About Apollo
Since its founding in 1992 by Joel and Keersten Nichols, Apollo Design Technology, Inc. has gained a worldwide position in the
production and distribution of special effects products to the entertainment lighting industry. Establishing itself early as a
leading producer of custom gobos, the company has expanded into other related products used by lighting designers to create stimulating
visual effects for theater, corporate events, concerts, houses of worship, and architectural applications. No matter the product, the
Apollo brand is recognized as one of innovation, quality, and value always backed with the highest level of service.
As a strong supporter of the dealer business model for product distribution, Apollo's philosophy is to simply exceed its customer's
expectations in every facet of the business relationship. The owners maintain a culture and invest in the people and the processes necessary
to support their core belief that mutual success depends on building strong dealer relationships and end user satisfaction.
Dealer Support Staff
Apollo Design Technology has been fortunate to attract an outstanding group of professionals. It is the
combined talents of the Apollo employees that produce the synergy that is the core of Apollo's success.
Listed below are the Apollo representatives that interact on a daily basis with the Apollo dealer network.
Receptionist:
Kathy Yarrington is the first contact for anyone calling into the Apollo facility. Kathy is knowledgeable
about the responsibilities and whereabouts of everyone on the Apollo staff. She will direct your call to
the person best suited to assist you.
Sales and Service:
Gary Hobbs is the Inside Sales Manager. He is in charge of the inside sales and service representatives, and oversees
the day-to-day operations of the sales department. All artwork should be emailed to
sales@apollodesign.net for prompt attention.
Mary, Kim, Scott, Brett, Rachel, David, Mary Beth, Ben, and Carol are your
inside sales and service representatives. They are here from 8 am to 7 pm to accept and schedule
your orders into production.
Mary Harrison
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Kim Reece
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Scott Young
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Brett Zellers
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Rachel Arroyo
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David Premer
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Mary Beth Herendeen
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Ben Porter
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Carol Robison
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Karri Feighner
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Chris Stephan
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Human Resources:
Michelle Surine (MSurine@apollodesign.net) is the Human Resources Assistant. She is the person to contact if you are interested in coming to work for Apollo.
Marketing Group:
Monty McWilliams (MMcWilliams@apollodesign.net) is the VP of Marketing. Monty directs all activities of the
marketing team with the goal of presenting, building, and maintaining a positive image for the Apollo brand.
Melissa Irk (MIrk@apollodesign.net) is Apollo's Marketing Specialist. Melissa is
involved in recommending, developing and implementing marketing tools and programs to Apollo's
targeted markets as well as supporting our dealer network.
Keith Kankovsky (KKankovsky@apollodesign.net) oversees who becomes an authorized Apollo
dealer. Having the highest quality dealer network in the industry is important to us... so be nice to him.
Rich Dale (RDale@apollodesign.net) is the Lighting Design Representative for Apollo. Rich travels the
country identifying and maintaining contact with lighting designers and educating lighting professionals on Apollo products.
Rita LeFavour (RLeFavour@apollodesign.net) is the Senior Account Executive within the marketing group.
She travels the country visiting authorized Apollo dealers, educating them on Apollo products, cultivating
additional opportunities, and spreading good cheer.
Milad Khouli (MKhouli@apollodesign.net) is the Senior Executive - International Sales. He travels the globe
identifying and pursuing international business opportunities.
K.C. Hooper (KCHooper@apollodesign.net) is the Product Specialist for Apollo. K.C. provides both
creative and technical product support in a variety of environments, including to Apollo's network of dealers.
Melissa Sheehan (MSheehan@apollodesign.net) is the Marketing Assistant. Melissa assists in implementing
marketing projects and programs.
Technical Development:
Jeff Mateer
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Gary Kuntz
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Jeff Mateer and Gary Kuntz are part of Apollo's Technical Development Department, focusing on product engineering.
They take care of troubleshooting, maintenance, product development and technical support on a day to day basis.
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Accounting:
Colleen Firestine is Apollo's Chief Financial officer, Apollo's last line of fiscal defense.
Brenda Walters, the friendliest bill collector in the industry, manages Apollo's accounts receivable.
The Owners:
Apollo Design Technology is proudly owned by Joel & Keersten Nichols. Their ambition to realize the American
dream has not only enriched their lives but has offered the knock of opportunity to Apollo's dedicated
staff and provided a much-needed alternative for those in the lighting industry.
Apollo:
Yes, Apollo is a real horse. Totally oblivious that the company is named after him, he goes about his
daily activities without a thought about the hard work that goes on in the office. He has spent the
last several years at the Nichols' home, providing enjoyment and stress relief.