Management Team / Advisory Board Bios
, Christopher Kyle RansonFounder, CEO & DirectorA consummate problem solver and team builder. Vvolt CEO, founder and majority owner June 2020 -present. Showers Pass, CEO and majority owner October 2008 – present. Infocus Corp, April 2003 – May 2007. President and CEO August 2004 – May 2007. Executive VP sales, marketing and operations April 2003 – August 2004. Compaq & HP, 1987 - 2003. VP leadership positions, 1996 – 2003. Director-level management, sales, marketing and operations 1992 – 1996. General management, sales and marketing 1987 - 1992. Affiliations and Boards: Board member National MS Society OR chapter; Board member Community Vision OR; Guest lecturer at the University of OR.
Sarah Jean CharniakCMOPast experience managing a DTC ecomm brand’s growth from $5-25M, plus owning a web design agency prepared Charniak to become CMO of Vvolt. From our inception her guidance has been instrumental in forging brand identity. Her commitment to fulfilling customer-centric brand values guides daily decision making, supported by deep experience in ecomm and digital marketing.
Nicolas Michael WoodVice PresidentThrough a 20-year career in the cycling industry, Wood managed multimillion-dollar retail chains, built client brand awareness as a PR account executive, and managed cycling brand collaborations with Audi and LVMH. His expertise lies along the axis of product lifecycle; from development to full-funnel marketing.
At Vvolt, Wood oversees and directs product development and marketing.
Daniel Whittaker ShawOperations ManagerOriginally a math educator, Shaw’s clarity of focus and passion for concise communication empowered his multifunctional role at Islabikes USA, following which he served as Manager for noted nonprofit Community Cycling Center. Shaw leads Vvolt operations spanning sourcing, workshop, customer support and bookkeeping.
Alex XuDesign DirectorFormer UofO design professor Xu studied at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology and earned his Master’s at the University of Cincinnati. His work consulting for P&G, Samsung, Kroger, Bayer, LEGO, and Columbia has given him insight into the intricacies of global sourcing, complementing his expertise guiding the Vvolt design program.
Jeremy David RiderNational Sales ManagerSeasoned sales/public relations professional with a proven track record of growing sales, identifying new business opportunities, and successful at negotiating contracts and closing deals with major retailers. Experienced in both director and managerial roles in the lifestyle, apparel, and sports industries including sales, key account activation, product development, digital and social media strategies, and working with professional athletes.
Steven Robert EricksonDirectorInternationally Minded Business Visionary and Strategist. Positioning and sharpening companies to drive growth.
Steven Robert Erickson works, on average. 2 hours per week for Vvolt.
Simon Nicholas WilliamsBoard MemberExperienced company executive with global manufacturing operations and sales experience
Simon Nicholas Williams works, on average. 2 hours per week for Vvolt.