Staff Profiles

Bert Baker

DOB: 3/1/62

Married to Lisa; 4 kids Michelle (23), Adam (23), Brandon (20), and Sami is 16

Education: BSME Michigan State University 1984; didn’t get good grades.

Professional experience: 14 years at General Motors and 15 years at BAKER Drivetrain

First motorcycle: 1972 Honda SL70

Favorite car: Corvette Z06

Heroes: Dennis Hopper, Larry Flynt

Favorite movies: Blue Velvet, Requiem for a Dream, Apocalypse Now Redux, Matrix

Interests: chaos and disorder

Life statement:
In life, everyone will be challenged with many obstacles and can choose one of three avenues:

1) Do the right thing
2) Do the wrong thing and learn from your mistake
3) Do nothing

In my mind, doing nothing is never an option. Get in the game and don’t be a spectator.

Political statement
I believe in Nationalism and Protectionism political policies. Its time for us to stop sending money overseas, which we don’t have, in the name of national security and global stability. The biggest threat to our national security right now is the shrinking middle class, crumbling infrastructure, and declining manufacturing base. The Chinese are going to be driving Cadillacs and we are going to be living in grass huts if we don’t wake up.

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Lisa Baker

My official job title is Mrs. Baker – I make sure Bert has clean underwear, just in case he gets in an accident. Considering that Bert’s a really safe guy, this is probably unnecessary. Bert and I have enjoyed a yin-yang relationship for over 25 years, dating back to our early days at General Motors.

I earned my Mechanical Engineering Degree from MSU in 1985, following in the footsteps of my Dad and two older brothers. I’m a Spartan sports fanatic and enjoy cheering on the MSU football and basketball teams as often as I can.

I consider my greatest accomplishments in life to be:

Being a proud, supportive Mom to four happy, healthy young adults who mean the world to me. There is no greater joy in life.

Working with Bert to bring life to BAKER Drivetrain. His passion for motorcycles and all things mechanical has been the lifeblood of this company from the beginning. I take pride in my role as cheerleader, supportive wife and business partner. Together we have achieved a dream.

Favorite quote:

‘You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.’ ~ James Allen

James Simonelli

My name is James Simonelli; I work Sales and Tech at BAKER Drivetrain. Even before my first ride at 10 years old (an early 70’s Rupp Scrambler), I have been fascinated by all things mechanical. I started dismantling anything I could get my hands on at a very young age. Motorcycles are definitely my number one passion, all types. I enjoy riding, building, maintaining, restoring and racing them. Also high on my list are Sports Cars, 60’s and 70’s Muscle and Super Stock cars, drag racing, bicycle riding, physical fitness, and pretty girls. If it has tits or wheels, it captures my attention. I have worked in all facets of the motorcycle industry and really enjoy meeting customers and dealers face to face and helping them solve difficult problems of any nature. I like to speak my mind, get right to the point, and have never aspired to be politically correct.

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Mark Anthony Pavlica

Mark Pavlica

Height: 6’4

Weight: 175

Shoe size: 12

Born: 1974 Owosso memorial hospital

Current residence: Vernon MI

Position: Sales/Tech

Resume: carpenter, roofer, janitor, bartender, adult entertainment disc jockey, mason, landscaper, auto mechanic, musician, professional beer drinker

Now I work for the most kick ass company on the face of the earth BAKER FUCKING DRIVETRAIN.

Interests: abusing my Les Paul, long walks from my bar stool to the bathroom, punishing my righteous scoot (96 Fatboy), Watching football, trying to figure out woman both inside and out, making fun of politicians and law enforcement, generally have a great fucking time.

Favorite places: Sturgis, Brieux Bridge, LA , Vernon Pub and Detroit after midnight.

Favorite foods: Steak and potatoes, tacos, pizza, and gas station burritos for breakfast.

Goals: Skydiving, playing a single down as wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, jamming with Zakk Wylde and pissing on Obama’s leg.

Any questions give me a call.

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Scott Lerg

Day to Day: Tech guru with a side of Sales Department

Court ordered to BAKER since the Fall of 2001. I was still in High School when I hired in.

Studied at Lansing Community College and earned two associates degrees; one in CADD and one in CAM.

Addictions: Speed, anything with two wheels, internal combustion engines, amateur road racing, firearms (designing/building/shooting), experimental aircraft (building/flying) and America, Fuck Yeah!

Elective Projects: Rigid sporty based off a 2000 EVO XL 883 (Don’t worry it’s not a 883 anymore). Finishing up a Rutan designed Vari-Eze experimental aircraft with my pops. Also currently working on my private pilot license.

Trish Horstman

31 Years old
Marketing Director/ Creative Services
Started at Baker November, 2005
Graduated from Michigan State University Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Painting, 2004

I’ve worked at BAKER in the Marketing department since November of 2005. I handle how the world sees BAKER through visual media like advertising, our website, and in print media like our catalogs. I take pictures of our products and work to grow and guard the strong brand that is BAKER!

On the side, I own my own tattoo shop, My Little Needle Tattoos, which is hooked to my boyfriend Evan’s bike shop, Plymouth Cycle and Speed. We spend our days around the things we love the most: tattoos and motorcycles! I’ve been riding since I was a kid, and spend most of my time on the Hellcat, my ratty ‘72 Ironhead. When I’m not making art on the computer, skin or canvas, I like to garden, hang out with my family and friends on my deck with some beers, spoil my niece Chloe, and always wrap up my day on the couch with Evan and our 5 cats.

“Love is the feelin’ you get when you like something as much as your motorcycle.” – Sonny Barger

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Matthew Greyerbiehl

Age: 27
Position with BAKER: Marketing/Sales
Years with BAKER: 10
Education/Background: Music Production
Hobbies/Interests: Volunteering, Traveling, Real Estate, Reading, Yoga, Tennis, Music (all types except country), Politics, Bicycling.
Current Car: 2008 Saturn Aura (I’m a square)

Favorite Quote: “You don’t work you don’t eat” – James Brown

Rhonda Harris

AKA, “Harris”

I started at Baker Drivetrain, May of 2002. I wear many hats at Baker, but mainly I work in the office, managing all of the office duties, one of the pleasures I have is answering the phones. It is awesome to talk with people from all over the world. I also help out in the shipping area. And like it or not, am considered the Baker Shop Mom, taking care of all the hoodlums here. In the ten years I have been here I have acquired two dear friendships that I truly cherish.

My family is the most important thing to me. My husband and I have been married for 32 years. We were blessed with 2 children and now have 2 grandchildren, which we adore!

My hobbies include being a Master Gardener, Cooking, Scrapbooking and Stamping.

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Ronda Palmatier

AKA: “P”

I have worked at BAKER since January 2002 handling accounting, human resources and whatever else may come my way! I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University in December 1999. In 2000, I married my high school sweetheart, Adam and we have been blessed with 3 wonderful children. We have a mini farm with a cat, a dog, a bunny, chickens and 4-H pigs. My hobbies include spending time with my husband and children, attending MSU sporting events with family, scrapbooking, and being a mom taxi. Go State!

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Frank

Frank: Shop Cat

Position at Baker: shop cat.

Likes: Eating, smelling up the office area, following Trish into the bathroom, attacking people’s ankles when they walk by, and drinking from the sink in the kitchen.

Dislikes: how my gut jiggles when I run, being petted for too long, and being shaved in the summer

“Cats rule, dogs drool”

Jerome “JT” Leach

JT Leach

My name is JT; I’m 25 years old and have been with BAKER since October 2004.

I work primarily in the Purchasing Dept here at BAKER but every now and then I’ll jump out on the production floor to help get orders out the door or answer sales/tech related questions on the telephone when it is ringing off the hook.

Outside of work, I really enjoy motorsports, making music and going to concerts, traveling and wrenching around my folks’ auto repair shop.

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Linda Wash

Production Scheduling/Purchasing

Started at BAKER September 2007

I worked in the automotive industry for 15yrs before coming to Baker.

My Husband Jeff and I married in August 2009. We have 5 great kids between us ranging in age from 30 yrs to 11 yrs.

Most of my time outside of Baker is spent with family and friends. My hobbies include bike riding, camping, fishing and gardening.

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Adam Heins

Age – 23 Years Old

Department – Procurement & Logistics

Joined BAKER Drivetrain in August of 2012

I graduated from Michigan State University in May of 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in General Management and a Minor in Economics. After receiving my diploma, my soon-to-be fiancé and I moved to the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. I landed a job at a sports marketing agency located in the heart of the city. Commuting to and from work each day on a public bus and train soon became torturous. After spending one year in Chicago, my longtime girlfriend and I were homesick.

We recently moved back to the Mid-Michigan area and I joined the family business. You heard me right, Lisa is my mother and Bert is my stepfather. I had the “privilege” of growing up in the original BAKER Drivetrain shop, or as I usually refer to it, my childhood home. A large portion of my free time is spent attending MSU sporting events or cheering on one of Detroit’s professional teams. I am a true diehard fan that bleeds green and white!

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Shawn Kemp

-28 years old

-Hometown: Lansing, MI

-BA in Advertising from Michigan State University

Music is my life, and I’m a heavy metal kind of guy. Music is the drive and inspiration that helps keep my head on straight. I’ve lived around and worked in the music industry for almost 10 years now. Outside of BAKER, I work as an independent promoter and book concerts in Lansing, MI. I also enjoy video games, so on those occasional nights where I find myself bored one might find me on xBox Live kicking some ass.

I’ve worked at BAKER for almost three years and love every minute of it; the people, the atmosphere and the cool shit that we make. I wasn’t an avid bike enthusiast or much into the motorcycle scene before working at BAKER, but since I’ve been here I’ve had a lot of great experiences that have helped open my eyes to a whole new world for me. It’s very rewarding to work for a company that has such a high reputation in their nitch of the industry.

Not many people can say they love what they do or love going to work. I’m fortunate enough to be one of those who can.

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Tommy Sindel

AKA “Fudge”

Yrs at Baker 5

Hobbies- Hunting, Fishing, Fly-fishing, Outdoors, Likes GUNS

30 yrs old

Kids 1

Owns a motorcycle

Went to college at LCC

Likes to work on just about everything

I am the guy that Just keeps on trucking !!!

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Tracy Ruckle

I am 31 years old and have worked for Baker Drivetrain since March of 2002.

I have done many positions throughout the company starting with the warehouse
moving on to shipping and now production and packaging. In my free time I enjoy
being a mother and hanging out with my friends.

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Tim Engler

I ride a 2006 FXDCI slightly customized. I’m a runner. Love all types of music. I enjoy traveling, snowboarding, and a combination of both. Pretty much enjoy anything outdoors.

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Dennis Winslow

I am 30 years old. I have worked at BAKER since November 2012. My hobbies are off road trucks, toys with motors and fishing. I dig mechanical stuff and figuring out how it works. I also enjoy welding, fabrication and all of those industrial arts type deals. I am a ASE Certified Mechanic and I am currently going to night school working towards my bachelor’s degree.

Andy Friar

33 yrs old
Production Manager
Started at BAKER: September 2003

Michigan State University, BS, Product Design Engineering, 2006

Hobbies: Welding, Metalworking, Design, Harley’s, Drag Racing, Hot Rods, Furniture Making, Art, Home Renovation, Travelling, Camping

Strengths: Problem Solving, Mechanical Aptitude, Creative Aesthetic Design

Rides: 2002 Softail Nightrain/ 1969 Chevelle, 300 Deluxe, Drag Car/ In process ‘Chopper’ (Summer 2013)

“Let your work ethic, drive and the final product, do the talking”

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Chad Behrendt

34 yrs old
Engineering / Research & Development
Started at BAKER: June of 2004

Education: Denver Automotive and Diesel College, Cert. Master Motorcycle Mechanic

Hobbies: Harley’s (old school), Riding, Hot Rods, Guns, Snow Boarding, Hunting, Family

Strengths: Problem Solving, Mechanically Inclined, Design,

Current Bikes: 1985 Ironhead Bobber in the works

“Sitting there won’t get it, get out and do it!”