Our Leadership

Donnie has been in the PTV arena since 2012 when he founded Performance Plus Carts. His focus in ecommerce business development and successful strategies for growth align perfectly with Nivel’s customer centric goals. Along with his experience in the dealer network, he also has a firm understanding of website design, software integrations, and business automations that elevate Nivel’s digital platform.

Within the last 15 years, Donnie has been extensively involved in all things digital, from website launches and redesigns to successful integrations and automations that support dealer and retail channels. His focus with Nivel is on enhancing our digital platform to ensure our customers receive the best customer experience in the industry.

Outside of work, Donnie enjoys spending time with his wife Jessica and their two children. As a family, they spend time their free time RV’ing and camping across many parts of the country

Brandon Meyers, Nivel’s Chief Information & Digital Officer, joined Nivel September 2021. Brandon brings over 25 years of experience delivering IT and transformation projects at a global level. As the IT leader and technology strategist for Nivel, Brandon calls upon his deep knowledge of infrastructure services, IT governance, operations, security, and eCommerce technologies, as well as business integration, leveraging SaaS/Cloud computing to lead Nivel in technical excellence.

Prior to joining Nivel, Brandon served in various management and information technology roles within global companies including Apex Tool Group, Cooper Industries Corporate Division and Delta Air Lines.

Brandon is passionate about helping IT organizations maximize the value they deliver to the business by focusing on stakeholder facing IT services while leveraging best of breed solutions and technologies that enable winning business outcomes.

Robert Wyatt is Nivel’s CFO and is responsible for helping the organization realize its full potential. Robert has over 10 years of experience leading strategic initiatives and corporate finance teams in both public and private settings.

Prior to joining Nivel, Robert was the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis for Distribution International (“DI”), a privately-held fabricator and distributor of commercial and industrial insulation. At DI, he built an industry-leading finance function and supported numerous value creation initiatives for the business. His career began at HD Supply, a Fortune 500 distributor of commercial and industrial products, where he was involved in core finance functions, such as: operations finance, financial planning & analysis, and strategic business development.

Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the University of Central Florida. Outside of the office, he spends his time with his wife and two young daughters.

Ross Clifford, Nivel’s President of HD & Auto, joined the Nivel team in November 2022. Ross has over 25 years of experience leading global businesses in the Powersports Industry.

Prior to joining Nivel, Ross served as Vice President Motorcycle, Marine and International PG&A (Parts, Garments & Accessories) for Polaris, where he was responsible for global product development and sales operations. Throughout his career at Polaris, Ross held several senior leadership positions in the UK and Europe before moving to the US in 2010 as the VP, International for the Indian Motorcycle. Prior to joining Polaris, Ross led Product Management and International Sales for Triumph Motorcycle.

Ross holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and studied Business Management at Cambridge University.

John Sarkis, COO, joined Nivel in May of 2023 as the EVP of Manufacturing and Sourcing. John brings extensive global sourcing, manufacturing and process excellence experience to Nivel at both the strategic and operational levels.

John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from The United States Military Academy at West Point and served 9 years on active duty in the US Army finishing with the rank of Captain. John spent the next 12 years thriving in numerous Manufacturing, Quality Engineering and Sourcing roles with General Electric in both the Power Systems and Appliance businesses. John moved on to have similar leadership roles in Home Depot (HD Supply), as well as in his most recent leadership position with Distribution International, where he led Fabrication operations in 26 facilities across the US and Canada producing specialty insulation materials for the industrial and commercial construction markets. John is also a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

In his free time, John enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and cheering on the Army Black knights along with all the professional teams from Pittsburgh where he grew up.

In her role as Executive Vice President of People and Customer Experience, Erica has been leading the customer experience for Nivel since November 2020. With over 20 years of leadership and Human Resources experience, she is known for creating a customer-first culture and driving operational improvements that boost both employee performance and customer satisfaction.

Before joining Nivel, Erica held leadership roles at Jewelry Television, where she oversaw large teams and developed strategies that enhanced service quality and employee engagement. Her ability to streamline processes and implement innovative solutions has been central to her success throughout her career. She is passionate about building teams that deliver outstanding customer experiences while continually improving operational efficiency.

Erica earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University and holds dual certifications as an SPHR and SHRM-SCP. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends.

Matthias Kennerknecht, VP of Retail Sales, joined the Nivel team in November of 2019. He has held a few positions within Nivel working in Sales and Sales Operations primarily with the PTV Dealer team. In his role now, Matthias leads all aspects of Nivel’s direct to consumer businesses.

Prior to joining Nivel, Matthias worked in a few different industries including a CPG startup focused in the supplemental beverage space and West Marine, a national boating retailer. Matthias holds a degree in Geology which he pursued for a short time professionally but soon transitioned to the corporate life working in Merchant and Supply chain functions. Matthias enjoys learning all aspects of a business and working cross functionally with partners to drive great results for the customer.

Outside of work Matthias enjoys spending time with his wife – diving, fishing, DIY and the beach. The competitive spirit isn’t lost outside of work either, Matthias can be found racing sailboats and competing in fishing tournaments.

Jonathan Frank, VP of Marketing is a seasoned Marketing Executive with a strong background in Strategic Marketing and Graphic Design, joined the Nivel family in January of 2024. With over 24 years of experience in both Powersports and aftermarket electronics, Jonathan has proven expertise in helping organizations optimize their brand awareness and reach, while driving growth.

Before joining Nivel, Jonathan served as the Vice President of Marketing at VOXX Electronics, a leader in the aftermarket audio & video industry, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s 12 brands and supporting major business initiatives. His earlier career included positions at Yamaha Motorsports, both in the Powersports division as well as Golf Cart side, where he launched multiple vehicles, parts and accessories, and ecom properties, while contributing company-wide improvements.

Jonathan holds a degree in Graphic Design and Marketing Strategy. When not in the office, he enjoys playing the drums, spending time with his family and dominating the Pickleball courts.

Bringing more than 36 years of industry experience to his role. His company was Nivel’s first acquisition in the Heavy-Duty market, marking a key step in the division’s growth. A proven leader, Mike has played a vital role in advancing the company’s success across a variety of functions, consistently demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys golfing and traveling with his wife, Amanda, and their children.

Lonnie Russell, VP of Engineering and Product, is a seasoned engineering and product development executive joined the Nivel team in September 2025. With two decades of experience leading high-impact teams across the automotive, fitness tech, and outdoor power tool industries, Lonnie has a proven track record of developing product strategies and bringing innovative products to market.

Prior to joining Nivel, Lonnie led hardware engineering and program management at Wahoo Fitness, successfully launching multiple cutting-edge fitness products. His earlier career included pivotal roles at Mercedes-Benz USA in electric vehicle & infotainment product strategy and engineering leadership positions at STIHL, Inc. Lonnie holds multiple degrees in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. When not at work, he enjoys mountain biking around the world with his wife, Nancy. 

Jesse Burson, Nivel’s Executive Vice President of Sales for PTV and ORV divisions, brings 15 years of multifaceted leadership. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Florida and holds a certificate in Negotiation and Leadership from Harvard Business School. A cornerstone of his career was transforming the company’s international division, building it into one of Nivel’s most profitable units by expanding our footprint into over 120 countries.

In his current role, Jesse’s influence is deeply cross-functional. He applies his expertise to drive global B2B growth while also playing a vital role in strategic acquisitions, key supplier relations, and major company initiatives, including the successful co-launch of MadJax vehicles. His leadership is central to strengthening Nivel’s market position and overall business strategy.

Outside of work, Jesse enjoys spending time with his wife, Hope, diving, and attempting to improve his golf game.

ohn Wadsworth serves as Vice President of Distribution and Manufacturing at Nivel, where he has overseen the company’s logistics, distribution, and manufacturing operations since 2005.

Before joining Nivel, John held senior leadership positions at United Parcel Service (UPS), Menlo Logistics, Legacy Supply Chain Services, and Grimes Logistics. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale distribution and fulfillment operations for major clients, including General Electric Appliance Parts, Coors Brewing Company, and the United States Postal Service.

John’s background in distribution and fulfillment, paired with the strength of Nivel’s operational teams, continues to drive the company’s efficiency and long-term growth. He also serves on the Business Advisory Committee at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where he contributes to shaping the future of logistics education.

Outside the office, John enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and labradors. An avid fisherman, he can often be found exploring Florida’s nearshore waters with his family.