level (despite being a mechanical engineer by degree). It has vibration motors, molded plastic components, and somewhat exotic materials. It involved software integration, Bluetooth communication, motion, and real-time feedback. And it involved video games and virtual reality! I could physically interact with it and stand on it for testing, and it felt like it kind of gave me superpowers! Several of the solutions that we used were pretty innovative, so I was (and am) quite proud of it. It also really challenged me in terms of writing software and designing components to be robust and reducing overall system costs, so I really enjoyed those challenges.

Maddy Claypoole

Maddy Claypoole

Junior Project Manager

Background: My design journey began with a passion for storytelling, but what truly excites me is diving into new challenges and helping bring fresh ideas to life. There’s something energizing about exploring the unknown and finding creative solutions that stick. After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I leaned into the power of clear communication and people-first storytelling to guide my work. Most of my time at SCAD was spent in the Gulfstream Center of Design, collaborating with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, idea-rich environment. Projects with partners like Mayo Clinic, Google, Adobe, and Deloitte showed me the importance of structured creativity, strategic thinking, and leading with empathy. At Kickr, my focus is on creating a space where everyone feels heard—because real innovation starts with real collaboration. Great design, to me, has never just been about the final product—it’s about the process, the people, and the potential that unfolds along the way.
Out of the office: Out of the office, I’m learning to roller skate, embracing every wobbly (and exhilarating) moment. I never turn down an opportunity to try new food and continuously explore the creative side of Artificial Intelligence. I’m all about keeping things playful, curious, and full of flavor—whether it’s a new skill, a local spot, or just a weekend well spent.
Superpower: My superpower is seeing the story in everything. It’s how I make sense of the world, connect the dots, and help everyone feel grounded in the bigger picture.
Favorite product/project: My favorite project was a product concepting collaboration with Skullcandy! While the challenge itself was exciting, what made the project truly memorable was the team. I focused on creating a space where every member, regardless of discipline, felt empowered to contribute their perspective. That commitment to inclusive collaboration led to a well-rounded, innovative concept and a happy client! Even better, it built lasting friendships and shaped how I approach every team I lead.

Mike Glatzer

Project Manager

Background: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, and since Tech I’ve been working primarily in new product development. One of my first positions out of school was at a company designing and manufacturing novel spinal implants. I had the opportunity to contribute significantly to the design and be listed as an inventor on several patents. I also spent time working for another regulatory and product development firm based out of Georgia Tech that specialized in medical device development where I was able to work on over 30 projects. One of the last devices I worked on prior to Kickr was an autism diagnostic device, which I was very proud of. We were able to bring the device to market just a couple of years ago through the rigorous FDA process, and currently, my former team is working on generation 2 which is very exciting. As a former designer, I bring a lot of the engineering background into my project management style at Kickr Design, and I of course especially enjoy when I am working as a project manager for our med devices!
Out of the office: One of my passions is photography, and outside of Kickr I work as a portrait and headshot photographer. I actually did all of the headshots for the Kickr Website! One thing I enjoy about photography is doing a lot of creative and quirky concepts. I am a huge bookworm and am constantly reading. I try to average at least 2 books per month, both fiction and nonfiction. You can also catch me at a lot of sporting events. I’m an avid fan of Georgia Tech football and have been a season ticket holder since I graduated (sometimes good, sometimes painful). Finally, on the list is musical theater. I used to perform singing and dancing in stage productions and have been in over in 2 dozen productions.
Superpower: Pattern recognition. Having worked on so many projects over the years, I’ve built up data sets to help me recognize and predict situations as they arise. Knowing when we’re going down a bad pathway, balancing tradeoffs between time and cost, or seeing how a project is trending and getting ahead of a potential challenge are things I do well and try to implement to keep projects on track and successful.
Favorite product/project: One of my favorite projects while working at Kickr was specialized bandage for chest port patients. Currently, those users have to apply lidocaine to the skin directly over the port and leave it there for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s appropriately numbed enough before sticking themselves with a needle in to inject medicine through the port. The lidocaine gets everywhere! Our client wanted to develop a bandage that you placed directly over the port that would house the lidocaine to keep it from spreading everywhere while it worked but also make sure to numb the skin as intended. The client had a port, so she knew all the pain points and was incredibly passionate about the device. We worked with her to find suitable materials that were skin-safe, wouldn’t let the lidocaine leak while applied, and a design that allowed for easy usage. Two years later after completion of the design we heard back from this client. Not only is her patent about to be approved, but she’s also selling a product and locking down license agreements with another company. It is so satisfying to see a product we designed be not only successful but have the capability to help a huge number of people!

Mohammad Biloo

Software Engineer

Background: I have nearly 15 years of experience in embedded software across numerous verticals, ranging from wireless communications to defense and medical devices. I have authored numerous blog posts and hosted many webinars, workshops, and courses related to embedded software. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s of Electrical Engineering from Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.
Out of the office: I enjoy hanging out with my wife and daughters, especially taking my eldest daughter swimming and conducting science experiments with both daughters. I also enjoy playing various sports, including table tennis, cricket, and ice hockey. I also love to travel.
Superpower: My superpower is to be able to leverage my extensive experience and accurately plan out tasks related to embedded software development of a project. I can identify the riskiest tasks associated with a project and map out a plan to mitigate these risks and put in place contingency plans to ensure that the project is on time and on budget.
Favorite product/project: My favorite project has been one I worked on with Kickr! It was a scientific instrument to identify a chemical and its concentration in an unknown solution. This was my favorite project because it spanned the entire embedded software stack. I worked on kernel drivers, MCU firmware, and userspace applications. I especially enjoyed learning about the unique algorithm developed by the client, and implementing it efficiently in C++.

Sebastian Basto

Industrial Designer

Background: What drives me to design is the desire to solve real-world problems through thoughtful, user-centered solutions that blend functionality with aesthetic clarity. I’m inspired by the full journey of a product—from early ideation and prototyping to final production and how it lives in the hands of users. I thrive in translating complexity into simplicity, creating designs that are both purposeful and emotionally engaging. Above all, I see design as a tool to improve lives, build connections, and bring ideas to life in ways that matter.
Out of the office: Outside of design, I’m passionate about snowboarding—it’s where I find creativity and adrenaline in equal measure. I also enjoy expressing myself through cooking, using my culinary skills to explore flavors and craft thoughtful meals for friends and family. Staying active is a big part of my routine; I go to the gym every day to stay focused, energized, and disciplined. These hobbies help me stay balanced and fuel the creative mindset I bring into my design work.
Superpower: My superpower is being able to see products through an empathetic lens. I’m always thinking about how a design will actually impact someone’s life—how it feels, how it functions, and how it solves a real problem. I’m not just focused on aesthetics or usability alone, but on creating something that truly makes a difference. That mindset drives everything I create.
Favorite product/project: One of my favorite projects I’ve worked on is Soccur—a 2-in-1 medical device concept designed to improve the lives of people living with Type 1 diabetes. What made this project special was how deeply rooted it was in empathy and user research; the goal was to reduce the number of daily injections by at least 50% while making the treatment process feel less clinical and more empowering. I collaborated with three different teams across disciplines, conducted interviews, and translated that feedback into tangible design improvements. The final outcome was a product that not only met its functional goal but also received overwhelmingly positive responses from users who felt seen, heard, and supported—reminding me why I design in the first place.

Seth Cross

Director of Product Innovation

Background: I bring over 20 years of experience leading innovation at the intersection of design, engineering, and strategy. I also hold a B.S. in Industrial Design and an M.S. in Human Factors & Ergonomics Engineering from Virginia Tech. Throughout my career at companies like Newell Brands and Georgia-Pacific, I have led advanced concept development for market-leading consumer products, translating user insights into impactful product experiences. Driven by curiosity and a passion for navigating ambiguity, I have helped uncover new growth opportunities and contributed to over 25 patents in the process.
Out of the office: Outside of work, I stay energized through a mix of creativity, physical activity, and family time. I’m passionate about training and maintaining an active lifestyle, and enjoy helping my kids develop their athletic skills. I also thrive on hands-on creative projects, from sketching and design experiments to tackling home improvement challenges. Whether exploring the outdoors with my family or diving into new ideas, I stay balanced and inspired by staying curious.
Superpower: One of my unique strengths is my ability to bridge blue-sky thinking with real-world execution. I bring a rare blend of creativity, technical insight, and empathy to early-stage innovation. I thrive in ambiguity—connecting dots across consumer needs, market trends, and emerging technologies to spark new product opportunities. Whether I’m leading a cross-functional sprint or sketching out a rough idea, I bring clarity, momentum, and front-end innovation experience to every challenge.
Favorite product/project: One of my favorite product categories was developing products for the Graco® children’s gear brand. These projects were especially fulfilling because they combined meaningful impact with complex problem-solving. The goal was always clear: make caregivers’ lives easier and safer through thoughtful, intuitive design. From baby swings to high chairs and playards, I enjoyed solving technical challenges while keeping real user needs at the center. What made it truly special was hearing feedback from parents, knowing that the team’s work made a difference in their daily lives and added a powerful sense of purpose to every product.

Tim Zollers

Sr. Industrial Designer

Background: I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts / Industrial Design from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and hold several design and engineering patents both individually and as part of a team on products across multiple industries. I really enjoy product development and have spent the entirety of my career of 30+ years developing products from medical to industrial, projects and products in low and high volumes, designing parts for prototyping and production!
Out of the office: My outside interests include home improvement, my pets which include dogs and cats, motorcycling, hiking, dining out, listening to music and sightseeing.
Superpower: I have always been artistic and mechanically inclined. As a child, I built things with tinker toys and erector sets. I took apart and rebuilt bicycles and I would help my dad in the garage when he worked on his race car. I also spent time drawing and even won a couple of poster contests when I was in grade school. My 8th grade teacher suggested that I pursue an artistic career, and in high school, I took shop, drafting and art classes – and worked as a co-op student at Caterpillar Tractor in the Plant Engineering department my Senior year of high school. It’s as if I have been preparing for a design career my entire life!
Favorite product/project: My favorite projects are any that make it beyond prototyping and go into production. I have had several that have made it to that point. Probably my favorite project was a significant team effort to develop a mechanical kinetic sculpture for a trade show exhibit. It involved designing a system that could be set up and taken down with relative ease. We developed custom mechanical components that required custom PCBAs and firmware that controlled the system to synchronize the movement of 40 objects driven by 20 motors passing through the center of a 12-foot diameter ring 14 feet above the floor.

Tyler Fox

Prototype and Production Manager

Background: I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UCF. I enjoy building my fabrication toolbox in order to think outside the box and apply techniques in new and unique ways. I enjoy the process of creating something digitally and turning it into a tangible good. I use my technical training from my ME degree along with my own interests in design and fabrication, to help the team build out prototypes that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. I’ve worked on hundreds and hundreds of different prototyping projects during my time here at Kickr using a range of different processes; from CNC machining, to molding and sewing.
Out of the office: I’m a maker and tinkerer at heart. My hobbies include stained glass, sign painting, glass blowing, metal sculpture fabrication, painting, mountain biking, and the art of vintage motorcycle maintenance.
Superpower: I think I can make just about anything and if I don’t know how to do it, I’m not afraid to go elbows deep to learn the process.
Favorite product/project: My favorite project I’ve worked on is a prototype we made that mounted onto a semi-truck. It included a lot of different processes; sewing, welding, sheet metal, and 3D printing to bring it all together. When the prototype was complete we installed it on a semi-truck at the clients’ facility and worked with the client to test it both at their facility as well as for its intended use on the road.

Zyad Kadri

Industrial Designer

Background: Originally from Arizona, I earned a bachelor’s of science in industrial design from Arizona State University and got my first design job with a product development consultancy in Tempe, AZ. Since then most of my career has been in helping companies and entrepreneurs realize their product ideas through graphic visualizations and physical prototyping. Because of the varied opportunities in consulting work, I’ve had the privilege of designing for many different industries like aviation, semiconductors, high-tech, television special effects, and jewelry, just to name a few. I find the most satisfaction in guiding first-time innovators and entrepreneurs through their R&D process to see them through the most critical first phases of design discovery.
Out of the office: I enjoy spending time with my kids –practicing with them in their various sports, snowboarding in the winter, and tinkering with product ideas of my own.
Superpower: Translating ideas to paper as described by others from their minds!
Favorite product/project: Project designing a ram air turbine for aircraft.

Danny Martinez

Danny Martinez

Mechatronics Engineer

Background: I am a Mechanical Engineer with a B.S. from Florida International University and both an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Robotics from Georgia Tech, focused on developing technologies that improve human life. Born in Cartagena, Colombia and raised in Miami, I grew up surrounded by different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking, which continues to shape how I approach engineering and collaboration today. My experience spans industrial automation, medical robotics, wearable devices, swarm robotics, and robotic inspection systems across both research and industry environments. Over the years, I have worked on projects ranging from deploying and optimizing FANUC robotic systems at Fiat Chrysler’s Trenton Engine Plant, to developing MRI compatible surgical robots at Georgia Tech, to integrating physiological sensing systems for social robots at Honda Research Institute in Japan. I have always sought varied experiences to build a multidisciplinary skillset that allows me to approach engineering challenges with an understanding of the full system, from research and prototyping to manufacturing, deployment, and real world use.
Out of the office: I believe creativity fuels great engineering, so I spend much of my time exploring different forms of expression and craftsmanship. My biggest passion is oil painting, but I also play guitar, shoot film photography, write, dance salsa and bachata, study languages, travel, work on cars, and skateboard. I speak English and Spanish natively and have studied Japanese for many years, which has allowed me to collaborate internationally and connect with people from very different backgrounds and disciplines. I am currently studying French and Italian as part of my ongoing fascination with language, culture, and human connection.
Superpower: My superpower is communication across disciplines, cultures, and perspectives. I am comfortable adapting between different technical backgrounds and ways of thinking, whether I am working with clinicians, machinists, researchers, manufacturers, artists, creatives, or clients. I enjoy translating difficult technical challenges into actionable solutions and creating collaborative environments where people feel comfortable contributing ideas. I believe some of the best engineering happens when technical depth is paired with empathy, curiosity, and strong communication.
Favorite product/project: One of my favorite projects is a DOE funded worm-like robotic pipe crawler designed to inspect coal power plants. I led the mechanical design and development of the robot, which navigated through 2-inch diameter pipes and multiple 180-degree bends while deploying ultrasonic inspection tools. It is one of the first projects where I fully owned the design process from concept to deployment, and solving such difficult mobility challenges at a small scale made it incredibly rewarding. I especially loved that the solution became biomimetic. We took inspiration from how worms move to solve a very real industrial problem.

Greg Lamps

Greg Lamps

Director Of Engineering

Background: Building on initial experience in the plastics injection molding industry, I have enjoyed a career that includes vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz in Germany. My more recent experience includes 24+ years in medical devices at small and mid-sized companies, taking products from physician’s concept to market. Products have varied, from bioresorbable soft-tissue fixation devices, to finger-stick lancets, to computer vision surgical systems. I earned BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and MBA degrees, all from Stanford University and have over 36 patents.
Out of the office: My hobbies have varied over time, including sailing, biking, cooking (paella; smoked meats, cheese, and nuts), restoring the interior of a 1971 VW Karmann Ghia, and general tinkering. Most weekends you can find me with my wife and dog wandering through the woods somewhere in Georgia. When the weather is nasty, I am often found with a thick military history book in my hands.
Superpower: Superpower: Integrating the big picture. While I love designing a product, I always keep in mind the larger picture of manufacturing, end-use, user/patient benefit, and economic feasibility.
Favorite product/project: At the beginning of my career I was on the development team for the HermanMiller Aeron chair – it became my favorite as it was the first time that something I worked on launched to the market. I love seeing the products I have made being successful.

Erick Cinco

Erick Cinco

Firmware Engineer

Background: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida, where I focused on embedded systems and digital signal processing. Early in my undergrad career, I found my niche in designing, testing, maintaining, and productizing small form factor, battery-powered, wireless IoT devices by joining various hardware startups and small companies as I worked on my degree. After graduation, I gained valuable product management and systems-level concepts through my time at Honeywell Aerospace as an embedded engineer in their Platform Center of Excellence Software group. During COVID, I left Honeywell Aerospace to design a privacy-centric BLE-based contact-tracing wearable and platform with one of my previous ventures. From there, I helped grow the engineering team and expanded our product portfolio into Construction and Safety verticals, focusing on cellular, WiFi, and BLE-enabled wearables. I bring my experience of the full product lifecycle into every project I am on.
Out of the office: I chose Electrical Engineering to design guitar pedals and focus on audio products. While my career strayed away from the audio industry, my passion for sound remained. These days I focus my free time on creating DAW-less synth performances using a Yamaha Seqtrak and random gear. My current goal is to express myself as much as possible while having as few screens and high-value gear as possible!
Superpower: My superpower is that I am extremely open-minded and not afraid to ask questions or speak up. I am comfortable diving into difficult or unclear topics and creating an environment where they can be discussed to the level of detail it deserves.
Favorite product/project: My favorite product is a wearable cellular- and Wi-Fi-enabled large labor force personnel tracker and sensor gateway. The most interesting part of this product was how configurable it became and how variable the environments it would be used in were. Every deployment had its own challenges and feature requests. Learning how to manage many thousands of devices all around the world, and the people and systems behind them, was an incredible experience.

Melissa Ayala

Melissa Ayala

Office Manager

Background: Before joining Kickr, I worked in customer support, where I discovered how much I enjoy helping people and making their experience a positive one. Whether I’m chatting with someone over the phone or welcoming them into the office, I love building connections and making sure they feel comfortable and supported.
Out of the office: When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family and friends, whether we’re exploring the city or trying new places. I’m also a big homebody and enjoy relaxing with my pets, who always keep life entertaining. You’ll often find me curled up on the couch catching up on the latest TV shows or unwinding after a busy day.
Superpower: My superpower is empathy. I enjoy connecting with people and making sure they feel heard and valued.
Favorite product/project: One of my favorite projects has been Smushroom because I had the opportunity to watch it come to life from the very beginning. Thanks to CoffeeBox, our amazing coffee trailer outside the office, we meet all kinds of people every day. One client stopped by for coffee and came inside to use the restroom, not realizing that CoffeeBox was connected to Kickr Design. She asked about what we do, and within 10 minutes, we had her scheduled for a consultation with one of our lead engineers. Since then, she’s partnered with Kickr to bring her idea to life, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see her journey from that first conversation to becoming one of our clients.

Stan Chuznik

Stan Chuznik

Sr. Industrial Designer

Background: I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and am a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati –DAAP (Design, Architecture, Art and Planning College) with a BS in Industrial Design – Class of ‘93. My career spans over 30+ years in Industrial Design working on point of purchase displays for American Greetings – Retail Creative Services to Children’s Products and Home and Garden products with Step2 Company to working on multiple product lines for Newell Brands – from Levolor Blinds, Shades and Decorative Drapery Hardware to Rubbermaid Cleaning Products to Goody hair accessories and grooming products to Rubbermaid Food Product to Writing implements for Sharpie, PaperMate, PrismaColor, etc.
Out of the office: I am an avid sports fan following Cleveland’s teams that I grew up with – Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers, and my alma mater, the Cincinnati Bearcats. I love cars and have an extensive Hot Wheels & Matchbox collection – 500+ vehicles.
Superpower: I love to draw, so I apply that talent to capturing our clients’ ideas and inventions so that they can be visually communicated.
Favorite product/project: Too many “children” to choose my favorite, but I do love when a product that I worked on launches into the marketplace and brings joy to the user.

Jon Stevens

Jon Stevens

Electrical Engineer

Background: I bring 26 years of experience in electrical engineering, device design, and PCB design from concept to manufacture, including Altium Designer schematic capture, PCB layout, and embedded firmware of all types, with a specialty in digital audio, digital signal processing, and RF design for cellular, GNSS, Bluetooth, WiFi, and telecom devices from concept to mass production. My experience also includes managing PCB fabrication, PCB assembly at the contract manufacturer, supply chain challenges, and device assembly and testing for mass production.
Out of the office: I used to play guitar professionally in a band for adventure, but now I like traveling and any sort of traveling adventure, as well as cooking and any sort of cooking adventure.
Superpower: My superpower is producing a first PCB prototype quickly, even from a napkin sketch, that requires minimal additional iterations, making the path to device mass production shorter and more cost-effective. This includes troubleshooting & diagnostics, as well as PCB fabrication, PCB assembly, and supply chain management for BOM health going into device launch.
Favorite product/project: One favorite recently was the Interrupt project, which is essentially a handheld hacker device that can do almost anything. This project was challenging and required PCB integration of many complicated systems, including digital audio, sub-GHz radios, near-field communications, a multi-rail power system with a rechargeable battery, a display, a Raspberry Pi, a CPLD, a keypad, and even an 8-bit PIC microcontroller – providing an opportunity for some assembly language programming.

Thomas Spencer

Thomas Spencer

Mechanical Engineer

Background: I enjoy solving complex engineering challenges and creating products that make a meaningful impact. My background spans mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, sensor systems, mechatronics, and product development. I earned my BS, MS, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, where my research focused on understanding how animals detect chemical signals and applying those biological principles to improve man-made chemical sensors. Before joining Kickr, I co-founded Scalable Systems Group, developing hardware, software, and analytics tools for the recycling industry. I’ve also worked in both consumer electronics and the energy sector, giving me experience across a wide range of products and technologies. I’m particularly motivated by projects that improve people’s quality of life, whether through healthcare, sustainability, education, or other meaningful applications of engineering.
Out of the office: Outside of work, you’ll most often find me rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, or playing mediocre golf. I also enjoy board games, a good book, and finding excuses to build, fix, or optimize things that probably worked fine to begin with.
Superpower: I enjoy connecting technical challenges to the bigger picture. Whether working with a startup founder, an established company, or an internal team, I like understanding not only how something should be engineered, but why it matters. My experience as both an engineer and entrepreneur helps me balance technical rigor, business realities, project constraints, and customer goals while still finding creative ways to move ambitious ideas forward. I particularly enjoy working at the intersection of hardware, software, data, and product strategy, where seemingly unrelated pieces often come together to create innovative solutions.
Favorite product/project: One of my favorite projects was building Scalable Systems Group from the ground up. Our team developed durable connected hardware and software systems that helped recycling and waste companies better understand and manage their operations through real-time data and predictive analytics. What made the project especially rewarding was seeing it grow from an early-stage concept into a deployed solution delivering measurable value to customers every day.

Francis Fish

Francis Fish

Project Manager

Background: I have over a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives, launching new technologies, and transforming underperforming teams into high-performing organizations. My background combines advanced engineering expertise with business leadership, including a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, an MBA from the University of Delaware, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware. Across public- and private-sector work, Francis has managed multi-million- and multi-billion-dollar projects, applied Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 methods, led new product development teams, supported manufacturing modernization and onshoring efforts, and focused on improving operational efficiency, profitability, and product outcomes.
Out of the office: Outside of Kickr, I keep active by moonlighting as an Adjunct Professor, spending time with family and friends, and being outdoors. I also relax through building finish carpentry and cooking.
Superpower: My superpower is problem-solving. Throughout my career, I have been turned to by executives to lead teams through difficult times, from rebuilding ASME’s Northeast Region Chapters to the US Navy aircraft carrier overhaul planning, to relocating Kimber from NY to AL after their relocation had stalled for four years and then turning around their engineering department, shortening new product development from 60 months to 10 months.
Favorite product/project: My favorite products/projects are those that improve the human condition.

Hunter Tuck

Hunter Tuck

Project Manager

Background: Born in Florida and raised around the Atlanta area, I graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Marketing. My background is in medical device design and development, specifically Class 1 and 2 devices. Throughout my career, I have worked on over 20 devices that are now FDA-approved and being sold in both the US and abroad.
Out of the office: When I’m not working, I’m normally watching whatever Atlanta sports team is playing that day with my cat, Noodle.
Superpower: Translating complex engineering speak into simple terms has always been a strength of mine. There’s nothing more satisfying than a good project plan or PowerPoint.
Favorite product/project: My favorite project is the next one. At Kickr, there’s no shortage of good ideas or fun projects, and that keeps the work interesting.

Mark Snyder

Mark Snyder

Mechanical Engineer

Background: I am a mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and product strategist with a background spanning automotive engineering, advanced simulation, sustainability, and hardware development. I studied mechanical engineering at Clemson University and earned my MBA from SDA Bocconi in Milan and CEIBS in Shanghai. I have worked for companies including Honda/Acura, NASA, DoD, and Porsche. Today, I am the founder of VerdeTerra, where I am developing design-forward living air purification systems that use microalgae to improve indoor air quality while reducing building energy use.
Out of the office: Outside of the office and my work with VerdeTerra, I spend most of my time building, designing, and testing automotive parts, especially for enthusiast platforms like JDM classics and Porsches. I also enjoy working on cars, track-day projects, and turning rough ideas into physical products.
Superpower: My superpower is connecting engineering, design, and business strategy to turn complex technical ideas into products people can actually understand, use, and want.
Favorite product/project: My favorite projects are the ones that require multidisciplinary creative problem-solving, where engineering, design, manufacturing, and business goals all have to come together. At Kickr, I especially enjoy helping clients take an idea that may only exist as a rough concept or sketch and supporting them through the process of turning that dream into a functional prototype they can hold, test, and build on.

Mary Egan

Mary Egan

Technician

Background: I am an Engineering Technician at KICKR Design, where I support engineers with prototype builds, fabrication, and day-to-day shop operations. I first joined the team as a part-time technician, bringing hands-on experience in precision wiring, machining, laser cutting, documentation, and prototype assembly. After moving into a full-time position, I expanded my responsibilities to include operating and maintaining both FDM and SLA 3D printers, managing filament inventory and material preparation, assisting with laser cutting, and helping keep the shop organized and running smoothly. I enjoy learning new fabrication techniques and contributing to projects from early prototypes through production-ready builds.
Out of the office: When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my cats and friends, getting out on the lake or anywhere outdoors, working on my car, and tackling creative projects like sewing, crocheting, painting, playing the piano, and making things by hand.
Superpower: My superpower is bringing ideas to life through hands-on craftsmanship, whether that’s building prototypes, solving fabrication challenges, or creating something from scratch.
Favorite product/project: The GameChanger project is my favorite because it was my first opportunity to collaborate closely with engineers and contribute to improving the product’s design, making it easier to build, assemble, and maintain.

David Culver

David Culver

Director of Entrepreneur Success – Kickr Labs

Background: As an Entrepreneur, Co-Founder, Angel Investor, Mentor and Venture Partner David brings both an entrepreneur’s and and investor’s perspective to KICKR Labs. He’s super excited about helping companies in the Hardware, Tech & Physical Products Space to succeed and create fast growth businesses. David has co-founded and led teams at fast-growing startups in E-commerce, Manufacturing, Education, Business Incubation, Real Estate, Travel & Events companies. Including our company helping our client Lucas Films (aka “The Star Wars Guys”) create, design, manufacture & deliver awesome new versions of famous Star Wars Characters for Star Wars online shop. David has been in the Fast Growth Company World for over Two Decades. David also co-founded VentureSHOT Business Incubator and led its Strategic Growth Program to help companies grow their revenues, get funded and scale their businesses. David also launched the Funding Feeding Frenzy Investor Event Series, Makers & Manufacturers Investor Events and the Food, Fun & Fashion Investor Events Series and other similar investor and entrepreneur presentation events, helping connect investors and entrepreneurs for more than a decade. David earned his degree in Economics from the University of Georgia, where he also created an Economics Tutoring Business, while completing his degree. David has been a Venture Advisor at Propellant Ventures based in Chicago, where he focused on helping launch the VC firm’s first Venture Capital Fund and provided great insight about potential portfolio companies and introducing limited partners as investors for the fund. David has been a Mentor for Founder Institute, the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator for more than a decade. Prior to his more recent entrepreneurial and investor activities, David ran a 9-figure business unit, with full P&L responsibility for a Fortune 500 company specializing in technology products, logistics, distribution and integrated supply. David also ran the Technology Materials Management Team for the Atlanta Olympic Games (ACOG).
Out of the office: I enjoy Beach Volleyball, Walking / Exploring on the Beach, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching, Long Drives along Ocean Blvd. up and down the Florida Coast, Hanging out in a Waterfall in Hawaii. Maui No Ka Oi (Maui is the Best). Hosting getaways and Travel Biz Events in fabulous locations. Lahaina (Maui), Atlantis – Paradise Island – The Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, Delray Beach, FL, Chicago in the Summer, Working Out. Eating at tasty places like 50 Ocean in Delray Beach, Deck 84 on the Intercoastal, MALA on the Ocean in Lahaina. Watching a few too many videos about “Mega-Projects” and Space Rockets and lots of videos about Dolphins, whales, sharks, etc. (I’m a closet Marine Biologist.). Hang out in the Mountains with my Family from time to time and enjoy travel events for work vs being inside the office all the time.
Superpower: My SuperPower is Situational Awareness & Opportunity Recognition and bringing them together. Being able to see what’s going on and what is needed, plus what the resources are and what the opportunity is and bringing a team together to get AWESOME things accomplished. “Be BOLD! And MIGHT Forces will come to Your Aid!” – Basil King. Using the Resources available to the Team and connecting with massively successful Entrepreneurs, Investors, Business Owners and Leaders in different arenas to make something incredibly collaborative, fun and exciting. “Make No Small Plans…For they have not the Power to Stir Men’s Souls.” – Daniel Burnham – Amazing Chicago Architect
Favorite product/project: My favorite Product was the Star Wars “Garden Jawa”. One of my E-Commerce and Manufacturing Companies I Co-Founded made and sold primarily NCAA / NFL / MLB licensed Products. (Ga Tech Garden Gnomes, University of Central FL Gnomes, Etc.). The Lucas Films branding group (aka “The Star Wars Guys” as we called them) wanted to create some fun & quirky “Home and Garden” products for some of their Star Wars Characters. The first one we did was a “Garden Jawa”, since they most closely resembled our “Gnome Characters”. We did our “Concept, Design, Deliver” Magic for them and professionally created their first Garden Jawa and their entry into the “Home and Garden” Space. They said they were “From a Galaxy Far, Far Away” so they weren’t really familiar with the H&G space. The Garden Jawas sold out multiple times before we could even get them delivered. One of my favorite “Projects” was our Maui, Hawaii – Masterminds in Paradise Event which brought dozens of Investors, Entrepreneurs and Experienced Business Owners together for a full week to help them Grow Revenue, Get Funded / Find Deals & Strategically Grow their Businesses. The entire event that week was outdoors in a Pavilion, in sight of the ocean on Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui and it was a super collaborative effort to help all of the business owners & investors to achieve better results.