About Vertech

Alex Turner is a US Navy veteran who joined Vertech in 2023 and has more than 15 years of automation experience and over 10 years in Project and Program Management. His experience includes power plant operations and maintenance, control systems design, HMI and OIT development, and configuration of SCADA and OPC systems. Alex has been Project Management Professional certified since 2013 and has had extensive leadership training and experience throughout his career.

Bob Morris obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics in 1994 and has a lot of years of experience in the industrial automation industry. He has been the technical lead for both panel design and programming on many material handling systems, including newspapers, United States Postal Service, baggage handling systems for the TSA, and several projects in other industries.  

As CTO, Bob is responsible for keeping Vertech’s technical skill set on the cutting edge, and for continually improving our quality and productivity through internal process automation.  To bring balance to life, Bob brews beers at home, has become good at locating a golf ball after he tees off, and is an avid hockey fan. He is also a budding sommelier, a passion he shares with his wife, Wendi.

Chad Charman joined Vertech in March of 2010. Chad brings 19 years of experience in the controls industry, 14 years of total technical experience, and 5 years of Project Management to our Team. Chad holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Architectural & Civil Design. Chad’s technical experience includes UL 508A Knowledge Solutions in Industrial Control Panels and Short-Circuit Current Ratings, NFPA 70E Standards for Electrical Safety, Process & Instrumentation Design, complete electrical design for Industrial Control Panels, HMI & SCADA development, PLC programming, and Instrumentation Calibration. Since entering the industrial controls field, Chad has worked in a variety of industries including Water and Waste Water, Industrial Process Control, Power Industries, Mining, and Material Handling.

Chad joined Vertech in May of 2017 as a Control Systems Engineer. He has designed and commissioned SCADA systems for renewable energy sites (PV and BESS) across the United States. He has earned a BSE from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ and his technical skills include PLC Programming, SCADA Design, and database design.

He was awarded the Inductive Automation Firebrand Award for his work with SB Energy in delivering an enterprise level SCADA project that acquires, consolidates, and validates data from their fleet of PV and BESS sites in real time.

David Folkner is an eager learner who has spent time becoming well versed in many aspects of industrial data and improvement. As an engineer, he specialized in algorithm development, industrial failure model applications, data science, MES/BMS applications, and sensor design (for which he has 10 U.S. patents). After starting his own integration firm primarily focused on data analytics, David happily joined Vertech to bring his experience and general technical knowledge to provide clients with the best overall solution for their needs. David is an avid ultimate frisbee player, cook, bartender, and dad.

Jeff Cox joined Vertech in December of 2023. He embarked on his professional journey shortly after high school and boasts over 30 years of experience in the controls and automation industry. His expertise lies in Variable Frequency Drive applications, and he has earned several certificates for factory-certified startup and commissioning throughout his career. Jeff eagerly anticipates further growth opportunities and the chance to assist others in their professional development.  

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time camping, hiking, and embracing the outdoors with his family and dogs. After enduring 35 years of gray clouds, rain, and freezing winters in the Pacific Northwest, he decided it was time to transition to sunnier skies and warmer weather. Jeff moved to Phoenix, Arizona to manage Vertech’s Panel Shop.  

In his role as Shop Manager, Jeff oversees and manages the production of Vertech's UL508 Industrial Control Panels. He holds UL508 certification as one of Vertech's MTRs (Manufacturing Technical Reps), ensuring adherence to quality standards. Additionally, he coordinates daily activities between warehouse staff and production to facilitate smooth, successful product and material handoffs.

Joe Kaufman began his career in automation and controls in 1999. He has served in multiple roles including startup/commissioning engineer, manufacturing management, project management, estimating, sales, and resource management. His project portfolio includes Water/Wastewater, Mining, Renewable Energy, Food and Beverage, and other markets. Joe leverages this breadth of experience towards an improved understanding of the client’s goals, resulting in project successes. 

Kelly Colligan joined Vertech in 2023, bringing with her over a decade of experience in controls engineering. With an extensive background in the Oil and Gas industry, Kelly is driven by a profound commitment to leveraging data analysis as the compass guiding business decisions in the realms of safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Her expertise includes Honeywell DCS systems, OSI Soft PI, and a knack for crafting intuitive UI designs in HMIWeb and GUS. In the manufacturing domain, Kelly has led the charge on transformative projects such as the implementation of plantwide MES systems, custom applications, streamlining OEE and downtime tracking, and automating batch processes. Her passion lies in solving intricate technical challenges and nurturing the growth of her fellow teammates.  

Beyond the confines of the office, Kelly's adventurous spirit shines. She can often be found hiking rocky paths and carving through fresh powder in the Wasatch mountains. When not conquering the great outdoors, she's burning rubber at the nearby motorsports campus or channeling her energy into creative home improvement projects.

Kevin Smith has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of industrial automation, including 14 years working with Rockwell Automation. Kevin has designed and programmed many automated systems. He has worked with most PLCs, DCSs, and HMIs. He has commissioned systems throughout the US and overseas in a wide variety of industries, including Pharmaceuticals, Water, Oil & Gas, Rubber, and Automotive. In his current role, Kevin enjoys collaborating with clients to find automation solutions to business problems.

Kris Grindstaff joined Vertech in July of 2011 and serves as Director of IT/OT, spearheading strategic initiatives in network and cybersecurity design and implementation for industrial networks. His proficiency extends to troubleshooting switches, firewalls, routers, and industrial devices, ensuring optimal performance.  

Additionally, Kris excels in server administration, utilizing advanced server virtualization technologies to enhance operational efficiency. He possesses a keen eye for cloud infrastructure design and implementation, accompanied by a thorough understanding of cloud security architecture. Kris is adept at conducting network and security assessments and integrating SCADA systems. Kris oversees the monitoring and maintenance of client networks and security to ensure client satisfaction, demonstrating his dedication to upholding the highest levels of security and reliability through compliance with industry standards such as NERC CIP, NIST ICS, IEC 62443, and ISO 27001.

Lee Smith is responsible for all things people, including managing an amazing culture, developing and maintaining policy that makes people, financial, and business sense, managing talent acquisition, development, and performance, and managing our total rewards. The intersection of where people and business decisions are made is where HR thrives. Lee received his bachelor’s from NAU in Business Management in 2007 and has experience in HR, Accounting and Finance, and Talent Acquisition in various industries.    

Outside of work, Lee loves spending time with his wife and three daughters, building a real estate empire, and actively serving in his church. To relax, he reads non-fiction books on leadership, spiritual development, and real estate investing.

Matt joined Vertech in 2025 as Director of Sales Marketing. He's responsible for setting the commercial engagement strategy for the organization and supporting the business development team, marketing team, and proposal/estimation group. With a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Management & Technology, Matt spent his early career in manufacturing and automation as a hands-on engineer, later shifting to sales and leadership roles. He's worked in a variety of technology spaces, including robotics, motion control, industrial networking, machine vision and process instrumentation. He's previously held roles as VP of Sales, President, and CEO in various private and public companies.

Outside of work, Matt loves spending time with his wife (Jennie) in the outdoors, camping, hiking, boating, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. He also keeps his inner teenager alive by playing drums in a classic rock cover band.

Matthew Buchan is an Air Force veteran who joined Vertech in 2021. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and has a robust background in designing, deploying, and managing both on-premises and cloud resources to optimize organizational productivity. His proficiency includes domain systems, Azure, Microsoft 365, networking, virtualization, and security. His collaborative leadership style fosters a team-oriented environment where innovation and continuous improvement are prioritized.

Michelle is based in Seattle, WA. She has 20 years of experience in Industrial Automation and enjoys working with new clients and helping them through their Automation and MES journeys. Michelle currently maintains a nationwide territory with a focus on Food and Beverage and Manufacturing verticals.    

Outside of the office, Michelle is an avid ‘northwesterner’ – she enjoys working in her garden, adventuring around the Pacific Northwest, and following her boys through their sports and activities.

Nick Schuetz joined Vertech in 2020 as an Industrial Programmer. With experience across SCADA and MES, he prioritizes building solutions that maximize business value by providing data needed to make decisions. Nick’s technical skillset includes MES design, database administration, UI design, and ERP Integration. He has implemented projects including kitchen batching, paper on glass, and multi-site MES applications. Nick is passionate about fostering collaboration and a growth mindset within his team, pushing to leverage new technologies to solve age-old industrial problems.

During his time away from work, Nick enjoys reading, watching reality tv shows, and spending time with his wife and two dogs.

Paul Warning has 17 years of industrial automation experience, primarily in process control within the food/beverage/personal healthcare industries. His technical skill set includes PLC programming, SCADA design, industrial networking, data collection, database design, reporting, and MES.  

In 2020 Paul was the winner of an Inductive Automation Firebrand Award for his work in bringing a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility online for AriZona Beverages which has the capacity to produce up to 60 million cases of product per year.  

Paul is currently working towards a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Wisconsin! Go Badgers!

Robert Simpson is entrusted with building relationships with clients and offering Vertech’s World Class Automation Services. Bob has been instrumental in Vertech’s rapid growth over the past few years. For his efforts, Bob has earned numerous Outstanding Achievement Awards. Bob moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1999 and has worked for companies doing National Sales, Regional Sales, and Inside Sales. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, golf, fishing, and spending time with his daughter doing pretty much whatever she wants to do.

Ron Smith has over 30 years of experience in the automation industry. He began his journey in the industry with the design and programming of batch weighing and metering systems. Ron has accumulated experience in a wide variety of control, OIT/HMI, and SCADA platforms as well as multiple control system network protocols and interfaces. He has provided multiple turnkey control solutions beginning with the development of project scope and then moving into system design, fabrication, programming, and commissioning.  

During his off time, Ron enjoys camping and off-roading but is a dedicated family man who does activities with his wife and two adult children.

Ross Sheffler is a seasoned Controls System Integrator with over 13 years of experience joining Vertech in December of 2019. He specializes in landfill systems, water and wastewater management, and data center projects. His expertise in controlling Building Management Systems (BMS) has been crucial in optimizing complex systems, ensuring efficiency and reliability. Known for his innovative solutions and strong problem-solving skills, Ross is a trusted professional dedicated to delivering high-quality results and staying current with technological advancements.

During his off time, Ross enjoys being with his family and going on bike rides on some of the rail trails in Western Pennsylvania.

Ryan Crownover joined Vertech in 2018 with a passion for designing and building MES solutions. He brings a breadth of experience spanning automation systems, automotive manufacturing, database administration, and computer security. Ryan’s technical skill set includes MES design, SQL architecture, UI design, industrial networking, PLC programming, software reverse engineering, and an eye for tying together business processes with available software tools. He has implemented a variety of projects ranging from single-cell control systems to plant-wide MES solutions.  

Ryan’s passion for helping others grow and world-class execution get him out of bed in the morning. When not at work, you will find Ryan woodworking, building CNC machines in his garage, and keeping his ’85 Nighthawk running. His newest hobby is aviation and plans to build the company’s first “Ver-plane” out of his garage.

Sudeep Somwanshi has vast technical and project management experience in the industrial automation industry and joined Vertech in April of 2017 as a Control Systems Engineer. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pune, India in 2012 and a Master of Science from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 2015.  

Sudeep has developed and commissioned PLC and SCADA applications for a wide variety of platforms. He has experience in multiple vertical markets like water, wastewater, manufacturing, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and power management.  

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, visiting national parks, hiking, and spending time with family.

As President of Vertech, Titus Crabb is responsible for building and maintaining corporate culture, high-level direction, and financial stability, overseeing operations. He earned a BSEE from LeTourneau University in 1993, and he is a registered professional engineer in Arizona. He holds a C-11 contractor’s license in Arizona as well. He has worked in the automation industry his entire career starting as a controls engineer developing projects in a variety of industries including semiconductor, municipal water treatment, food and beverage, durable goods manufacturing, and baggage handling.  

Outside of the office, Titus is an avid scuba diver, traveler, and outdoorsman. He channels his inner geek as a licensed ham radio operator with the call sign AF7MI and as a lover of science fiction.

Tommy Gray is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Tommy is entrusted with working with clients across various industries nationwide to build relationships and help deliver Vertech’s World Class Automation Services. He truly enjoys teaming up with clients to find automation solutions that best fit their needs. Tommy has been instrumental in Vertech’s growth, working hard in project development, team recruitment, and automation marketing. For this effort, Tommy earned the “Rookie of the Year Award” in 2019. Tommy began his professional career in law enforcement but found his calling in business development for Vertech. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, playing sports, and spending time with his family.