
About Us

Our purpose is bigger than what we build.
We don't just build products. We build possibility.
Every project is an opportunity to create value that extends far beyond the finished product. We are committed to delivering solutions that help our customers innovate, grow, and bring ambitious ideas to life. We believe thoughtful engineering, disciplined manufacturing, and strong partnerships have the power to solve complex challenges, strengthen American industry, and create new possibilities for our customers, employees, and communities.
Ideas Inspired
Craftsmanship Applied
Customers Succeed
Employees Grow
Communities Benefit
Manufacturing Advances
Meet Our Team
Get to know the people behind our success.
Frank Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Frank founded Spark Robotic with a clear goal: to make advanced automation and manufacturing technology more accessible, practical, and reliable. With more than 20 years of experience across military operations, offshore robotics, maritime automation, CNC systems, and product development, he brings a rare ability to bridge the gap between early concepts and full-scale production. Since founding Spark in 2015, Frank has led the company from a CNC automation startup into a growing engineering and contract manufacturing partner. Known for his inventive thinking, technical depth, and ability to build strong problem-solving teams, his work continues to shape Spark’s mission to help customers turn ambitious ideas into dependable, manufacturable solutions.
Travis Denley
Chief Operations Officer
Travis brings 15 years of executive leadership, financial insight, and hands-on operational experience to his role as COO at Spark Robotic. With a background spanning manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and construction, he understands how strong teams and efficient systems come together to keep production moving forward. At Spark, he focuses on supporting employees, strengthening operations, and helping drive the company’s continued growth. A proud Auburn University graduate and longtime Western North Carolina resident, he values the resourcefulness, grit, and innovation that define Spark’s Appalachian roots.
Maxwell Kirsner
Chief Engineering Officer
Maxwell leads engineering at Spark Robotic, bringing more than 20 years of experience in advanced manufacturing, automation, and machine design. In his role, he guides product development, technical strategy, and the systems that bring complex ideas to life. Max is deeply involved in the process from design through production, working closely with the team to solve challenges, improve products, and keep projects moving forward. His leadership helps Spark build thoughtful, reliable systems while supporting customers across engineering, contract manufacturing, and custom automation projects.
Timothy Crabtree
Compliance and Safety Officer
Timothy brings more than 25 years of experience in maintenance, safety, and manufacturing operations to his role as Compliance and Safety Officer at Spark Robotic. He helps lead safety programs, regulatory compliance, and risk reduction efforts that support a safer workplace and more consistent production. Known for his practical, people-first approach and strong attention to detail, Timothy helps create a work environment where safety and quality go hand in hand. His work supports Spark’s commitment to reliability, continuous improvement, and making sure every team member goes home safe at the end of the day.
Rob Eatmon
Lead Software Engineer
Rob is a software engineer with more than 10 years of experience building software for laboratory automation and autonomous vehicles. Throughout his career, he has led teams responsible for developer tools and engineering infrastructure, helping improve productivity and software quality across organizations. As Lead Software Engineer at Spark, he oversees the development of internal engineering tools and customer-facing applications. Rob enjoys creating reliable, maintainable software through disciplined development practices, with a focus on delivering intuitive user experiences and ensuring quality through automated, repeatable testing.
Oliver Henry
Quality Engineer
Oliver brings over 13 years of experience in CNC manufacturing, engineering, and product development. As the head of Quality Engineering at Spark Robotic, he oversees quality systems, process development, and operational infrastructure that help drive customer success and sustainable company growth. Known for strong leadership, clear communication, and a systems-focused approach, Oliver specializes in creating scalable processes that improve efficiency, increase production capacity, and maintain the highest standards of quality. His expertise in Lean Manufacturing, CAD/CAM, quality control, and manufacturing systems helps ensure Spark continues to deliver innovative, reliable, and precision-engineered solutions while supporting long-term growth and operational excellence.
Natalie Borowicz Kirsner
Systems Administrator
Natalie brings 15 years of experience in data management, workflow optimization, and digital systems to her role as System Administrator at Spark Robotic. With a strong educational foundation in Information Technology, she has built her career around creating organized, efficient, and user-friendly systems. At Spark, Natalie helps connect technology and operations by streamlining internal processes, improving customer-facing digital experiences, and building workflows that support growth. A native Floridian now living in the Western North Carolina mountains, she brings creativity, a systems-focused mindset, and a love of continuous improvement to everything she does.
Josh Harriman
Assembly Manager
Josh brings more than 20 years of experience in management, customer service, organizational development, and human resources to his role at Spark Robotic. As Assembly Manager, he helps keep production moving smoothly by supporting his team, coordinating workflows, and ensuring each build meets Spark’s standards for quality and consistency. Known for his steady leadership, clear communication, and attention to detail, Josh plays an important role in creating an organized and collaborative production environment. His work supports Spark’s commitment to reliable craftsmanship, customer success, and continuous improvement in advanced manufacturing.
Jay Ponton
Assembly Manager
Jay brings more than 8 years of experience in manufacturing, technical assembly, management, and team leadership to his role as Assembly Manager at Spark Robotic. He supports the production of Spark’s flagship products, subassemblies, and custom manufacturing projects while helping coordinate collaboration between assembly, SMT, and electrical production. With a high-context, low-control leadership style, Jay creates systems that help his team do their best work while encouraging accountability and professional growth. His steady approach helps keep production organized, efficient, and focused on quality, supporting Spark’s ability to build consistent, innovative solutions as the company continues to grow in custom manufacturing.
Adam Wilson
Soft Goods Manager
Adam brings decades of hands-on experience, hard work, and practical problem-solving to his role as Soft Goods Manager at Spark Robotic. After serving as a Horizontal Construction Engineer in the U.S. Army, he built a broad foundation in heavy equipment, tree work, construction, powder coating, and production management. At Spark, Adam is known for his reliability, attention to quality, and commitment to improving the processes that keep production moving. A true staple of Madison County, he brings the same dedication to his work that he shows to his community and family. His steady leadership and willingness to jump in wherever needed make him an important part of Spark’s manufacturing team.
Chad Walker
Weld Shop Manager
Chad brings more than 25 years of fabrication and industrial manufacturing experience to his role as Fabrication Department Manager at Spark Robotic. Having owned and operated his own metal fabrication business, he brings a practical, hands-on understanding of what it takes to build quality products and solve challenges on the shop floor. At Spark, Chad helps guide fabrication with a focus on craftsmanship, productivity, and creative problem-solving. He is known for thinking outside the box and finding practical solutions that keep projects moving while supporting the needs of both customers and the team.
Bill Woody
SMT Lead
Bill brings 11 years of hands-on experience in electrical work, electronics repair, troubleshooting, and manufacturing. As Spark’s lead electronics technician, he plays a key role in building and improving the systems behind our circuit board production and SMT line. His practical problem-solving approach helps keep the electronics department moving with quality, consistency, and attention to detail. Bill is known for being reliable and patient, especially when working through complex technical challenges. Born and raised in Western North Carolina, he takes pride in contributing his skills to a company rooted in local craftsmanship and innovation.
Chloe Henry
Accounts and Office Manager
Chloe brings nearly 10 years of nursing experience to her role as Office Manager at Spark Robotic, giving her a strong foundation in organization, attention to detail, and supporting people in fast-paced environments. A University of Mississippi alumna, she helps keep daily business operations running smoothly through her work in accounting, bookkeeping, administrative support, and internal processes. At Spark, Chloe’s work is essential to keeping the team organized, supported, and moving forward. Her calm, dependable approach strengthens communication, consistency, and day-to-day operations across the company. Having called Mars Hill home for the past eight years, she enjoys being part of a small business that contributes to the local community and economy.
Elizabeth Riddle
Purchasing Manager
Elizabeth serves as Head of Purchasing and Logistics at Spark Robotic, where she helps keep production moving by coordinating with vendors, maintaining inventory, scheduling freight and managing shipments across the company. As one of Spark’s most tenured team members, she brings a strong understanding of the company’s processes and the many details that support day-to-day operations. With a background in education, Elizabeth brings patience, organization, and clear communication to a role that requires constant collaboration. Her ability to connect vendors, departments, and schedules helps keep Spark’s projects aligned and moving forward. A Western North Carolina native, Elizabeth brings the same steady, grounded approach to her work that reflects the region Spark calls home.
Spark Robotic is ISO 9001 certified, reflecting our commitment to quality, consistency, and continuous improvement.

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