Meet the Team
Tommy Ausherman
Co-founder, Vision, and Technical Support
Tommy co-founded Outrider USA in 2009 (then called FFR Trikes). He has Bachelor’s degrees in Appropriate Technology and Geography from Appalachian State University, prefers to design with pencil and paper, and enjoys working with developing technologies. Weapon of choice: Bowstaff Favorite food: Corn (in various formats)
Zachary Thomas
Electrical Designer
Zachary is a technical polymath. He spends much of his free time acquiring tools and materials for his numerous passion projects.
Favorite band: Dr. Dog
Favorite vacation spot:
Hot springs, all over the world
Sawyer Awald
Mechanical Design & Fabricator
Sawyer has been with Outrider since 2014, starting as an intern in high school. He has a Bachelor’s of Science & Engineering Degree with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering from Western Carolina University. His interests include designing, building, and racing automobiles, as well as CNC machining & welding.
Melody Smith
Office Manager / Bookkeeper
Melody has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Central Florida. She enjoys working at Outrider, because it allows her to help individuals rediscover their sense of passion and joy.
Favorite band: Relient K
Favorite movie(s): Lord of the Rings trilogy
Favorite vacation spot: Bahamas
Weapon of choice: Prayer
Jacob Lothers
Media and PR Director
Jacob has a BFA in Screenwriting from University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He has been involved in media and filmmaking since high school, and aspires to write comedic television and work in marketing/advertising. His interests include architecture, automotive design, space travel, and knee-slap induction.
Favorite artists:
Kevin Parker, Phil Collins, Todd Rundgren
Favorite movie: Airplane!
Weapon of choice: trebuchet
Mickey Madzinski
Sales Director
Mickey has a B.S. in Finance from University of South Florida. He enjoys playing most sports, dogs and (self-proclaimed) witty puns. His favorite aspect of working at Outrider is the ability to improve quality of life for riders with spinal cord injuries and Outrider's team atmosphere.
Fav movies: Old School, Gump, Shawshank & There's Something About Mary
Fav actor: Will Ferrell
Patrick Walter
Head of Mechanical Assemblies
Patrick has a Master’s degree in Metalsmithing from UGA. In addition to technician and assembly work, he oversees our inventory, crate assembly, and fleet maintenance. His interests include metal working, fabrication, bikes, and motorcycles. He enjoys the hands-on assembly process and enjoys being a part of bringing mobility to the mobility impaired.
Favorite movie: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Favorite artist: Waylon Jennings, Rachmaninoff, Idles
Weapon of choice: Poison dart
David Gustafson
Head of Electrical Assemblies
David has always been a tinkerer, and enjoys all things mechanical/electronic. He enjoys building custom computers and working on his custom-built electric moped, which he has developed over 4 years and has a top speed of 42 mph. David also has an extensive background in the culinary arts. He enjoys his hands-on work at Outrider, because he claims that it doesn’t feel like work after all.