Ground Control Systems

Ground Control co-owner and VP of enginnering Donn VanDusen operates in full throttle mode. Statistics show that fewer than 4% of people can highly function on 4 hours of sleep. As an engineer, teacher, innovator, master installer and lead sales agent, Donn is in that 4% and he makes use of every waking moment. He brings years of knowledge and engineering experience to the job, and that makes him a sought-out resource on major projects and within the industry. He maximizes every inch of space with the most orderly, high security and user friendly products in our industry. Donn lives every day to make an impact in our company. Donn is Ground Control.

Someone has to be constantly thinking up new strategies and driving the plan when they are not sleeping, right?

Co-owner and Chief Strategist, Greg Bauer is That Guy. After creating and building the successful multi-store Rack N Road business (racknroad.com), starting his own manufacturing operation, running a management company, and being an active husband, father and coach, it was only natural to turn another business into the next big thing. Natural for Greg, anyway. Ground Control is that business. Greg’s passion for bicycling is a lifelong one, and supporting bicycle friendly initiatives around the nation fits with that passion to a “T.” He identified The Big Problem – substandard, insufficient and non-user friendly bicycle parking – standing in the way of creating true bicycle friendly environments.
Greg would love to take the Ground Control solution to every university campus, city and business as much as he would like to figure out the perfect gift for his amazing wife, which is yet another life-long goal.

Ground Control Systems believes that at the core of success stands clear, compelling communications that helps steer the ship and guide the crew. Nancy is the Comms Helm, directing that communication while dreaming up creative message campaigns and putting her writer’s touch on every element of the company’s communications. She also is an avid Star Trekker, which for some curious reason she chooses not to conceal. As a part owner in Ground Control Systems, Nancy works closely with Greg and Donn on strategic direction of the business, developing branding and marketing strategies infused with energy and enthusiasm. Nancy’s extensive experience makes her a valued asset at Ground Control Systems, bringing a background in journalism as a print reporter and editor and two decades working with an international PR firm to the table. Nancy is blindingly faithful to the San Francisco Giants and her three daughters…not necessarily in that order.

With the most positive disposition around, Nate is the #1 chief deputy and go-to guy in every business we operate. He handles everything from our trade shows to human resources to IT functions to sales connections. His ability to deftly handle multiple duties makes him the definition of Ground Control (next to Donn, of course). There is no job too big or too small for Nate, and he takes on tasks with contagious enthusiasm.

When he isn’t hard at work at the company he is usually sitting on the board of a non-profit, running an event, speaking at a conference or cheering his kids on at a sporting event. He loves to live life making the most of everything and simply making those around him happy.

James has been with Ground Control from the beginning, during the Park A Bike days. As one of the original members, James is a true student of the bicycle parking industry and a “chip off the old block,” being the son of our Lead Innovator Donn Van Dusen. James uses that experience to develop the next step forward for Ground Control Systems and acts as the team’s licensed installer and project specialist.

By day, James is busy around the office or on job sites looking for efficient solutions. By night, he is a father and manages to indulge in fly fishing and wake boarding whenever he can.

We knew it was the right fit when Michael showed up to Ground Control with both cycling chops and parking know-how. He spent the early days of his life as a bike messenger in Washington, D.C., darting around crazy cab drivers and locking his bike to whatever he could every time he delivered a package.

Michael sure appreciates a bicycle friendly environment with proper bike parking. He also knows a good bike… especially the four of his own.  When he isn’t busy making college campuses across the country bicycle friendly, Michael keeps busy as a Cat. 2 cyclist and personal trainer.