Our Team
Michelle Nichols: President
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.
How did you come to this line of work? "Austin and I have been VW lovers since our earliest years together and stranded ourselves on many dates in our Vanagons. Having spent 10 years working in healthcare and 3 years staying home with our young kids, I am excited to re-enter the workforce at such an exciting company."
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
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
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
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
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."
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. 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.
Jake
Background: Jake was born and raised in Washington and has 7 years of automotive tech experience.
Favorite Cars? Jake loves old BMWs. He has an old E21 that's getting a super charged engine swap.