Meet The Team

Staff

Eric Peters

Director of Operations

Eric Peters

Email: eric.peters@gbaso.org

“My skateboarding journey started in 2016 when my son Isaiah and I started learning how to skate together at GBASO. GBASO was such a welcoming and encouraging place that we caught on quickly and felt right at home. After riding for a  year or so I started to teach others that were just getting started. This led to my role as a skate coach and eventually to the head skate coach position.

I enjoy teaching kids who are stepping on their boards for the first time. Witnessing how skateboarding helps kids build confidence and self esteem, one fall at a time, is the most rewarding! I love GBASO because of its inclusivity and how it acts as a safe haven for a lot of kids and adults in our community.”

Joshua Nelson

Head Skate Coach

Email: josh.nelson@gbaso.org

Joshua is a full-time student pursuing a career as a clinical therapist in mental health. He has past success in youth development roles at the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and P.A.T.H. special needs camp in Door County, WI.

“When I was a youngster, I always hoped for a local indoor skatepark. When the new GBASO location opened many years later, I decided to get back on my board. After many lessons and hours of practice, I started making progress in the sport. By that time, I was experienced enough to coach beginners, so I volunteered to assist at skate demo events which led to my role as head skate coach. As head GBASO skateboard coach, my goal is to help new skateboarders learn skills safely and build their self-confidence by conquering their fears.”

Andrew Ross

Skate Coach (Volunteer)

Andrew Ross

“I have been skateboarding for the majority of my life and in that time, I have learned how beneficial it can be, especially for someone’s mental health. Skateboarding promotes focus and creativity and provides a sense of pure freedom and enjoyment. Because of that, I enjoy coaching and building confidence in individuals of all ages.

Outside of skateboarding, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Nicole, and my two boys, Joey and Oliver. Additionally, I enjoy playing pool and attending racing events at the track.”

Colin

Front Counter & Skate Coach

Colin

“I’m 15 years old and have been skateboarding for around 3 years. GBASO has helped show me dedication through skateboarding, along with how kind people can be. GBASO’s mission for developing the youth has truly impacted me as a person and has changed me for the better.”

Board of Directors

Jason Bartanen

GBASO Board President

Director of Industry Relations at Collision Hub

Christine Gunderson

GBASO Board Vice President

Christine has served on the GBASO Board of Directors since October 2021

When asked why she became a board member, Christine said, “GBASO is important to me because I love the magic of Skate Parks and even more, I am deeply committed to strong youth development for our local young people.”

Shea Nimocks

GBASO Board Secretary

Shea is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Appleton Marine. He has served on the GBASO Board of Directors since October 2019.

When asked why he became a board member, Shea said, “GBASO is important to me because it provides kids (and adults) with a welcoming environment for action sports all year round.  It offers a great sense of community and support to everyone.”

Paul Fruzyna

GBASO Board Treasurer

Paul is the Director of IS Americas at Schreiber Foods and Co-Chair of Sturgeon Bay Skatepark. He has served on the GBASO Board of Directors since August 2017.

When asked why GBASO is important to him, Paul said, “I grew up skateboarding and only dreamed of having an organization like this accessible to my friends and me.  It has been amazing seeing the positive impact GBASO has on our youth.  GBASO makes our community a better place and sets up our youth for success by building confidence, learning perseverance, and teaching how to overcome fears.”

Mike Pierce

GBASO Board Member

Owner of Pierce Roofing

Nicole Von Holzen

GBASO Board Member

Co-owner of GNG Technologies Wis.