Meet
the Wheelhouse Detroit Crew
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Kelli Kavanaugh
Owner, Delivery Driver, Marketing Director, Tour Guide, Tour Sweeper
Kelli opened Wheelhouse in 2008 with her friend Karen and is now sole owner. She has worked as a freelance writer, in community development, and as a bartender. She's a graduate of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and University of Detroit Mercy; served as a board member of the National Bicycle Dealers Association; and helped to organize the Tour de Troit from 2005-16. She moved to Detroit in the 90’s and has two dogs, Exley the Catahoula and Buddy Guy the Foxhound.
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Joseline Hall
Manager
Joseline is a native Detroiter that loves to have fun and enjoy life. She enjoys activities like bike riding, bowling, billiards, laser tag, tennis, long walks and a lot more. She came on board to work at Wheelhouse in the Summer of 2017 through Grow Detroit’s Youth Talent Program and she has risen through the ranks to become shop manager.
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Rob Pelkey
Mechanic
Rob A.K.A. “The Big Guy” is a long term East-Sider. He rides to work 20 miles round-trip every shift and toured across North America (49 states, 10 provinces, and 3 territories!) by bicycle in the 80’s. He has a affinity for vintage Cannondales and old school accessories, loves Amish chocolate chip cookies from Eastern Market, and can literally fix any bike that comes through Wheelhouse with a creative solution (no promises).
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Linda Zelewski
Bookings Director
Linda is a free spirit who lives in the 'burbs with her husband, baby, and dog.
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Tatiana Pastor
Bookkeeper, Administrator
Tatiana lives in the Hubbard Farms/Mexicantown neighborhood with her cat, Smolz, and her old robot, Pumba. Tati earned her certification in Professional Bicycle Service from the Barnett Bicycle Institute in Colorado Springs in 2021. She’s worked in kitchens; executed independent dining pop-ups showcasing culinary love spells; folded t-shirts at a store near you; bartended at some of the City's grungiest dives; painted murals and houses; coordinated volunteers for non-profit organizations, and delivered mail for the United States Postal Service. Tat loves Wheelhouse and it’s community more than anything, though. She is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and is still trying to figure out what she wants to do when she grows up.
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Mike Darga
Tour Guide
Mike is a civil engineer with Giffels Webster who focuses on non-motorized infrastructure. He is a key organizer of route logistics for the Tour de Troit and its board chair. He leads the Auto Heritage Tour in support of the Motorcities National Heritage Area and Model T Automotive Heritage Complex
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Reg McGhee
Tour Guide
Growing up in Detroit gifted Reg with a wealth of knowledge of the city's neighborhoods, its history, and its many changes that he shares on his tours. He is familiar with the city's diverse bike culture and his many decades of cycling enables him to share helpful information on bike riding to new and experienced cyclist alike. Guiding tours at Wheelhouse perfectly combines his love of cycling with his passion for the city and its people.
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Chris Gongora
Tour guide
Chris, Wheelhouse’s Architecture tour guide, is a designer at a local architecture and development firm. He grew up in Miami, where he completed a masters degree in architecture with a focus in history, theory, and criticism. He enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for history and construction, and knows the best way to see a city is on a bike! When he isn’t working, studying or giving tours, you can find Chris enjoying long distance runs and obsessing over brick road paving.
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Blake Rogers
Tour sweeper
Blake has worked in various positions at the Wheelhouse for 10 years, including Shop Help, Shift Manager, and Tour Sweeper. He’s a native Detroiter and Wayne State grad who enjoys biking (duh), working out, and traveling whenever possible.
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Dan Masterson
Tour sweeper
Dan’s been a Tour Sweeper for Wheelhouse since 2014. He’s done a ton of long-distance touring throughout the Midwest. He was named Sierra Club’s “Green Cruiser of the Year” in 2014 in recognition of his year-round commuting as well as the numerous group rides he supports. Buy him a cigar or a Black Label to say thanks!
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Henry Ford
TOUR GUIDE, TOUR SWEEPER
Henry leads the Thursday night People for Palmer Park ride and works logistics and mechanics for Mogo Detroit Bike Share. All that on top of leading and sweeping tours for the Wheelhouse!
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Tera Holcomb
TOUR GUIDE
Tera is a tour guide, bartender, political activist, home-renovator, and gardener.