-
The Chandler Family
Owners
Chris and Morgan Chandler are a power team. They're amazing leaders in our company and in our community. Chris is our President and Morgan serves on our board of directors. They focus on doing things the right way and bringing all of our team together for the same goal. They practice what they preach and are always investing in the improvement of our company. They're focused on building the next generation of business leaders. You never know what new project vehicle you'll see them in next.
-
J.O. Noack
Sales Account Manager
J.O. is our newest addition to the Backwoods sales team, and he couldn't be a better fit. Mo and J.O. often work super close, in which we refer to them both as MOJO. J.O. is a diehard Toyota guy who rocks a nicely built FJ Cruiser. Everyone knows J.O. as the nice guy. His personality, positive attitude, and humility is extremely contagious. J.O. cares deeply about our customers as well as his passion for Toyotas and the outdoors. If you give us a call, there's a good chance you'll be talking to this dude.
-
Grant Willbanks
Marketing Director
Grant is our super famous influencer guy, and he REALLY loves when you call him that. Grant has a passion for offroading, Toyotas, and basically anything with wheels. He's often asking his coworkers to go wheeling and likes to brag about running 10 psi on his stupid beadlocks. Grant leads the charge with our social media, design, video, website, and marketing strategy and drives a fully built 3rd gen Tacoma. He lives out the Backwoods brand to the fullest just like the rest of the crew.
-
Mo Esquivel
Business Development Manager
There is only one Mo. His passion for wheeling, camping, wrenching, cookie eating, chocolate milk drinking (Hiland only), kayaking, neon yellow Crocs, and Toyotas is completely unmatched. Mo has his roots in Arkansas and knows the Ozarks well. You can often find him saying one of his many one liners, including: "big rims loud pipes, same same, talk to me Goose, rigs & cigs, CHURCH, what's up cowboy, check them lugs," and many more. Mo currently drives a baller long travel 5th gen 4Runner.
-
Evan House
Product Designer
Born from a bald eagle and Wonder Woman herself, Evan is a 100% American Patriot. Evan is a multitalented dude that will always give you a laugh. He's a master when it comes to designing new products, welding and installing prototypes, and he is THE "one take wonder" when it comes to shooting install videos. Evan has been a motorhead his whole life and has a true passion for this lifestyle, which is obvious when you're around him. His problem solving skills and positive vibes are shared by all!
-
Ethan Lett
Engineer & Designer
We scooped up Ethan right as he was finishing school. In fact, he actually started as an intern here during school, but we quickly saw his potential and value he would add to the team. He just seemed to fit right in and has the best attitude. Even though Ethan is the youngest in the bunch, he's a freaking genius with an impressive amount of experience with a wrench. He's no stranger to engine swaps and building truck campers. Ethan helps with engineering, installs, and has a hand in product design.
-
Cody Buech
General Manager
Cody is our tech guru and has an impressive understanding of production efficiency with a knack for problem solving. Cody used to work in production as our main laser operator, but his skills showed us he had more potential. He eventually joined our engineering team and has recently worked his way to general manager. Cody has a strong passion for vehicles and still holds bragging rights for fastest vehicle on the lot. Cody plays a huge part in how Backwoods operates, and we're thankful to have him.
-
Jody Teich
Warehouse Associate
Jody rocks a 3rd gen Tacoma that he built himself, and he knows every square inch of it. He earned the nickname "Jody Hill Climb" because of a wild hill climb he hit at an offroad park on 32" tires. Jody goes full send, and we're here for it. He knows his stuff, works hard, and takes care of people, so we knew he had to be a part of the team. Jody is one of two guys on our warehouse team, and if you've ever ordered something, chances are he helped pull and ship it. We love his passion and attention to detail.
-
Kendall Wilson
Warehouse Manager
Kendall makes it happen. He's been with us a long time and has deep knowledge of processing and shipping orders. Even though he doesn't own a Toyota, he's still a like-minded gear head and drives a nicely built F-150. For an added bonus, Kendall is like 6' 5", so he can reach anything on the shelf. Not even sure he needs his forklift license. We love Kendall because he cares about his work, our customers, and does whatever it takes to make it right. (Maybe one day he'll get a Toyota).
-
Israel Gutierrez
Production Lead Supervisor
Israel leads the production floor and is in charge of several other crew members. Israel pours his blood, sweat, and tears into all of our Backwoods products and is a master fabricator. If he's not stacking dimes, he's probably making crazy cool sculptures out of welding wire. He is one of the most creative and genuine guys we have. He even built his own house for him and his family. Israel not only works extremely hard at work, but is an amazing father to 7 (we think) kids. Israel is the man.
-
Sandy
Bumper Grinding Robot
Sandy is one of our beloved FANUC robots. She cost quite a bit of coin, but allows us to get out our product much quicker. Sandy is a huge team player and works well with our crew of hand welders and with R2. Some say she doesn't talk much, but others have witnessed her discussing her preference of aluminum over steel. We are still working on teaching her to clean up after herself because she often makes a big mess. Sandy is a super valuable asset to the team and never complains about anything.
-
R2-Dime Stacker
Senior Bumper Welder
R2-Dimestacker is one of our OTC robots that helps weld bumpers together. Although small in size, R2 helps us out big time by laying really down long, tedious welds. He either welds aluminum or steel, but is equally skilled at both. He's shy about it, but lots of our crew think he has the hots for Sandy, but it's not confirmed. Even though we have several hand welders, R2 helps speed up the process tremendously and requires the help of an operator to make sure he doesn't get out of line.
