A veteran of the automotive industry, Rick co-founded Automotive International in 1971. He joined Federal Mogul Corporation after graduating from college in 1965 and served as National Accounts Manager for Big Four Industries for four years. In addition to Automotive International, Rick also co-founded Magnum Automotive Equipment, which went on to become one of the largest tire changer manufacturers in the world. Magnum was later sold to Ammco Tool Corporation, allowing Rick to devote 100% of his time and energy to the chemical business.

Throughout his career Rick has worked with and established national programs automobile manufacturers, rubber companies, chain stores and oil companies. He is also very active in the company's export activities, successfully establishing distributors around the world: Canada, Mexico, Europe, The Far East, Scandinavia, The Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand.

Dave joined Automotive International in 1981 after several years in the tire service industry.  "When I was young and worked construction it was always satisfying to walk out to the street at the end of the day and see what we had accomplished.  I get the same satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment from seeing an older vehicle brought back to life or knowing that we've helped to preserve the beauty of a new vehicle".

Dave works in all segments of the auto detailing industry, but specializes in working with Automotive International's private label National Account customers.  In that role he's visited thousands of dealerships, detailers and car washes.  "The front line detail technician is the most under appreciated individual in the entire automotive industry.  They determine quality and customer satisfaction.  It's time that real training, opportunity, and recognition is made available for the detailer".

Ron started down the path of this business when he was only seven years old. Working with his father in the family farm machinery and truck business he learned early about welding, painting, and mechanical repairs. In high school he built many custom cars, some which were featured in magazines. He has an extensive business background in many sales and marketing fields ranging from writing instruments to automotive chemicals.

He writes technical articles for detailing, car wash and autobody trade journals and serves on several industry advisory boards as well as industry e-mail forums. Ron works with most of the world's car manufacturers in addressing paint, trim, interior and other related issues. Since Automotive International is a worldwide supplier to the automotive industry, he travels the world to wherever the concerns or issues of the manufacturers may be. If you submit a question regarding problems with detailing, autobody repairs or related issues, you'll most likely get an answer from Ron.

Tim has been with Automotive International since 1989. Starting in the automotive industry at age 14, he worked at various dealerships while attending high school. He joined the Navy, saw the world and returned to his first love, the automobile.

Upon his discharge Tim went into the detailing business and progressed to the collision repair business, before returning to the detail side. Tim has a wealth of knowledge and was instrumental in the development of Automotive International's PrepExcellence Training School. He is also in charge of new product development, collaborating with our chemist to create products that not only work well but are also safe for workers and the environmental.

Tim works with Ron Ketcham to provide the vehicle manufacturers with answers to their issues and concerns effecting literally millions of vehicles. Tim co-authors many of the professional technical articles Automotive International submits to professional trade journals.

Sally has been with Automotive International since 1988. She handles all the incoming warranty registrations, customer warranty inquiries and assists in claims processing. Sally also is assistant purchasing agent and handles quite a few other duties in the company. Her personal philosophy at work: "I seem to take on what nobody else wants to do!"

When she wrote her version of this bio she said "to be sure and mention how quiet & shy she is." We told her, "It is not nice to lie!" She does admit that one thing she is not quiet and shy about is when you ask her about her grandchildren.

Beth started with the company five years ago as our receptionist. She now wears many hats in our company. She assists the sales and marketing departments, is involved with PrepExcellence, and oversees the website.

Chrisan has worked in the automotive industry for over 10 years and has been with AI since 2000. She is DOT/IMDG Hazmat certified and is currently our Export Manager. She is also involved with most of the company’s national accounts.

She is married...with pets! Her 3 cats and Dachshund are her children. She is a sports fanatic that’s crazy about all the Cincinnati teams. Her spare time is spent at the family’s house at Indian Lake in Ohio. She also enjoys spending as much time as possible with her beautiful nieces.

Brian joined the company a few years ago and is in charge of all receiving and shipping. He is a valued member of the Automotive International staff and was an important part of reorganizing our order processing procedures.

Brian is married with two young children. His hobbies are fishing, wrestling and hockey. We know he is a hockey nut as when he cleans up at the end of the day he swings his broom like Mario Lemieux, bottle caps fly around and he can heard for miles yelling "GOAL!".

Though she's the newest member of the AI family, Pat comes to us with over 25 years of experience in the fields of operations management and accounting. Pat will be wearing several hats including those of HR and accounting manager.

When she's not buried under piles of paper at her desk, she can be found out on the ice competing as a member of the "Cincinnati Style" adult synchronized skating team. Her son and husband are content to watch from the sidelines, but her daughter is out there by her side sharing tips and moves when not skating herself with her BGSU team.

George was born into the automotive industry: his father owned a body shop. George learned to detail at his father's shop at an early age. Ultimately, George learned the trade and became certified in body and frame repair. He was a manager in Turtle Wax's carwash division for ten years and helped develop the product Super PolyShell. George assisted in every aspect of the brand from R&D to test marketing, locating and hiring distributors.

Other positions include national sales manager with a Chicago-based company called The Treatment and partner with a distributor out of Michigan called Loftus and Associates. While working for Loftus and Associates, Automotive International was pursuing a chance to be a distributor. He was so impressed with the operation, he joined the AI team in November 2004.

George enjoys water sports at his family's summer cottage in southwestern Michigan with his wife and two sons. He is also an avid bowler: at ten years old he was a state champion in Illinois, and has even bowled a 300. His favorite sport now is golf but he is yet to break 100.