LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION
BRENT GRAVES
PRESIDENT AND CEO
BRENT GRAVES
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Name: Brent Graves
Position: PRESIDENT AND CEO
Year Started: 2016
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Being able to create cool bike parts that we get excited about riding ourselves
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Going as fast as I can on two or four wheels in the mountains
How I got here: Someone owed me for choosing DiaCompe brakes for Diamondback production bikes in 1993!
JAMES IVEY
CONTROLLER
JAMES IVEY
CONTROLLER
Name:James Ivey
Position:Controller
Year Started:2020
The thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Working for a company who builds such awesome products which focus on getting people outside. Everyone here has such a passion for what we do and this is reflected in the awesome products we design and build.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Biking, hiking, and exploring the beautiful Asheville area with my family. We love trying new places to eat, exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina, and everything else Asheville has to offer.
How I got here: I always wanted to work for a company where I had a passion for the product we put out (which – lets face it can be challenging in the world of accounting). Combine that with being able to live in one of the best places on Earth and here I am!
TIMM PHILLIPS
ACCOUNTANT
TIMM PHILLIPS
ACCOUNTANT
Name: Timm Phillips
Position: Accountant
Year Started: 2023
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: I get to meet and work with people who share the same passion I have for the great outdoors while promoting products that inspire others to do the same.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Balancing time with my family while cycling, running, kayaking, and hanging out with my dogs and chickens.
How I got here: After recently selling a business, a friend saw the job post and immediately thought that my experience and love for cycling would be a good fit. The friend contacted me, I applied and am thankful to be here.
KELLY EARP
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
KELLY EARP
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Name: Kelly Earp
Position: Human Resources Manager
Year Started: 2022
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Camaraderie with all the staff. Great culture and a fun place place to work.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Spending time with family down at the lake. Doings crafts and baking.
How I got here: Grew up in a family injection molding business. First job at 16 was running injection molding machines during the summer, 40 hours a week. Later while in college moved into the office and did administrative duties, AR, AP and HR. Found my niche with Human Resources and really enjoyed it. Taught elementary music after college for a while, had babies and raised my kids. Went back full-time into manufacturing and spent ten years in Human Resources. Family business was sold in 2019 and I continued HR in the healthcare industry. So happy to be back in manufacturing/assembly! Knew when I visited Cane Creek the first time that it was a perfect fit!
DORENE O'MALLEY
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH
DORENE O'MALLEY
DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH
Name: Dorene O’Malley
Position: Director of Advocacy and Outreach
Year Started: Unofficially 2016, Officially 2021
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Knowing that it is an industry where what we do brings the fun. It’s not life or death, and most everyone is here because they love the product and what they do.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Coaching NICA, leading the Silver Shredders on rides, or making my husband nervous watching me go downhill, hiking, ballroom dancing or watching American football in the fall/winter.
How I got here: It’s been a circuitous route that has involved many industries, countries and experiences; included starting road riding in Italy before helmets were a thing and riding Slick Rock the first time on a mountain bike (hard tail, cages and running shorts included).
MARKETING
Jenna Toney
Director of Marketing
Jenna Toney
Director of Marketing
Name: Jenna Toney
Position: Director of Marketing
Year Started: 2020
Best part of being a part of the Cane Creek Family is: My team and being able to ride with some of the best shredders around.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: I’m usually in the woods riding bikes, hiking, and dancing. Not usually doing all of those things at once… but sometimes.
How I got here: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t shoot. I knew I always wanted to work in the outdoor industry and I have a love for mountain biking, so when I saw a position at Cane Creek that was similar to the one I was doing at a non-profit organization, I shot my shot and landed the job. The content is VERY different but the passion and love for the job remains the same.
Ben Rea
Ecommerce Business Specialist
Ben Rea
Ecommerce Business Specialist
Name: Ben Rea
Position: Ecommerce Business Specialist
Year Started: 2022
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Looking forward to coming to work every day and getting to be a part of creating something awesome.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Spending quality time with my wife Mary and two sons Logan and Jordan. We love to play games, go on walks, ride bikes, and have adventures. (and yes, I jump on the uni every so often…)
How I got here: My brother got me into mountain biking and he recommended I watch the Berm Peak YouTube Channel. Seth released a tour video of Cane Creek and that’s how I learned about this company. I thought it looked awesome so I went to the Cane Creek website to see if they were hiring…they were and sure enough, it was a perfect fit. I applied and got the job! I’ve worked in marketing for 10 years now and love the impact I get to make at this company.
Mike Mansmann
Brand Marketing Manager
Mike Mansmann
Brand Marketing Manager
SALES
Zach Smith
Inside Sales Representative
Zach Smith
Inside Sales Representative
Bryan Flack
OEM Sales Manager
Bryan Flack
OEM Sales Manager
Name: Bryan Flack
Position: OEM Sales Manager
Year Started: 2014
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Seeing the passion and energy that goes into everything we do. People here truly care about the components they design, build, and sell. We build cycling components that help people enjoy their bikes more and that is just so awesome.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Sending it…
How I got here (at Cane Creek): I just wandered in the front door and they put me to work…
Nate Field
Distribution Sales Manager
Nate Field
Distribution Sales Manager
Name: Nate Field
Position: Distribution Sales Manager
Year Started: 2019
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: The team aspect; be it developing new products, making monthly goals or going out for rides – we do it together.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Biking, hiking, boating, beering – all the great stuff western North Carolina has to offer. And watching Spurs.
How I got here: First mountain bike in 1993…then racing…then shop gig…then pro team mechanic…then brief move to Hollywood…then a decade in yellow for Mavic…started making googly eyes at Cane Creek in 2014…started going steady in 2019
Frank Lacey
Customer Service Representative
Frank Lacey
Customer Service Representative
Name: Frank Lacey
Position: Customer Service Rep
The best thing about being a part of Cane Creek family is: We’re small, fun, adaptable, and focus on things that bring others joy! What’s not to like?
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Doing anything and everything outside! Biking, hiking, snowboarding, hanging with the family just enjoying being in Western NC.
How I got here: My family and I chose happiness, we blew up our past lives in search of jobs and an area that brought us joy.
Tom VanDevender
Inside Sales Representative
Tom VanDevender
Inside Sales Representative
Name: Tom V
Position: Inside Sales Representative
Year Started: 2023
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Pride. From the first day I came to Cane Creek to visit, I was blown away that every single person in the family, gives a damn. Everyone works with pride. Everyone wants to be here to make a difference. They believe in the products that are made with love. They believe in each other. I knew at that moment, I wanted to be somewhere I could be proud too!
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: You will find me Ninja fighting with my son. throwing 1000 tennis balls for the dog, Riding at least one of my 2 wheeled therapy devices, gravel bike, mountain bike or dirt bike, and spending time laughing with the family.
How I got here: I've had ties to Cane Creek since the early 2000’s. From riding bikes and racing with the crew and various jobs and races along the way. I even had the opportunity to try out suspension parts before they were released. One of my goals in life is to always provide positive things for people and it only made sense to work with a family that allows me to do just that!
Craig Tamburello
National Accounts Manager
Craig Tamburello
National Accounts Manager
Name: Craig Tamburello
Position: National Accounts Manager
Year Started: 2016
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: That we all appreciate one another and the efforts it takes to get things done. The bottom line is that we all help where needed when challenges are at hand. If someone is sick or has a family situation, we will do everything we can to get the customer taken care of!
What you will find me doing on the weekends: Enjoying the mountains, grilling, and recovery.
How I got here: Cane Creek is all about cycling at the lifestyle level. I wanted to live in the bicycle industry in the southeast and knew this was the place to be. Hope you find your way here, too.
Brian Eister
Inside Sales Representative
Brian Eister
Inside Sales Representative
Name: Brian Eister
Position: Inside Sales Representative
Year Started: 2024
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: After 23 years as Bike wrench, coming to a company with such passion for creating amazing products and keeping true to their legacy was a perfect match for me wanting to staying the industry. Not to mention the folks I work with are top notch amazing people.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: You'll find me ripping DH laps at Rock Creek, or suffering on the nasty climbs we have here in WNC. I also dig having endless hikes, waterfalls, and amazing geography to explore living in this beautiful place.
How I got here: After moving from Michigan in the late 90's, I spent 25 years in Florida, 23 years in the bike shops, which solidified my love for all things bicycle. Big thanks to BLB for pushing me to send my resume to Cane Creek and becoming a part of this amazing cycling family, not to mention living in the mountains is the best! Couldn't be happier here, life is pretty damn good!
OPERATIONS
Thomas Hauer
Operations Associate
Thomas Hauer
Operations Associate
Year started: 2026
The best part about being a part of the CC family: The people, everyone who works at Cane Creek is rad!!
What you’ll find me doing on the weekend: Riding bikes in the woods. If its pouring rain, I’m gorped up and hiking…
How I got here: I moved to the area to be closer to the riding in Pisgah. One day about 10 friends sent me the same job listing at Cane Creek, so I applied. I knew I wanted to work here the moment I walked in the building for my interview!
Brett Barnhill
Operations Associate
Brett Barnhill
Operations Associate
Year Started: 2026
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: It feels like a team that's working to improve the industry and make to quality products. Everyone that I have met here is passionate about what they're making and working on.
What you'll find me doing on the weekends: in my free time you can find me exploring the world on a 2 wheeled vehicle (bicycle or motorcycle), taking our dog somewhere new, or playing D&D with my wife and our friends.
How I got here: I started in the cycling industry when I was 14 building bikes for the local shop. That turned into a long career of working on bikes and I never left the industry after that. I've always recommended Cane Creek products for as long as I've worked in the industry, so when the opportunity arose to work here, I couldn't turn it down.
Isaac Presson
Supply Chain Leader
Isaac Presson
Supply Chain Leader
Year Started: 2026
The best thing about being part of CC: Working for a company with a shared passion for making the best products on the market and elevating the riding experience for our customers.
What you'll find me doing on the weekends: Getting lost in the woods and spending time with family/friends.
How I got here: I'm an Asheville local and have lived here on and off my entire life. I've worked in the outdoor/cycling industry for 12 years now and love working in an environment that inspires people to get outside.
Robert Potter
Business Operations Manager
Robert Potter
Business Operations Manager
Name: Robert Potter
Position: Business Operations Manager
Year Started: Sept 2023
The thing about being a part of the Cane Creek Family is: Just being a very small part of the community. Getting to know a bit more about an incredible industry, being able to support change and getting to know and work with some incredible people.
What you will find me doing on the weekends: Besides riding the incredible roads and trails of Western North Carolina, I love the many flavors of Asheville and the surrounding area restaurant/food scene....of course one has to go to a brewery at least once a week. This area has so much to offer, there is little chance of getting bored.
How I got here: As the four apostles of rock and roll put it………Its been a “Long and Winding Road” but suffice to say I am here and enjoying it.
Clay Miller
Operations Lead
Clay Miller
Operations Lead
Position: Operations Lead
Year Started:2026
Best part of being a part of the Cane Creek Family is: Being around so many people that care about their job and the products we make. Talking bikes everyday and company group rides.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Hanging out and playing with my two kids, working in the yard and riding my bike!
How I got here: I was an audio engineer for 10 plus years in the Asheville area, but have always had a love for riding bikes and fitness. When I was younger I worked at a bike shop in Raleigh NC and was looking for a career change the past couple of years. So Cane Creek felt like a good fit, I applied a couple of times and eventually it worked out!
Dale Baker
Purchasing Manager
Dale Baker
Purchasing Manager
Name: Dale Baker
Position: Purchasing Manager
Year Started: 2011
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Coming from a large corporation and getting lost in the multitudes of others, it was clearly obvious Cane Creek had the unity of a small organization where everyone is viewed as valuable to our company. A company where work and home have balance. A company dedicated to providing the best positive end result for our customers and each other.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Family Time-Fishing-Hunting-Hiking-Camping-Fire Department.
How I got here: During the economy down turn my remodeling business was between jobs in January of 2011 and Ralph asked did I want to come clean headsets for a couple days they was needing help. Those couple of days lead to a couple of months working as a Temp. associate. When offered a suspension tech job full time I jumped at the offer because I could see a company that I wanted to be a part of and believed in. The rest is golden history.
Lena Warren
Shipping Manager
Lena Warren
Shipping Manager
Name: Lena Warren
Position: Shipping Manager
Year Started: 1990
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Having great friendships while at work and outside of work. These friendships help the workday go by with entertainment.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Practicing my pole dancing… just kidding (If only I were that exciting)! Enjoying time with family and friends.
How I Got Here: While attending ABTech Community College, one of my teachers knew of a position at Dia-Compe. He got me an interview and 27 years later I am still here.
Kendra Hudson
Shipping Coordinator
Kendra Hudson
Shipping Coordinator
Name: Kendra Hudson
Position: Shipping Coordinator
Year Started: 2016
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: How everyone gets along. It doesn’t matter what department, we are all family. I love coming to a job that feels like you’re going home.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Dealing with teenagers, catching up on housework, going to the gym and binge watching TV with my husband.
How I got here: I’ve been in manufacturing for most of my life, had a break between jobs, started here as a temp and there was no turning back. Love it. Won’t ever find another place like Cane Creek Cycling.
Dianne Waters
Assembler
Dianne Waters
Assembler
Name: Dianne Waters
Position: Headset Assembly
Year Started: 1979
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: The people I work with.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Spending time with my family
How I got here: A friend
Charles R. McDowell
Shock Production Lead
Charles R. McDowell
Shock Production Lead
Name: Charles R. McDowell
Position: Shock Production Lead
Year Started: 2014
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: The ability to learn from others and working with the family to help Cane Creek grow.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Exploring, relaxing, working, fishing and so on… and on and on…
How I got here (at Cane Creek): Hattie Mills
Jim Shahan
Assembler
Jim Shahan
Assembler
Name: Jim Shahan
Position: Assembler
Year started: 2024
Best part of being a part of the Cane Creek Family is: Working for a company that inspires me to stay motivated physically and getting outside while at the same time being a part of a company that provides quality products for other people to do the same thing.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: On weekends you will find me exploring this beautiful area either by foot or on two wheels.
How I got here: I enjoy the opportunity to work in an industry that is associated with something I’ve enjoyed in one form or another for my entire life and providing quality products to others to enhance their riding experiences.
ENGINEERING, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Todd Ford
Product Director
Todd Ford
Product Director
Name: Todd Ford
Position: Product Director
Year Started:2025
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: The vibe! There are lots of talented people in this building, all striving for the same goal of making the best products for riders. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone even more and getting out for some rides.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Riding and/or hiking with my wife and dog or exploring Asheville. We're pretty new to WNC and still learning so much about the area.
How I got here: I-40 for about 5 days! My wife and I were living and working in Santa Cruz, CA before coming to the area. We wanted to be closer to family (we're both east coasters originally), and we've loved visiting WNC. I've been an industry veteran for a while now and have always been impressed with Cane Creek's products and the brand itself, so I'm very excited to now be part of the team.
Kyle McNamee
Product Manager
Kyle McNamee
Product Manager
Name: Kyle McNamee
Position:Product Manager
Year started:2021
Best part of being a part of the cane creek family: Being a part of a team that shares the same passion and believes that bikes make life better! What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Other than the obvious answer of riding bikes, spending time with my wife and our 1-year-old, Avery and then more than likely Wedgtables (aka beers at The Wedge).
How I got here (at Cane Creek): A long roundabout way. Most don’t know but once upon a time I mowed the lawn, swept the floors and did any odd job that was needed. I then did freelance design work for almost 4 years while having another full-time job. I always hoped that one day I’d be here full-time. Super glad that now I am!
Will Hart
Product Marketing Manager
Will Hart
Product Marketing Manager
Name:Will Hart
Position:Product Marketing Manager
Year started:2023
Best part of being a part of the cane creek family: Working for a small, employee-owned company where everybody cares about Cane Creek’s success, is genuinely passionate about their work, and knows how to get down(hill) when the work day is done.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: There’s rarely cell service in the woods. Might be hard to find me.
How I got here (at Cane Creek): After 6 years working at the retail level, I was looking for a new chapter in my bike industry career. With a re-born love for bikes through an unexpected discovery of the more gravity-oriented side of the sport, I started looking for industry sales and/or marketing jobs in places with top level mountain access. I’ve always felt deeply at home in the Mid-Atlantic’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and as a result Cane Creek rose high on the list. I went after it, the timing worked out, and I think I landed where I belong!
Brandon Blakely
Design Engineer
Brandon Blakely
Design Engineer
Name: Brandon Blakely
Position: Design Engineer
Year Started: 2011 as an intern. Left in 2017, now back in 2020.
The best thing about being part of the Cane Creek family is: Working in a laid back environment where everyone strives to make cool stuff.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Hanging with my family, motocross, rock crawling/metal fabrication.
How I got here: I started riding and racing downhill in college and met an engineer at Cane Creek that ended up offering me an internship here.
John Fennell
Quality Manager
John Fennell
Quality Manager
Name: John Fennell
Position: Quality Manager
Year Started: 2011
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Getting to see the products we develop take shape and then riding them.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Trying to get out on the bike.
How I got here:L eft Managing a bike shop in Boone, NC to work in the suspension dept. here.
Jay John
Manufacturing Quality Engineer
Jay John
Manufacturing Quality Engineer
Name:Jay John
Position: Manufacturing Quality Engineer
Year started: 2021
Best part of being a part of the Cane Creek Family is: Getting to work with a bunch of bike nerds and make products that help people explore the outdoors to its full potential.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Bikes
How I got here: I’ve always wanted to work in the outdoor industry as an Engineer. I had been working in a similar role for an injection molding company in Vermont, so when I saw the opening at Cane Creek I figured this was my opportunity to go for it.
Tim Boyer
Machine Shop Manager
Tim Boyer
Machine Shop Manager
Name: Tim Boyer
Position: Machine Shop Manager
Year Started: 2015
The best thing about being a part of the Cane Creek family is: Using my skills in manufacturing to help the team build bad-ass products.
What you’ll find me doing on the weekends: Hiking with my family or Musky Fishing.
How I got here: Divine Prophecy.
Matt Driscoll
Design Engineer

