about us

our team

	Heath Fossen, Director of Product Development With interests in bike touring, commuting, trail riding, back country exploration, camping, rock climbing, and a plethora of other outdoor sports, Heath's weekends are packed with what he calls "product testing." This works out well for both Heath and Planet Bike since he directs product development and takes every opportunity to indulge in product field testing. Heath comes to Planet Bike with 12 years in the bicycle industry; dabbling in everything from sales to national bicycle advocacy work, product development to working in a shop and building trail. "Cycling has always been a big part of my life starting with my first bike, a 16 inch fixed wheel bike my dad retrieved from a muddy river bed," says Heath. "Whether it's hitting the trail, going to work, or going to the grocery store, sustainability and my impact on the environment are top priorities for me. I'm proud to be a part of Planet Bike where these priorities are both shared, and promoted."
	David McMurray, GM/Director of Sales and Marketing Before working for Planet Bike, Dave's lifelong love for bikes was stoked by living in Crested Butte, CO for the better part of a decade. As an avid cyclist and a regular bike commuter, the move back to Planet Bike was like coming home. Dave oversees the day-to-day operations of the company and is the Director of Sales and Marketing. He is proud to be part of a company that proves business can be an agent for social betterment. "It's great to be a part of a company that makes great products for cyclists and also supports important efforts to improve America's communities and environment through bicycle advocacy. My hope is that Planet Bike can continue to build a network within the bike industry that is committed to an alternate corporate purpose."
	Mark LaLonde, Marketing & Sales "As a kid I always wanted some sort of motor bike, instead my parents got me a bmx bike. It wasn't long before I was losing skin all over town trying to be the next Evel Kinievel," says Mark. "I love to race bikes, but that is just a small part of what the bike means to me. Bikes are my transportation, exercise and fun. Hell, I even met my wife on a bike." Besides being part of the sales and marketing teams, Mark is still racing, now as pro level mountain bike and cyclocrosser. His love for bikes goes beyond racing though. Most weekends you'll find him cruising the rustic roads around Madison or grinding away the miles on his mountain bike at one of the various mtb trail locales across the state.
	Jay Ferm, Advocacy Director Jay grew up in Rock Island, IL. After graduating college with a degree in Physics, he moved to Madison. Passing through careers in woodworking and cabinetmaking, which he loves, and IT management, which got boring, Jay finally decided to put his money where his mouth is and helped fund and start up Community Car, Madison's car sharing business. From Community Car, Jay came to Planet Bike as Advocacy Coordinator, operations guy and policy wonk. "I wanted to work for Planet Bike because I believe in the mission and the people are some of the most creative and driven I've known," Jay says. In addition to being a means from A to B, for Jay the bike is a medium for solving problems. "When I'm noodling on a problem, riding my bike allows me to reflect and to get to a clear state of mind."
	Chris Follmer, Shipping and Facilities Manager Growing up in North Prairie, Wisconsin, there wasn't much for a kid to do but rip around on his bike with his buddies in the Kettle Moraine area. For Chris, there is still a great enthusiasm for bikes because of his concern for the environment and desire to live simply. His experience in warehouse management and furniture making also makes him a welcome addition to the company. He is excited and proud to be on the Planet Bike team and looks forward to assisting other bicycle enthusiasts. Aside from playing disc golf whenever possible and keeping our warehouse running smoothly, Chris can be seen around Madison commuting, touring on his Fargo or hauling groceries on his Big Dumb Pug.
	Kristin Wentworth, Warranty Manager / Sales & Marketing Growing up surrounded by bikes, Kristin has been involved in the industry nearly her entire life. Raised in Green Bay, WI her father was a manager at a shop for years before her parents opened their own store in 1993. Biking was a common family activity although Kristin didn't really embrace the bike until she went to college in Madison. She became a regular bike commuter and then in 2004 started racing in the collegiate scene while getting a second degree at the UW. It quickly turned into an obsession and she began traveling the country to compete in both road and cyclocross races. She is ecstatic to be working at Planet Bike where a passion for cycling and its impact on our communities is evident in every part of the company. "There is no better way to take in your surroundings than being on a bike. Helping people to realize this and make their ride more enjoyable is an honor."
	Billy Knudson, Shipping and Facilities Prior to joining the Planet Bike team, Billy spent his days as an organic farmer just east of Madison. While he still tends to his own personal garden, his love for two-wheeled, human powered vehicles led him to Planet Bike. Whether it be racing cyclocross in the fall, commuting year round, hauling groceries on his Big Dummy, or bike touring, if you see Billy he's likely riding a bike. When asked for an employee bio, Billy respond with "I'm a bicycle riding, vegetable growing, rabbit scratching warehouse guy" (Billy and his wife have three pet rabbits).
	Mr. Helios, Director of Power Helios powers our photo-voltaic array, keeps us warm, and helps grow our crops. Each morning, he rises at dawn from the ocean in the east and rides in his chariot, pulled by four horses - Pyrois, Eos, Aethon and Phlegon -- through the sky, and descends at night in the west (So technically he has a non-auto commute to work). He also sees and knows all, and goes by the name Sol.
	Bob Downs, Owner In November of 1996, Bob founded Planet Bike after a successful 8 year career at Trek Bicycle as Accessories Product Manager. He is an avid cyclist who has ridden up to 15,000 miles a year, most of which were commuting miles. He races competitively on road bikes, mountain bikes and cyclocross. Bob also enjoys touring and leisurely rides on his 1960s vintage Schwinn single-speed. All of this cycling experience helps Bob develop some of the best, most user-friendly bicycle products you can buy today. Bob's passion for combining bicycles and the principles of corporate social responsibility can best be summed up by one of his favorite quotes by Gandhi: "Be the change you want to see in the world."