Background: From Atlanta, Ga and a twice graduate of Georgia Tech in engineering, she has followed her passion for camping, traveling and getting lost in VWs around the the country. Always an athlete, Michelle has competed as an elite rower, amatuer cyclist, and coached CrossFit.
Austin Nichols: Engineering & Products
Background: Also a GT graduate, and spent years chasing "the dream" trying to be an Olympic Rower. Vanagon ownership goes back to being a 15 year old kid doing engine and transmission swaps on my back in Georgia heat with "Pops." #syncro4life
Hopes and dreams? I want to carry on improving and engineering these great platforms (Vanagons/Buses/etc.). I also want to have a lot of fun so expect more fun videos and marketing!
Chad Baird: T3 Technician Leader
"We get things done!"
Background: Chad has over 40 years experience as a technician and leader of teams. He has fixed and rebuilt almost everything you can imagine in that time frame and now has his sights set on bringing Vanagons and Buses back to life.
Free time spent doing... "I spend my time working harder on the weekend on my property! I really enjoy plumbing, carpentry, and using my backhoe instead of relaxing. (my wife made me say this.)"
George Silvester: Engine (and everything) Builder
.jpg?1623945260420)
"I used to have a nice bug, so nice everyone tried to steal it."
Background: George has been at Small Car for 24 years and is a problem solver in the purest form. He was part of the original SVX conversion team and he brings his father's work ethic to our team.
Favorite Things: George mountain bikes, rides dirt bikes, hunts, shoots in 3D competitions and loves going shopping.
Jeff Meyer: Electrical Lead
"Fear has its uses, cowardice has none" -Gandhi
Background: Jeff has been at Small Car for 13 years and has been instrumental in our R&D pipeline and commercialization of new engine conversions. Jeff attended Clover Park Technical College with a focus on electrical systems because he destroyed his hand!
How Jeff unwinds: Jeff enjoys exploring many different varieties of Scotch Whiskeys with his wife and he is very much a family man. He coaches soccer and enjoys being involved in youth sports as his kids grow up.
Tim Zerkel: Purchasing Lead
"I love getting out on or near the water, and the PNW is the perfect place for it."
Background: Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, my professional background is in the natural foods business, where I learned the industry in and out, from team leadership to pricing, product production, distribution, and lots in-between. I recently earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology at UW Tacoma and am excited to be part of the Small Car Team. In my spare time I like to get outside with my dogs and discover new spots around and outside of town.
What do you know about VW Vans? "I cut my teeth on Volkswagens a long time ago when some friends and I took a ’79 bus from Seattle to Los Angeles… Long story short, we ended up stopping a few times (involuntarily) on the way down, until we eventually landed in San Francisco. Despite the bumpy ride, we had a great time and met some helpful travelers that bonded with us over the bus. I’m looking forward to helping the dynamic team at Small Car provide our amazing customers with the reliability and peace of mind to continue making memories with these legendary vehicles."
Dakota Lathrop: Service Writer
Coming soon!
Danny Haley: Engineering & Products
Background: Danny has a background in design and manufacturing engineering. He graduated with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. He moved to the PNW after college and fell in love with the landscape, outdoor recreation opportunities, and Volkswagens.
Joe Gilman: Supply Chain
Background: Joe is a long time Vanagon owner and VW fanatic. He brings over 25 years of experience from a local VW shop when joining SCP.
Best Vanagon Moment? Joe's wife actually got a speeding ticket in a stock Vanagon. That isn't a joke--she accomplished what many of us have dreamed of doing.
Tate Hansen: Breaker of Corollas
Background: The day after high school graduation - Tate joined Small Car! Finding the opportunity through a local apprenticeship program, his goal is to become a Master Technician. The tireless, on-the-go, diversity of the job motivates Tate to show up ready to learn something new every day. He is accustomed to hard work, spending many summers helping his uncle develop a 180-acre plot of land!
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you? “My bucket list vacation is a European Adventure!” On the top of the list is to visit Rome and see the Colosseum. Aside from vacationing dreams, Tate is also an airsoft/ paintball enthusiast, animal lover, and expert at putting oil in his car.
