Our Team
David Watkins - President
David (we call him DW) has spent over 35 years in steel fabrication with an emphasis on large scale manufacturing. He joined our company over 8 years ago and has been one of the architects of its success. He enjoys working with people... most of the time. He has a real problem with, um we mean passion for everything BBQ. He is committed to building the highest quality products while delivering our best to our customers and the BBQ community as a whole. growing our brand, learning and growing through personal experiences as well as through collaborating with experts and the BBQ community as a whole. He is the driving force behind Steelwood Smokers and whether it's building smokers or using them, he's all in!!!!
Ashley Ellis - Customer Care Manager
Ashley is one of the most creative people you may ever meet. She handles all our artwork and design as well as production and inventory processing. Ashley will be handling customer care as our company grows. She is also an aspiring author and is currently writing a book and she's actually making great progress. Ashley has been in critical customer-focused positions throughout her career. With over 8 years of service, she brings an energy and attention to detail to her responsibilities that make her exceptional at what she does. There are times when we think her talents are endless. We look forward to everyone getting to know her better.
Juan Rodriguez - Fabrication Engineering
Juan is an exceptional person and a strong family man. He coaches soccer and devotes a lot of time to teaching and mentoring kids. He is one of our oldest team members and his track record of success is a source of great pride for our company. Juan started his career on the shop floor and as he worked his way up through different positions, he earned the respect and trust of everyone in our organization. His numerous talents will serve him well as he takes on greater challenges and responsibilities as we continue to grow.
Tyler Ellis - Production Manager
Tyler is a talented hockey player, sometimes playing multiple matches per week. He also likes to play pickup basketball with some of the guys in the shop. It depends on who you talk to if he is any good or not. Tyler has been with us for over 8 years. He has worked his way up through various positions to become our Production Manager. Tyler's work ethic is second to no one and his intelligence is equally impressive. He has earned the reputation as a guy who gets things done and he is about as solid as they come. As we continue to grow, we look forward to seeing him do the same.
Nick Romero - Fabrication Supervisor
Nick is also one of our oldest team members. He's an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He recently got to experience both his wife and his son taking down a deer. He's a dedicated father and a standup guy, although his basketball skills are also called into question at times. His level of experience, intelligence, attention to detail and high standards are what sets him apart. He is a rock in our operation and we lean on him daily. Adding to his many attributes, we will include humility. A rare quality in someone of his ability.
James Pinke - Welding Lead
James is one of the newest members on our team. In his time with our company, he has proven himself to be a master fabricator, a creative-thinker, and a team member we can rely on. His skills and talents are well utilized in his current role and as we grow, we look forward to seeing him do the same.
David Necochea - Shipping Supervisor
David (we call him Neco), is a U.S. Army Vet who joined our team in 2023. He brings strong leadership skills and a strong background in shipping and receiving to our operation. Neco is one of the most animated and positive energy guys you may ever meet. He is a solid family man with a wife and two sons. Neco loves BBQ almost as much as he loves helping people. We are very blessed to have him on our team and we are looking forward to his contributions to our future success.
Ben Rhodes - Special Projects
Ben is...well, he's Ben. He has been a part of our team for as long as we can remember. Ben is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who specialized in aircraft mechanics. He is a unique talent that questions and challenges accepted norms. He is always looking at different and better ways to approach problems and overcome obstacles. He's just the kind of guy you need on your team when you are focused on creativity and innovation. He's also the type of guy who, if he says he has your back, he has your back.