Who We Are
Meet the Team
Rick Armbruster, Executive Director
Rick started taking apart and modifying bikes as a kid and has enjoyed the challenge of maintaining them ever since. He enjoys giving back to the community and has been active with several organizations in the Grand Rapids area. The idea for Upcycle Bikes came from his support of Afghan refugees joining our community and their transportation challenges. He has a background in business and education and “retired” to become a stay-at-home dad. He is married with two kids and enjoys being active outside in any weather.
What my bike means to me: Adventure and freedom to explore.
Mike Clark, The Bike Whisperer
Mike's entire adult life has embodied his belief in "The Power of The Bike" to change people's lives for the better.
He is recently retired from 42 years in the bike shop business as everything from owner to part-time tire-pumper. He has also devoted a great deal of time, energy and passion to the JDRF Ride to Cure program as a coach and head of tech support for the past two decades.
Mike is an avid bike racer, rider, and trip organizer both locally and nationally. He's also somewhat infamous in the West Michigan cycling scene as "The Tandem Guy" and has been spotted in off-road and gravel events all over the country with his stoker Linda ("LTP").
Mike volunteered in the Upcycle Bikes shop for about six months and is happy to now take on the role of Bike Whisperer, which includes wrenching, shop management, and sharing insights on all things bike. He is a tremendous resource and an even better person with a big heart.
When not in the saddle, wrenching, or on-stage with his bandmates, he's likely home in Holland with his wife, son, cat and two dogs.
Carol Hallas, Project Manager
Carol recently retired from teaching English to refugees. She was extremely passionate about her work and her students and is enthusiastically applying those same passions to her role at Upcycle Bikes. She is an artist and musician with a creative nature and an attention to detail. Always seeking adventure and fun, Carol loves the freedom her bicycle brings. Joining the Upcycle Bikes team enables her to share that same freedom with others in the community.
Carol shares her life with her husband, son, daughter, and two cuddly Labradors.
What my bike means to me: Efficient and invigorating movement.
Volunteers
Upcycle Bikes is largely run by volunteers. Bike prep experts clean and prepare the bikes. Their obsessive processes are based on a desire to treat our bike recipients with dignity and to offer bikes worthy of excitement. Others work as mechanics and put the same attention to detail into making sure our bikes are both functional and safe before they go out the door. A large cast of of others support our operations at events, providing technical expertise, sharing nonprofit experiences, and just getting stuff done!
It’s cliche to say that we couldn’t function without our volunteers, but it’s true. Upcycle Bikes is more than a nonprofit bike shop. We are a growing, collaborative, and passionate community working to have fun and make an impact every day.
Board of Directors
Matthew Jaglowski, President
Matthew enjoys many aspects of cycling, including fitness, competition, maintenance, and community. He worked as a professional mechanic in his college years and has raced at various points in his life. From coaching to volunteer trail work to charity fundraising rides, Matthew tries to share his love of cycling with those around him.
Matthew is a Food Safety Professional, and currently works with Bimbo Bakeries USA. He commits much time to the Ukrainian community in order to help welcome and support incoming refugees. He is excited to be involved with Upcycle Bikes to continue to help people in need to feel accepted and included in the community.
What my bikes means to me: Fun! A great way to see the world and to connect people.
Laura Saltsman, Vice President
Laura is a devoted mom of two teenage boys and a full-time Interior Designer at Steelcase. She is also a dedicated runner and cyclist on Team Stellafly who enjoys sharing her passion for health and fitness with others. Laura's empathy and compassion are demonstrated in her strong desire to support the local community.
What my bike means to me: Healthy movement and connection to nature.
Stefanie Dittmer, Treasurer
Stefanie is an accountant for Via Design, a local Architecture & Interior Design firm, and participates in cycling, triathlon, and running events with Team Stellafly.
She was born and raised in the Grand Rapids area and is looking forward to watching and participating in the continued growth around town. She’s passionate about fitness and finances and is happy to be able to pair the two passions with a commitment to Upcycle Bikes.
What my bike means to me: Connecting outdoor movement with inner peace while “earning the view.”
Brandon Tomash, Secretary
Brandon is an associate in the mergers and acquisitions practice at Miller Johnson Snell and Cummiskey. Brandon is originally from Toronto, Ontario and enjoys travelling in his free time.
What my bike means to me: A great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the summer.
Michael Bohnsack
Michael Bohnsack is the Founder of Bohnsack & Associates, providing Strategy and Fund Development, Community Engagement and Organizational Capacity expertise for clients. For 32 years, Michael worked in senior management positions at Wolverine Worldwide, including his last four as Director of Community Engagement.
Michael currently serves on several nonprofit boards, including Gilda’s Club, North Kent Connect, Ronald McDonald House, Housing Kent, and Heart of West Michigan United Way. Michael enjoys spending time with his family traveling, playing golf, biking, and being outdoors. He is very excited to be involved with Upcycle Bikes and to provide a transportation resource that will make a difference in people’s lives.
What my bike means to me: Independence and self-confidence.
Steve Buccella
Steve is a retired executive from Dematic Corporation where he held several sales, business development, and general management positions.
Steve is dedicated to serving the local community and does volunteer work at North Kent Connect, the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, SCORE, and most recently, Upcycle Bikes. Steve is passionate about cycling and is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Upcycle Bikes board and to help restore donated bikes in need of repair for the benefit of community members in need.
What my bike mens to me: Good health, camaraderie, competition, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Mubashir Haidary
Mubashir Haidary is a finance and accounting professional with a diverse background, spanning multiple countries and industries. He has worked with both for-profit and non-profit organizations in the United States, Afghanistan, and India, showcasing his adaptability and expertise in financial management, financial accounting, and financial services. Currently, Mubashir serves as a Grant Accountant at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. He speaks fluent English, Persian, Pashto, and Hindi and has a basic understanding of Arabic.
As a refugee, Mubashir moved to Grand Rapids in January 2022. He had no car to drive and wasn’t familiar with public transportation. Initially, he depended on resettlement agencies and volunteers for transportation. After receiving support from Bethany Christian Services and Upcycle Bikes, Mubashir used a bike for several months as his primary source of transportation.
What my bike means to me: Freedom, confidence and fun.