Our Team

Seth Angle
President

Years in the industry:
26

Specializations:
Business management - focusing on vision, leadership, strategy, culture, education, and leading positive change

Fun fact:
Once upon a time a long, long time ago, I was a {terrible} Kirby sweeper salesman.

Mark Miller
Engineering Optimizer

Years in the industry:
27

Specializations:
I promote excellence in engineering by exploring every “what if,” by acting as a sounding board, and through technical writing.

Fun fact:
I love word-play with other witty office wordsmiths! We create some good puns, poems, and punchlines.

Denver Smith
Senior Mechanical Designer

Years in the industry:
11

Specializations:
Automation equipment, assembly machines, and weld fixtures

Fun fact:
Legos, clocks, and peanut butter & jelly are my inspirations.

Ty Blackford
Senior Mechanical Designer

Years in the industry:
23

Specializations:
Special machines, product development, mentoring young designers, and progressive dies

Fun fact:
I love telling fun, yet true stories. Which reminds me of the time I was at the Lockington Dam with a life-size hillbilly mannequin…

Sarah Boone
Office Manager

Years in the industry:
14

Specializations:
Office Management

Fun fact:
I drive people crazy trying to get the best deal.

Tony Taylor
Senior Controls Engineer

Years in the industry:
11

Specializations:
PLC and HMI programming and robot integration

Fun fact:
I am a very competitive gamer.

Josh Stewart
Controls Designer

Years in the industry:
5

Specializations:
PLC, HMI, and Robot Programing

Fun fact:
I like to spend time in my greenhouse improving my aquaponics system.

Pete Rapp
Chief Operating Officer

Years in the industry:
26

Specializations:
Coordinating internal and external resources

Fun fact:
I like to collect sap and make maple syrup.

Stephen Layman
Applications Engineer

Years in the industry:
26

Specializations:
Process development, concept development, automation design, and quality systems

Fun fact:
I have an unusual fascination with notebooks and pencils.

John Frantz
Senior Mechanical Designer

Years in the industry:
31

Specializations:
Innovation. Thoroughness. Excellence in all phases of the design process.

Fun fact:
I can raise my left eyebrow but not my right.

Burke Flora
Mechanical Designer

Years in the industry:
8

Specializations:
The ability to learn and adapt to new processes and concepts, SolidWorks, and machine design for a variety of applications - specifically mold processes, weld tooling, and pick-and-place assembly machines.

Fun fact:
If you need a body shop around here – I know of a couple…It is just a good day when I can drive my own vehicle.

Lincoln Rapp
Mechanical Design Intern

Years in the industry:
6

Specializations:
Versatility

Fun fact:
I will receive my high school diploma and associate’s degree in the same year.

Eli Townsend
Controls Engineer

Years in the industry:
7

Specializations:
Robot integration, PLC and HMI programming

Fun fact:
I spend my free time at the Grimes airport building a B17 and flying airplanes.

Brian Taylor
Senior Controls Designer

Years in the industry:
30

Specializations:
Machine Control Design, PLC and HMI Programing ,Robotic Welding ,Material Handling , Laser Welding, Laser Cutting, Hybrid Laser Welding and Spot Welding, Resistance Weld Machines, Press Transfer Systems and De-stackers.

Fun fact:
I enjoy wood working and camping.

Jason Angle
Business Dev. Manager

Years in the industry:
24

Specializations:
Building relationships and the configuration of specialized automated solutions.

Fun fact:
I like a well-maintained GREEN lawn. My family might say I'm a bit obsessed.

Daniel Markley
Applications Engineer

Years in the industry:
10

Specializations:
Learning from those more experienced than myself, problem solving, and performing tasks completely and correctly.

Fun fact:
I can touch my nose with my tongue.

Stan Grile
Senior Controls Designer

Years in the industry:
35

Specializations:
Machine controls, hardware & software, robot integration, and programming

Fun fact:
My grandkids think I'm allergic to fun.

Rick Vaughan
Manufacturing Optimizer

Years in the industry:
24

Specializations:
Machining and fabrication. I’m known as Master of the "Jury Rig" (not to be confused with "Jerry").

Fun fact:
Over the past few years my obsession with mountain biking has grown.

Brian Mitchell
Automation Technician

Specializations:
Mechanical assembly, electrical assembly, startup, debug and installation of automation equipment.

Fun fact:
I love to fish.

Jim Swallow
Project Manager

Years in the industry:
20

Specializations:
Process oriented optimization and project flow through team building, focusing on interpersonal dynamics and individual aptitudes. Driving change where it is needed based on data while uplifting the things that already work well within the process. Formally trained military leadership with practical experience to put it to good use.

Fun fact:
I have two Versatile Champion German Wirehaired Pointers that I trained with racing pigeons. Ask me about it!

Brett Schaurer
Administrative Intern

Years in the industry:
1

Specializations:
Purchasing, shipping and receiving, general administration

Fun fact:
I have a strange obsession with rhythms.