Rick “Ziggy” Zielfelder – Owner / President

Rick has long been known as one of the premier 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 5 years to help develop the younger generation is evident by providing testing at MTF and track side support at major amateur nationals. This mission has developed Factory Connection into the major force in amateur competition. Rick still rides and occasionally races in the Vet A class. He is at the track virtually every weekend; with his Geico Powersports / Honda / Factory Connection team or with his son Aaron in New England.

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 in 1999. He has diverse management / business experience and customer service background. Steve continues to enjoy riding and racing the Vet B class in New England with his son as well as spending time with his wife and 2 daughters.

If you have questions / comments regarding new business, marketing, purchasing, rider support or customer satisfaction Steve welcomes your call.

Terry Edgecomb – 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 track side support at all New England MX races. His technical expertise and vast industry knowledge make him a key player within Factory Connection since he started in 2000. The industry leading quality of our Fork / Shock springs and performance suspension parts is attributed to Terry's experience, work ethic and attention to detail.

Terry has a wife, 2 children and enjoys training as well as racing on his road bicycle.

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 locally in the woods and is married with 1 son.

Mike Carnelli – Track side Support Technician

Mike was hired by Factory Connection as a dedicated track side technician in 2001. Mike has over 12 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 Winter AM's in Winter and traveling to Lake Whitney, LL's and Mini O's throughout the year.

Zak Morgridge – Sales / Off-Road Testing Coordinator

Zak has been with Factory Connection since 1996 holding a number of positions.  He has worked with many top Pros over the years working with support teams in the 1990’s.  He spends many hours testing with new models each year and has been heavily involved in creating some of our innovative KTM / WP products. Zak is Factory Connection’s KTM guru and is man behind the success of our Off-Road success with AM PRO Yamaha Team and Husaberg’s Mike Lafferty.  He is involved with local trail / off road clubs and organizations and competes locally in the NETRA series as time allows.

Brad Knight – Distributor Coordinator

Brad started at Factory Connection in 2006. His experience in customer service and warehouse / inventory management has made a positive impact at Factory Connection. After starting as a sales rep, Brad was promoted to Distribution Coordinator and handle all inventory transfer for our facilities, domestic / international distribution accounts for Parts Unlimited, Innteck, Serco, and e-commerce website sales. He has been around the MX scene for many years and rode as a teen growing up. Brad attends local Pro Nationals such as MX-338 each year.

Steve Willard – Shipping / Receiving

Steve has been with Factory Connection since 2003. His computer skills and software installation experience has help Factory Connection become more efficient with our shipping. He works hard to insure your suspension is unpackaged and packaged with care. Steve is detail oriented to make sure the customer is called with their total, e-mailing their tracking # and getting the suspension out as soon as it is completed. Back in the day he rode a Hodaka 100 and has ridden street bikes through out the years.

Brandon Munroe – Sales Rep / Technical Support

Brandon was a Factory Connection customer before he became an employee in 2007. He raced MX a number of years. Brandon's strong sales background and desire to delight every customer he comes into contact with makes him a perfect fit within our organization. Brandon is focused on being at many of the national amateur events Factory Connection supports such as Mini O's and LL's. Today, Brandon still rides MX and Off-Road recreationally.

Rich Rogers – Sales Rep / Technical Support

Rich has been a successful MX racer in New England since the early 1990's. He has had success winning a Youth championship in the competitive NESC organization and was consistently a top 5 local Pro always using Factory Connection suspension. Rich had worked in the motorcycle industry in a successful dealership for 5 years before coming to Factory Connection. His industry knowledge, riding skills and experience are an asset to any customer that he deals with. Rich is an avid road cyclist and has qualified and raced Pro nationals at Southwick MA, Millville MN and Binghamton NY.

Marc-Andre Maynard – Sales Rep / Parts

Marc came to Factory Connection with more than 4 years of dealership parts / accessories experience. His OEM knowledge and customer service skills have been a good asset to our company. He has been riding MX since 2003 and continues to ride MX locally.

Tim Lingle – Shock Technician

Tim came to Factory Connection in 2003 and is a graduate of MMI in Phoenix AZ.  Originally from PA, he has ridden off road and MX most of his life.  His desire to learn and ability to create solutions for different scenarios he may encounter have helped him become the lead shock technician in the FC East facility.  Tim is also involved with field testing from time to time and can be seen at events like Loretta Lynn's and Mini O's with Factory Connection's track side support staff.

Jimmy Flood – Shock Technician

A former professional Snowmobile Freestyle rider, Jimmy now rides and races off road in the North East.  His strong mechanical background has made his transition as a suspension technician very smooth.  Jimmy is self motivated and takes on any job or challenge that is presented to him.  He rides at least 1 time every week to stay in top form for racing program.

Dave Miles – Fork Technician

Dave came to Factory Connection in 2007 and is a graduate of MMI in Orlando, FL.  Along with his technical background working in dealerships, he also has an Associates degree in Marketing.   Dave had worked on the national amateur and pro scene as a race team technician. Dave rides local NETRA series Hare Scrambles and some GNCC events.  He is involved with Factory Connection's off road and motocross track side event support.

Doug Markham – Fork Technician

Doug came to Factory Connection with a number of years of dealership experience as a warranty and service technician. He is a MMI graduate that came to Factory Connection in 2006.  Doug's work ethic and general mechanical skills have been an asset to the company.  He continues to ride off road, pit bikes and mountain bikes to stay in shape.  Doug also helps at local and national track side events that Factory Connection attends during the year.

Alex Munroe – Fork Technician

While still in high school, Alex started in 2003 as a part time employee doing suspension disassembly.  Since that time Alex has developed in one of Factory Connection's most well rounded technicians.  His attention to detail and organizational skills have helped the company in many ways.  Alex is involved in most of the new model and product spec outs.  He rides recreational MX and pit bikes in his spare time.  Most weekends Alex is at the races helping his friends as a mechanic and his bikes generally the best prepared, well maintained in the pits.

Peter Paige – Shop Manager / Race Team Suspension

Peter has been with Factory Connection since 2000. He was instrumental in opening our Corona California facility in 2003. 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 to stay in shape and test.

Peter is responsible for all Geico Powersports / Honda / Factory Connection race team suspension for Kevin Windham and the entire Lites team.

Billy Sjoblom – Sales Manager

Billy has been with Factory Connection since 2006 as a sales / technical rep. Billy raced the NETRA Off-Road series and NESC MX series for series in the B / Amateur class. His years of experience in sales and customer service have elevated the level of customer service Factory Connection offers. His passion for motorcycles, riding and the sport in general is evident every time you talk with Billy. In summer of 2010 Billy was promoted to Sales Manager and moved to the Factory Connection West facility. He still rides recreationally and is an avid cyclist.

Tony Jeske – Sales Rep / Technical Support

Originally from MN, Tony grew up racing local MX.  He graduated from MMI in Phoenix AZ in 2002 and has worked at a number of dealerships in service and parts departments.  He has worked as a race team technician for many top riders throughout the years such as Ted Campbell, Clark Stiles, Eric Sorby, Tommy Hofmaster, and Jason Lawrence.  In 2006 Tony worked for Factory Connection's then, Sobe / Samsung / Honda team as a mechanic for Tommy Hahn.  He then moved into a Parts Coordinator  role before coming to Factory Connection Inc as a Sales and Technical Support Representative in 2009.

Jake Doyle – Fork Technician / Track side Support

Jake is one of our original start up employees when Factory Connection opened its FC West location in Corona CA during the fall of 2003.  Jake came to Factory Connection as a graduate of MMI in Phoenix AZ and had previous motorcycle mechanic experience as well.  He is our lead fork technician at FC West and is shop foreman.  He attends numerous track side events during the year locally and nationally for Factory Connection.  Jake still rides recreational off road and MX  throughout the year.

David "DJ" Scarponi – Fork Technician

DJ grew up on East Coast and later went to MMI in Phoenix AZ where he graduated.  Relocating to the West Coast DJ has ridden off road with his family for years.  His up beat personality and focus have helped him become a strong fork technician with Factory Connection.

Brandon Klevis – Shock Technician

Originally from PA Brandon graduated from MMI in Orlando FL.  He has a number of years of dealership experience with a strong KTM background.  His mechanical aptitude and desire to build the highest quality product for each customer has elevated him as our lead shock technician in the FC West facility.

Michael Rodriguez – Shock Technician

Michael started as a part time employee while still in high school.  He grew up in Corona and recreational rides off road and MX  in his spare time.  His desired to learn more and his team player attitude has made Mike a valuable asset to our company.

Tom Wallace – Sales Manager

Tom came to Factory Connection with a lifelong of experience in the MX industry. From the of 16 when he started working GP teams. He came to the USA in 1995 to work for Jamie Dobb and has worked with notable riders such as Robbie Reynard, Scott Sheak, and Tallon Vohland. In 2000 he became the FMF / Honda Team manager and has also worked for Factory Yamaha. Since coming to Factory Connection Tom has become Sales Manager at the FC Central facility in which he was an intrigal part of building out, opening and now running the facility. His computer d-base knowledge, technical experience and mechanical aptitude are value assets to our company.

Justin Sawyer – Shock Technician / Trackside Support

Justin began his career with Factory Connection in 2004 as a Part Time employee working after school to help pay for his MX racing. His passion for our sport and desire to learn new things helped propel him into a shock technician position in just a few short years. In fall of 2009 Justin moved to Oklahoma as a key member of our staff and lead shock technician in the FC Central facility. He can be seen at local and national events providing trackside support. Justin is a skilled MX rider in the B/Intermediate class and continues to actively ride and race.

Sergio Barata – Fork Technician

Sergio started with Factory Connection in 2002. He was a fork technician for more than 7 years at Factory Connection East before moving and bringing his experience to our FC Central location in Muskogee OK. Sergio is a Vet B rider and continues to ride MX often.

Brandon Barnhill – Fork Technician

Brandon came to Factory Connection with a strong mechanical background working in his family's automotive business. He has been riding MX for the past 3 years and is typically at a local practice track every week. Brandon has earned his Associates Degree and is currently pursuing is Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.