Standing by Our SuperATV Troops

The SuperATV team has always been a proud supporter of those who serve our community and country. From military personnel to first responders and everyone in between, we do what we can to recognize those who serve and show our appreciation.

In the past, SuperATV has outfitted a number of machines for local first responders and military training facilities. Many of our parts go to the US Forest Service, police departments, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Armed Forces. More recently, we provided our high clearance A-arms to the US Marine Corps to assist in their revamping of nearly 250 military UTVs.

What some might not realize, though, is that we have many of these brave servicemen working under our roof on a daily basis, doing everything from working the assembly line to designing new products to managing sales teams. So today we’d like to highlight some of our hardworking employees who have served (and continue to serve) our country and the SuperATV team.

Craig Copeland

Position: Assembler

Branch: United States Marine Corps

Years of Service: 1998-2018

Craig served in the United States Marine Corps for twenty years. During that time, he completed three tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He spent two years stationed in Iraq and also completed two WestPac (Western Pacific) deployments and one UDP (Unit Deployment Program). During his many years of service, Craig was awarded with a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, a Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon.

Craig joined the SuperATV team in June 2018 after retiring from the Marine Corps. He was drawn to the company because he wanted to work in an industry that he enjoys and he also appreciates the good reputation that SuperATV has among people in Madison. Craig works as an Assembler, where his duties include router and laser operation and overseeing much of our in-house production.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work? “I live on a small farm. I have an Australian Cattle Dog and three horses. I spend most of my free time working around my property, shooting, and working on my trucks.”

What is your favorite part of being on the SuperATV team? “I love how family-friendly SuperATV is, and everything they do for our community.”

Ron Lainhart

Position: Eastern Region Dealer Sales Manager

Branch: United States Navy

Years of Service: 1983-1993

Ron joined the US Navy as a Yeoman, attending boot camp in Orlando, FL, and training school in Meridian, MS. For his first duty assignment, he spent three years with VP-11 in Brunswick, ME. During his first tour, he was deployed for six months at a time to Bermuda and Keflavik, Iceland. He then cross-rated to a Legalman and was stationed in Philadelphia for four years. There, he worked with the JAG Corps on numerous legal matters and court-martials. Overall, Ron completed seven years of active duty and three years in the US Navy Reserve. His hard work and dedication were rewarded with the Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, and two Good Conduct Medals. He also earned the designation of Air Warfare Specialist.

Ron has worked at SuperATV since March 2019, filling the role of Eastern Region Dealer Sales Manager. Our dealer sales team interacts with powersports shops around the world. Their aim is to find products that keep riders on the trail and (more importantly) make riding even more fun and exciting for our customers. The dealer sales team is a growing department here at SuperATV, and Ron loves being part of that excitement.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work? “I have been married to my wife Kim for 36 years and we have three kids, the youngest being a sophomore in college. I had taken a leave of absence from the golf course the last few years but I’m hoping to get back out there this spring. Over the years I have coached Little League baseball, basketball, and archery. I am an avid Indianapolis Colts fan and still have an old-school sweatshirt from 1984.”

What is your favorite part of being on the SuperATV team? “I thoroughly enjoy working with the SuperATV team because the focus is work hard/play hard. It is a great feeling to be part of a team that genuinely cares about the products they manufacture, helping the industry grow, and providing a great atmosphere for their employees.”

Max Meyer

Position: New Product Design Engineer

Branch: United States Air Force

Years of Service: 2012-2018

During his time serving in the Air Force, Max completed multiple short deployments for cargo and fighter/bomber support operations in Germany, Alaska, Japan, and all over the continental US. In the summer of 2017, he deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel. He received two Air Force Achievement Medals for participation in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. And through it all, he attended college for his mechanical engineering degree. He balanced school, service with the Illinois Air National Guard 126th Maintenance Squadron, and multiple deployments at the same time.

Max has been at SuperATV since the fall of 2018. He was drawn to this job thanks to his love of motorsports. As a New Product Design Engineer, Max designs various aftermarket products for the machines we support.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work? “I have a beautiful wife, Lauren, two cats, and a dog. I raced motocross competitively throughout high school and still take my race bike out riding often. I have a UTV of my own and my wife and I go on trips with our friends. I also compete in tactical shooting competitions.”

What is your favorite part of being on the SuperATV team? “Being around machines that I love working on and having an awesome job in an industry that I have a passion for.”

Doug Scott

Position: CNC Operator

Branch: United States Army

Years of Service: 1994-1998

Doug knew from a young age that he wanted to join the Army. He signed up on the Delayed Entry Program the summer before his senior year and shipped out ten days after his high school graduation. He worked as a Spanish linguist with the 313th Military Intelligence Battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division. To be successful in this position, Doug spent eight hours a day learning Spanish with instructors from all over the Spanish-speaking world for six months straight. Because he is mechanically minded, Doug found himself helping out the mechanics in his spare time. His initiative and willingness to get dirty earned him the title of Motor Pool Liaison. In this role, he helped his unit pass multiple Division Vehicle Readiness Inspections with flying colors. Ultimately, this led to Doug being awarded an Army Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal.

Doug came to SuperATV in April 2019. He works as a night-shift CNC machinist, where he sets up and machines various parts for product launch. He is also responsible for resupplying parts as needed.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work? “I’ve been with my girlfriend for twenty years. I’ve been a father to her three boys, ages 23, 22, and 20. We love animals, having both cats and dogs. I love the outdoors. Camping and cooking out are my favorite activities.”

What is your favorite part of being on the SuperATV team? “What’s not to like? It’s a company that cares about its employees. I really love the idea that we take an existing UTV and we make it even better with our products.”

Below is a list of other SuperATV employees who have served in the military. SuperATV honors, recognizes, and appreciates all of the hardworking team members who have served our country. Thank you for your service!

Kevin Burnette, Inside Sales Technical Supervisor | USMC | 1987-1991

Jonathan Claypoole, Assembly Supervisor | Army National Guard | 2011-present

Brian Phillips, Fitment Specialist | USMC | 1999-2002

Doug Pyles, Prototype Mechanic | Army | 1968-1969

Chris Shelton, Product Information Supervisor | Army National Guard | 1990-1991

Larry Whelan, Welder | Army National Guard | 1986-1996

Shane Woods, Shipping Clerk | USAF | 2007-2008