Our Cadre
Relentless. Fearless. Unstoppable.
At Forge Fire & Co., our team—built by firefighters, for firefighters—delivers top-tier training with decades of hands-on experience. Committed to innovation and safety, we equip first responders with the skills and tools to tackle any challenge.
ADMIN
TODD SHEPHERD
CEO/FOUNDER
As co-owner, Founder, and CEO of Forge Fire & Company, Todd leads the design and fabrication of custom Class A fire training simulators built for realism and repeatability. A former career firefighter with nearly two decades of service, he brings deep instructional and operational experience in forcible entry, flammable liquids, and ARFF training.
CARIE SHEPHERD
CFO/CO-FOUNDER
As Chief Financial Officer, Carie oversees Forge Fire’s financial strategy and operational performance. With experience across property management, sales, and financial operations, she brings a data-driven approach to leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and time with family and friends.
ken auck
Logistics & Procurement Manager
As Production Manager, Ken oversees laser operations, fabrication, assembly, and shipping across Forge Fire builds. With 30 years of manufacturing leadership experience, he keeps production efficient and on track. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, 3D printing, woodworking, and watching Ohio State football.
DARREL clark
Production Manager
As a Project Manager, Darrel supports production with a focus on efficiency, quality control, and teamwork. With nearly two decades experience in manufacturing leadership and residential renovation, he brings a practical approach to every project. Outside of work, he enjoys the gym, concerts, gaming, and time with friends and family.
ashton Clark
Operations and Marketing Manager
As Operations and Marketing Manager, Ashton leads initiatives supporting Forge Fire’s digital marketing, website performance, and core IT systems. With a background in SEO, UX, and web infrastructure, he focuses on scalable execution. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, creative worldbuilding, and time with his wife and pets.
jim fox
director of hr
As Director of HR, Jim supports recruiting, retention, and team development across Forge Fire. With more than 20 years of experience improving organizational outcomes, he helps build a strong, people-first workplace. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, a good meal, and walks with his wife.
Kody Auck
sales manager
As a Sales Manager, Kody supports our sales team, marketing development, reporting, and IT systems. With an M.B.A. and over 5 years of operations experience, his background ensures contracts are executed seamlessly. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, gaming, and anything Star Wars.
Lisa Marcum
project manager
As a Project Manager, Lisa supports our construction projects from start to finish, ensuring installations happen smoothly and safely. With a Masters of Business and over 30 years of IT expertise, her focus ensures that every project is fully prepared, properly scheduled, and executed seamlessly. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys golfing and pickleball with her husband Tim.
Maddy Clark
Admin Assistant
As Admin Assistant, Maddy keeps the Forge Fire office and shop clean and well taken care of. She helps make sure everyone has what they need to keep things running smoothly. Outside of work, Maddy enjoys going to concerts and festivals, spending time with her husband, and taking care of her fur babies.
JOE HILLIARD
MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST
ken moss
inventory control
As an Inventory & Material Handler, Ken manages inventory control, order picking, and shipping and receiving to keep operations running smoothly. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and making music, with years of experience playing in bands and working with musical instruments.
shannon case
inventory control
As an Inventory & Material Handler, Shannon manages inventory control, order picking, and shipping and receiving to keep operations running smoothly. He bring 20 years of Material Handling and Tow Motor experience to Forge Fire. Outside of work, he enjoys collecting antique books and coins, and lithograph.
JON MCDANIEL
QUALITY ASSURANCE
As Quality Control, Jon supports the day-to-day production of high-quality products while helping develop and maintain Forge Fire’s QC department. With 11 years of professional experience, he brings organization, precision, technical knowledge, and strong attention to detail to every build. Outside of work, Jon enjoys attending his children’s sporting events and going camping.
RAY BUTTE
TRANSPORTATION
As a Commercial Driver, Ray takes pride in delivering excellent service to customers. He brings 14 years of professional driving experience and has safely traveled more than one million miles. A lifelong learner, Raymond believes every day offers a new lesson. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and being outdoors.
Craig Kirby
TRANSPORTATION
As a CDL Driver, Kirby supports logistics by safely transporting materials and operating heavy equipment. He brings two years of driving experience and is licensed to operate forklifts, manlifts, cranes, and other equipment. Outside of work, Kirby enjoys hunting, fishing, kayaking, and traditional shooting.
SALES
CHAD SMITH
DIRECTOR OF SALES
As Director of Sales, Chad works closely with departments to deliver fully custom, NFPA-compliant Class A training towers and props tailored to real-world needs. With more than 18 years in the fire service and over a decade as an instructor across local, state, and federal levels, he brings deep operational and training insight to every project.
ERIC AHLDEN
SALES DEVELOPMENT
As a Sales Development Representative, Eric works with departments to understand training needs and connect them with realistic solutions. Drawing on 10 years of fire service experience, he brings firsthand operational insight to every conversation. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, golfing, traveling, and spending time with family and his dog.
TRAVIS MCCOOL
SALES DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING REPRESENTATIVE
As a Sales Development Representative and Training Coordinator, Travis supports in-services and fire-based instruction across Forge Fire programs. With 16 years in the fire service, he brings strong operational and truck work experience to every department he serves. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and time with his wife and two sons.
MARK NIXON
SALES DEVELOPMENT
As a Sales Development Representative, Mark supports departments in identifying the right training solutions across Forge Fire’s offerings. With 43 years in the fire service, including time as Fire Chief, he brings unmatched experience and perspective to every conversation. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his grandsons.
MIKE VAULX
DIRECTOR OF TACTICAL TRAINING
As Director of Tier 1 Training Industries, Michael oversees advanced military and law enforcement training programs aligned with modern operational requirements. Drawing on decades of U.S. Army Special Operations experience as a Green Beret, he brings mission-driven insight to Tier 1’s training systems.
CONSTRUCTION
CORIE ECKMAN
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
As Construction Manager, Corie supports Class A training facility installation and site maintenance across Forge Fire projects, bringing over a decade of experience in residential construction and finish carpentry. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his kids, playing basketball, and going fishing.
MATT JOBE
CONSTRUCTION LEAD
As a Construction Lead, Matt supports the installation and assembly of Class A training structures, bringing a versatile skill set in welding, equipment operation, and problem-solving. Outside of work, he enjoys working on cars and trucks, camping, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his dogs, friends, and family.
Colten Yost
CONSTRUCTION TECH
As a Construction Tech, Colton supports the installation and assembly of Class A training structures building the most realistic training facility in the industry. With 4+ years of welding and fabrication experience, he brings deep attention to detail to the build process. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.
GRIFFIN DELAWDER
CONSTRUCTION TECH
As a Construction Tech, Griffin supports the installation and assembly of Class A training structures. With a strong mechanical mindset and years of hands-on experience, he brings problem-solving and visualization to the build process. Outside of work, he enjoys riding motorcycles, driving classic trucks, and attending tractor shows.
Koden Lewis
CONSTRUCTION TECH
As a Construction Technician, Koden supports the team through rigging, trim and prop installation, cleaning, and window grading. He brings three years of fiber-optic experience. Outside of work, Koden enjoys family time, exploring, hiking, concerts, and walking his dog. He once met Oliver Tree after a concert.
ENGINEERING
JASON SLONE
CAD ENGINEER
As a CAD Engineer, Jason supports the design of Forge Fire’s Class A training facilities and training props, translating concepts into build-ready designs. He brings a mechanical engineering background to his work. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, helping friends with projects, and designing and flying RC planes.
JASEN SMITH
CAD ENGINEER
As a CAD Engineer, Jasen designs and models new products while continuously improving existing systems at Forge Fire. With five years of experience in CAD, forming, and laser cutting, he brings precision to every design. Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking, 3D printing, and spending time with his wife.
TAYLOR STIDHAM
CAD ENGINEER
As a CAD Engineer, Taylor supports the design of Forge Fire’s Class A training facilities, translating concepts into build-ready designs. She brings 3 years of CNC Mill Operation and Programing to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys 3D printing, gaming and spending time with her husband.
Carson Vaulx
CAD ENGINEER
As a CAD Engineer, Carson assists engineering with creating new models, prints and updating part files. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and certifications in CSWA & CSWP with Solidworks, Carson brings 2 years of experience to his role. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends.
BRIAN DELAWDER
PROGRAM TECHNICIAN
As the CNC Lead, Brian oversees laser operations and precision cutting, bringing six years of hands-on experience and a fiercely self-taught approach to Forge Fire’s fabrication process. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, gaming, and not taking himself too seriously.
CNC OPERATIONS
SERGIO RODRIGUEZ
CNC LEAD
As a CNC Laser Operator, Sergio supports precision fabrication through laser programming, CNC operations, and quality control across Forge Fire builds. With decades of hands-on experience in CNC programming, CAD, and automated manufacturing, he brings accuracy and efficiency to every cut.
DANIEL NOVOA
CNC SUB-LEAD
As a CNC Tech, Daniel supports press brake and laser operations, bringing precision and consistency to Forge Fire’s fabrication process. With 10 years of press brake experience, he plays a key role in CNC production. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching his kids’ sports and building computers.
versace backus
CNC TECHNICIAN
As a CNC Tech, Versace supports press brake and laser operations, bringing precision and consistency to Forge Fire’s fabrication process. He brings experience in plasma cutting, and crane & forklift operating to Forge Fire. Outside of work, he enjoys hanging out with my family , traveling, riding, playing poker and getting tattoos.
GAGE DEHAVEN
CNC TECHNICIAN
As a CNC Tech, Gage supports press brake and laser operations, bringing precision and consistency to Forge Fire’s fabrication process. He brings 7 years of machine operations and 11 years of forklift experience to Forge Fire. Outside of work, he enjoys hanging out at home and gaming with his wife.
WELD
Chris Lane
WELD LEAD
As a Weld Lead, Chris supports the build of training props and components ensuring every assembly meets Forge Fire's quality standards. Chris brings 15 years of welding, fabricating, and CNC experience to Forge Fire. Outside of the shop, he enjoys fishing, PC gaming, and 3D printing.
SEAN BOLEN
WELD SUB-LEAD
As Weld Sub-Lead, Sean supports the build of training props and components used across Forge Fire’s Class A facilities. With 12 years of welding and fabrication experience, he brings technical understanding and problem-solving to the shop. Outside of work, he enjoys blade and blacksmithing.
AUSTIN ONEY
WELD TECH
As a Weld Tech, Austin is responsible for fitting and welding components to precise specifications, ensuring every assembly meets Forge Fire’s quality standards. Outside the shop, he enjoys working on cars, trucks, and ATVs—and spending quality time passing those hands-on interests down to his son.
Jeremy Rowe
WELD TECH
As a Weld Tech, Jeremy is responsible for welding components to precise specifications ensuring every assembly meets Forge Fire's quality standards. Jeremy brings over 6 years of welding experience to Forge Fire. Outside of the shop, he enjoys spending time with his kids and family.
Mckensey Ferguson
WELD TECH
As a Weld Tech, McKensey is responsible for welding components to precise specifications ensuring every assembly meets Forge Fire's quality standards. Outside of the shop, she enjoys hiking, baking, crocheting, going to the gym, spending time with friends, family and her two cats.
PAINT
SHADD SPENCER
PAINT LEAD
As Paint Lead, Shadd leads a like-minded, quality-driven team focused on efficiency and production. With over 20 years of leadership experience, he brings strong leadership, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high standards throughout the painting process. In his free time Shadd loves spending time with his family and travelling when possible.
TRISTAN SHEPHERD
PAINT SUB-LEAD
As Paint Sub-Lead, Tristan assists with leading the team in having high energy days of productivity focused on efficiency. He brings extreme attention to detail to ensure products are up to standards. Outside of work, he enjoys anything in the outdoors, mixed martial arts, boxing, and wrestling.
AIDEN HORNER
PAINT TECH
DENTON GARRISON
PAINT PREP
AYDIAN RUSSELL
PAINT PREP
As a Paint Prep General Laborer, Aydian supports paint preparation and material handling across Forge Fire’s projects. Aydian brings over 2 years of paint and paint preparation experience to the shop. Outside of work, he enjoys nature, playing his guitar, spending time with family, kayaking, fishing, fixing his car.
KEVIN BARNETT
PAINT PREP
As a Paint Prep General Laborer, Kevin supports paint preparation and material handling across Forge Fire’s projects. With 15 years of maintenance, forklift, and material-handling experience, he brings practical knowledge and attention to detail to the shop. Outside of work, he enjoys working on old-car projects.
JACLYN MOREHART
PAINT PREP
As a Paint Prep General Laborer, Jaclyn supports paint preparation and material handling across Forge Fire’s projects. With 10 years as a professional artist, she brings focused, precise detailing, and paint application to the shop. Outside of work, she enjoys creating fine art, biking trails, and spending time with loved ones.
FABRICATION
MIKE HEETER
FABRICATION LEAD
As the Fabrication Lead, Mike oversees container build-out and team operations, preparing structures for painting and final assembly. With over 20 years of fabrication and leadership experience—and a background in culinary arts—he brings precision to the shop. Outside of work, he enjoys riding his bike and spending time with his grandkids.
SETH FARLEY
FABRICATION SUB-LEAD
As the Fabrication Sub-Lead, Seth assists with container build-out and team operations, preparing structures for painting and final assembly. With years of construction experience, he brings plasma cutting, welding, organization, and time management skills to the shop. Outside of work, he enjoys hitting the gym and traveling.
NICK STEFFL
FABRICATION TECH
As a Fabrication Tech, Nick supports welding, and fabrication to keep production moving efficiently. With over 28 years of experience in welding and fabrication, he brings a strong work ethic and attention to detail to the shop. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with Family, Pets, Music, Skateboarding, HotRods, Antique Tractors, and Art.
RONAN LAROCHE
FABRICATION TECH
As a Fabrication Tech, Ronan supports welding, assembly, and container handling to keep production moving efficiently. With hands-on experience in welding and fabrication, he brings a strong work ethic and eagerness to learn to the shop. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with the people he cares about most.
derrick vaughn
FABRICATION TECH
ASSEMBLY
MIKE MCDANIEL
ASSEMBLY LEAD
As the Assembly Lead, Mike oversees shipping, receiving, inventory, and cross-team coordination to keep production moving efficiently. With over 20 years of operations and leadership experience, he focuses on continuous improvement and quality outcomes. Outside of work, he enjoys travel, following sports at all levels, and coaching youth teams.
TONY BRADY
ASSEMBLY SUB-LEAD
As Assembly Sub-Lead, Tony supports the assembly of Forge Fire’s products while helping guide his team through each stage of the build process. He ensures every build meets company standards and customer requirements, with a focus on helping team members succeed. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, riding his Harley and hiking/fishing/camping.
DAKOTA BUCKNER
ASSEMBLY TECH
As an Assembly Tech, Dakota supports the installation of windows, doors, burn rooms, and specialty components throughout Forge Fire builds. Dakota brings 7 years of weld and fabrications experience. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing hunting and playing with his child.
NASH PETTET
ASSEMBLY TECH
As an Assembly Tech, Nash supports the installation of windows, doors, burn rooms, and specialty components throughout Forge Fire builds. With nearly a decade of fabrication and equipment experience, he brings versatility to the assembly process. Outside of work, he enjoys music, power sports, and working with animals.
CASPER KELLY
ASSEMBLY TECH
As an Assembly Tech, Casper supports the installation of windows, doors, burn rooms, and specialty components throughout Forge Fire builds. Outside of work, he enjoys working on motorcycles, working cattle, hanging out with family.
Clayton Yost
ASSEMBLY TECH
As an Assembly Tech, Clayton supports the installation of windows, doors, burn rooms, and specialty components throughout Forge Fire builds. Clayton bring a deep level of attention to detail to the assembly process. Outside of work, he enjoys deer hunting and duck hunting.
Our Training Partners
Expert-Led. Field-Tested. Mission-Driven.
At Forge Fire & Co., we believe the best training comes from those who’ve been there—done that—and are still doing it. Our training partners are elite professionals from across the fire service, each bringing decades of real-world experience, tactical expertise, and a shared passion for developing the next generation of firefighters. From urban rescues to technical operations, leadership development to tool innovation—these are the trusted hands helping us shape the future of fireground excellence.
JD Vasbinder
JD (Jack) Vasbinder is a decorated 17 year veteran of the Fire service, JD currently serves a large municipal department and is assigned to the In Charge position on a heavy rescue. JD has particular expertise in RIT/FF Survival and Vehicle and Machinery Rescue as well as general fire ground operations and technical rescue operations. JD is a dedicated educator and instructs personnel ranging from recruits to advanced rescue technicians. He currently instructs for the OFA, CSU, BGSU, Howell Rescue, and Rescue Methods.
– Firefighter II, Fire Instructor II, Certified Rescue Specialist, HazMat Tech, EMT P
– DLA Director’s Coin for Life Safety, Joint Meritorious Unit Award for humanitarian assistance ops and disaster relief
Greg Lash
Captain Greg Lash has recently retired after serving a large municipal Fire department for almost 40 years. During his illustrious career, he spent the majority of his time as an officer assigned to Rescue 2 and Ladder 1, and assigned to the Training Academy as a rescue training specialist, a fire grounds instructor, and an officer development and tactics instructor . Captain Lash is a driving force within the training community as a recognized expert in high rise ops, aerial ops, and general truck operations. He is also a revered provider of leadership training from tactics to character development. Captain Lash is a mentor, instructor, and beloved example to the Fire Service and particularly Forge Fire and Company. The awards, citations, and accomplishment of Captain Lash’s career cannot be accurately described in this bio but here is a sample.
– Division Safety Officer, Rescue Training Specialist, Aerial Operations subject matter expert.
– Authored Division Rescue Operations manual
– BS – Education
– CISD Team Member
– Instructor – BGSU, CSU, RM, CFD
– 3 Battalion Chief Commendations, 2 Distinguished Service Awards, 2 Fire Service Awards of Merit, Badge of Honor Award
Chad Thompson
Chad has over 20 yrs of experience serving with the City of Westerville FD. He is a great asset to Forge Fire and Company having extensive discipline in Forcible Entry as well as strengths in Rescue and Fire Attack. Also, Chad is a long standing member of the COST/USAR Team and an NFPA 1403 instructor. Chad currently instructs for Forge Fire and Company, Columbus State College and BGSU.
Jeff Stiver
Jeff Stiver has over 22 yrs of experience serving the last 19 and counting with the City of Westerville FD. Jeff is an extremely well rounded firefighter holding strengths in all Rescue diciplines, Forcible Entry and Fire Attack. Jeff’s no nonsense down and dirty approach to fire training makes him a great asset. He is a long standing member of the COST/USAR Team as well as teaching with FFI for last 5 yrs.
mitch Huner
Mitch has served 19 years in the Fire Service. His career started in SE
Michigan beginning of 2004. He has served in a multitude of
department structures including contract positions in Iraq and
Curacao as a Firefighter, Crash Rescue D/O, and Company Training
Officer. He has been with the Chicago Fire Department for the past
10 years and is assigned to Truck 30 on Chicago’s south side.
Mitch started Fire Maul Tools with the mission to produce job
oriented and purpose driven tools for the fire service. Refusal to
accept the industry norm of adopting both tools and accessories
brought about the core mission of FMT to make the Fire Service
better. Mitch has developed and patented a range of tool systems
and accessories to improve firefighter performance and safety. He
specializes in the implementation of modern tools and tactics to
maximize effectiveness and outcome on the fire ground. His passion
for teaching is driven by the knowledge passed on from both fellow
instructors and students alike. Always forward and always
improving sets the foundation for the class, company, and the Fire
Service.
Nick Watling
Nick Watling has 20 years of experience 15 have been fulltime at West Licking Fire District. He
currently holds the rank of Captain of a ladder company. Prior to his current assignment, Nick was
assigned to a rescue company. Nick has an undeniable passion for search, technical rescue and physical
fitness.
– FF2
– EMT-P
– Fire instructor 1
– Rescue tech
– Peer fitness trainer
– FF2
– EMT-P
– Fire instructor 1
– Rescue tech
– Peer fitness trainer
Les George
Les has over 27 years in the fire service and is currently serving as an officer with Zanesville Fire
Department. Les has rode in charge of an Engine/Rescue crew for over 20 years. Les has a passion for
training in all disciplines of the fire service and has trained many firefighters from new recruits to the
seasoned firefighter. He is also the Fire training Coordinator at Mid-East Career & Technology Centers.
-Firefighter II
-Fire/EMS Instructor
-Haz-Mat Tech
-EMT-P
-Fire Inspector
-Fire Investigator II
-NFPA 1403 Instructor
-Degree in Fire Science
-Firefighter II
-Fire/EMS Instructor
-Haz-Mat Tech
-EMT-P
-Fire Inspector
-Fire Investigator II
-NFPA 1403 Instructor
-Degree in Fire Science
Chris Sturtz
Chris Sturtz is a Captain at West Licking Fire District with 17 years in the fire service. He is dedicated to the mission of the fire service and believes we are here for THEM. He believes firefighter fitness is a must and competes at a high level in the Firefighter Challenge.
Justyn Fraize
Justyn has been a husband to his wife Angela for 21 years, has a son in college and a daughter in high school. Justyn is a 24 year veteran of the fire service and is currently a Captain assigned to Squad 18 in The Colony Tx. He is an adjunct instructor for the North Central Texas College fire academy and has taught at various fire conferences around the country. Justyn has an A.A.S. in Fire Science Technology, is certified as a Master Firefighter and Instructor, an active member of the H.O.T. FOOLS and Georgia Smoke Diver Association.(GSD #950).
Robert Welch
Robert Welch retired from the Manchester Fire Department in March of 2021 after a 34 year career. He is still an active Senior Staff Instructor at the NH Fire Academy. Bob is a well-rounded, experienced firefighter/instructor with strengths in forcible entry tactics.
Brandon Morgan
A firefighter with the City of Columbus. Brandon started his fire service career at 18 years old, days after graduating high school. He worked at a handful of smaller departments for several years before beginning his career at CFD in 2022.
Brandon found his passion within the fire service through training. Anything as simple as mask up drills all the way up to complex scenarios. He believes that perfection is found through repetition, no matter the skill, and citizens deserve nothing less than that.
Assigned to Ladder 1 “Top Gun”, Brandon has the privilege of expanding his knowledge of truck company operations daily, while working under one of the best truck captains in the industry, Sexton Towns. He is most passionate about search, however, his dynamic of experience has allowed him to form an appreciation for all aspects of the fire service including engine, rescue, and ems operations. “
Scott rupp
Scott Rupp is a driven Captain with 26 years at Springfield Fire Rescue Division (Springfield, OH), proudly assigned to Rescue 1 and honored with numerous citations and medals for lifesaving rescues. For more than 15 years he’s energized firefighters as a Fire Service Instructor—teaching at the local community college, Bowling Green State University Fire School, the Ohio Fire Academy, Crash Course Rescue, and ISFSI. Scott led Springfield’s training division for 2.5 years and spent eight years coordinating IAFF Local 333 conferences, bringing hands-on expertise, passion, and real-world mentorship to every class.