Our product is only as good as the people making it, and Ground Control is lucky to have an exceptional staff across leadership, support, service, sales, marketing and production. Each and every team member has a hand in your brewer, and ensure you get the best product imaginable.
Meet the Crew
![Eli Salomon](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rectangle-37.jpg)
Eli first conceived of a new way for batch brewing while reflecting on the limited success of small coffee serving businesses.
![Dr. Josh Avins](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-63.png)
Josh & Eli met and became great friends during their undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins. The architect, designer and co-founder of Ground Control, Josh built the first prototype with Eli in the kitchen, and the rest is history!
![Jason Sarley](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-64.jpg)
After Josh and Eli invented Ground Control, they quickly reached out to Jason to better develop what had been discovered.
![Sarah Palmer](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sarah-Palmer-2-1-781x1024.png)
The prior director of global sales and marketing for Seattle-based espresso machine maker Synesso, Sarah brings operations, sales and marketing experience to the table at Ground Control, and helps lead our production and operations.
![Shane Blais](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/S.Blais_LI-1024x1024.jpg)
With 20+ years in the coffee industry, Shane contributed to the early days of the commercial development of Ground Control, sharing his experience in the manufacturing, service, repair and overall support of coffee brewers and espresso machines. He now leads our Customer Success Team.
![Jeff Garon](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/jeff2.png)
After a chance conversation about coffee with Eli on an elevator ride in San Francisco, Jeff was intrigued by Ground Control. After trying some truly amazing coffees on the machine, he was sold on the premise and joined the team soon after.
![Scott Satterwhite](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/selfie-1024x768.jpeg)
Scott has been supporting and guiding coffee and beverage businesses for over a decade. He’s open minded, caring, and wants to help you succeed. Scott loves nature, disc golf, music, beer, and their family; Lauren & Bo.
![Ken Price](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Ken-Price-768x1024.jpeg)
Director of Operations
Ken Price
Having been with the company since the beginning of 2022, I have witnessed so much growth. It is a privilege to be working with the company in the capacity I am. I am comfortably nestled within the group and find it such a privilege to work with such a team that is so passionate about everything they do.
![Elijah Mesina](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Elijah-Mesina-scaled4.jpg)
Hi, I’m Elijah. I handle all quality control and training for our employees. I have the privilege of ensuring that every machine that leaves our warehouse is up to the Ground Control standard.
![Dan Duran](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/dan-duran-768x1024.jpeg)
Assembler
Dan Duran
Dan is one of our more seasoned assemblers. Introduced to the Twin (the Cyclops’ predecessor), at one of his previous employers, he was always curious to learn more about the Ground Control coffee machines. That curiosity eventually led to his employment at Ground Control. He enjoys his job very much.
![Nick Hall](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Nick-768x1024.jpeg)
Assembler
Nick Hall
My name is Nick and I’m an assembler here at Ground Control! I really enjoy making all the different parts that will eventually end up on our machines, I take pride in paying attention to each detail as I build to make sure that I have made the best possible part that I can make.
![William Wester](https://www.groundcontrol.coffee/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Will-768x1024.jpeg)
Inventory & Purchasing Manager
William Wester
Hello, my name is William Wester. I grew up in Alabama, moved to the Bay in 2017. Some of my interests are being ourtoors, movies, and seeing loved ones.