Factory Connection - The Best Suspension Period

Our Staff

Factory Connection® was built on the philosophy of providing the best suspension and related products while backing it up with industry leading customer service.

Why do so many suspension shops call us for parts and technical information?
Because there is a difference between Factory Connection and other suspension companies.

Our wealth of knowledge, from real world testing, in-house spec projects, are unparalleled in the industry.
Our dedication and commitment to excellence, reinforces our mission in providing the best suspension products and customer/technical service to all of our customers. Factory Connection offers more combined years of suspension experience than any other company in North America.

Meet our Staff! At Factory Connection our goal is to develop long term relationships with our customers. We strive to provide the most personal and complete customer / technical service to all of our customers. We hope that the pictures and descriptions of our team members whom you most likely will be in contact with, will make you feel very comfortable when speaking with us.

If you have any questions, comments or feedback regarding our products and services; please call us.

Don’t be shy, if you have any questions on our products or your suspension we have tuned; Call our customer service / technical support line.

Rick “Ziggy” Zielfelder

President / Owner: Factory Connection Inc, Factory Connection Canada, Factory Connection Racing

Rick has long been known as one of the premiere suspension professionals in the off-road industry. His commitment to excellence and providing his customers with the best suspension services is second to none. He was a Team Honda Motocross Racing technician for Larry Ward. Ziggy has worked with many top riders and teams in helping provide them with The Best Suspension. PERIOD.

From the beginning of his first year as a team owner in 1997 with Mike LaRocco; Ziggy has developed Factory Connection racing into the most respected team in MX/SX. Today the team consists of Kevin Windham, Mike LaRocco and our 5 “Lites” class riders which is Honda’s Official “Lites” Support Team.

His focus over the past 3 years to help develop the younger generation is evident by providing testing at MTF and trackside support at major amateur nationals. This mission has developed Factory Connection into a major force in amateur competition. Rick rides and races in the Vet A class. Weekends at races in New England and across the country, he enjoys spending time with his family and watching his son race.

Steve Ross – General Manager The former Expert Road Racer turned Motocross racer has been in the motorcycle industry all his life. Steve brought more than 9 years of dealership experience, and 12 years of racing with him when he joined Factory Connection over 7years ago. He has diverse management / business experience and customer service background. The Vet Amateur rider enjoys riding, racing and going to the races with his wife and 3 children. If you have questions/comments regarding new business, marketing, purchasing, rider support or customer satisfaction Steve welcomes your call.
Terry Edgecomb – Distribution/Manufacturing Manager The former road racer and fast local motocross racer has been involved in motorcycles his entire life. Terry has held virtually every position within a multi-line dealership. In addition, he owned his own business providing the best trackside support at all New England MX races. His technical expertise and vast industry knowledge make him a key player within Factory Connection. Terry has a wife, 2 children and enjoys training on his road bicycle.
Chris Lyons - Parts Dept. Coordinator / Sales Representative Chris came to Factory Connection with more than 3 years of parts department experience at a multi-line dealership. He has road raced and currently is a local motocross racer. Chris has been with Factory Connection for over 4 years. He plays a key role in parts administration, customer service and technical support. You will see him at most of the National Amateur events like LL’s and Mini O’s. Chris treats his customers with outstanding personal attention which is evident by his loyal customer base.
Billy Sjoblom - Sales Representative Brad Knight- Distribution Coordinator Brandon Munroe - Sales Representative Tom Wallace - Sales Manager - FC CENTRAL		coming Soon
Tim Street - Shop Manager A former New England Expert motocross racer, Tim has been with Factory Connection since 1992. His wealth of experience and knowledge of suspension components is rivaled by very few. His expertise in fork tuning, testing and development of suspension settings for customers, support riders and race team is invaluable. Tim’s troubleshooting, technical support and customer commitment, help Factory Connection lead the industry in customer satisfaction. Tim still rides and is married with 1 son.
Mike Carnelli - Trackside Technician Mike was hired by Factory Connection as a dedicated trackside technician 5 years ago. Mike has more than 9 years experience in the suspension industry. His ability to listen to rider feedback, assess their needs and make adjustments to fine tune suspension is his strength. Always at the track where he likes it best, you will find Mike at most New England races in Spring, MTF and Florida in Winter and traveling to Lake Whitney, LL’s and Mini O’s throughout the year.
Peter Paige - FC West Manager Peter has been with Factory Connection for over 6 years. He was instrumental in opening our Corona California facility. Peter’s dedication, commitment to excellence and technical skills have been a valuable asset to the Factory Connection team. Peter was top Amateur rider in New England before he left for California. He still rides virtually every week to stay in shape and test. If Pete is building a race shock for Mike LaRocco or building your shock; you can be certain the same care and effort is put forth.
Satoru Tanno - R&D Engineer Satoru was hired by Factory Connection in the Fall of 2005. He brings over 25 years of experience in the suspension industry to Factory Connection. Satoru worked for Showa of Japan and America as Race Team technician, R&D Manager and Senior Manager. His wealth of knowledge and experience working with virtually all of the best factory riders in the 80’s and 90’s to present time has helped him become one of the most respected people in our industry. Satoru’s background in suspension theory, new product development and spring design will lead Factory Connection to new levels of suspension performance.


Following Photos by: Kate Kulacz	Craig "Zak" Morgridge Sales Rep / Off-Road Testing Coordinator (FC East)
Rich Borriello Shock Technician (FC East) (picture coming soon)	Tim Lingle Lead Shock Technician (FC East)
Dave Miles Fork Technician (FC East) (picture coming soon)	Justin Sawyer Shock Technician (FC Central)
Sergio Barata Fork Technician (FC Central) (picture coming soon)	Brandon Barnhill Fork Technician (FC Central) (picture coming soon)
Doug Markham Fork Technician (FC East) (picture coming soon)	Alex Munroe Fork Technician (FC East)

Kenneth Haskell Fork Technician (FC East) (picture coming soon)	Steve Willard Shipping / Receiving (FC East)
Following Photos by: Steve Bruhn
DJ Scarponi Fork Technician (FC West) (picture coming soon)	Jake Doyle Suspension Technician / Trackside Support (FC West)
Michael Rodriguez Shock Technician (FC West) (picture coming soon)	Brandan Klevis Shock Technician (FC West)