Reeder-Trausch Marine: Meet the Crew

Nikki has been an integral part of the Reeder Trausch team for nearly two years, currently serving as the Service, Storage, and Warranty Manager. What she cherishes most about working at RTM is the dynamic environment that keeps her engaged and motivated. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, from helping customers find solutions to representing RTM at events like the Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show.

In her free time, Nikki dedicates herself to her three wonderful kids - Harper (16), and twins Hensley and Foster (11). When not focused on work and her children, you'll often find her riding on the back of her fiancé's motorcycle or enjoying the serenity of being near water.

Nikki's taste in music is diverse, but she has a special place in her heart for rock music, especially the legendary Stevie Nicks. As for TV shows, she enjoys watching Yellowstone, NCIS, and Queen Charlotte, which add excitement to her downtime.

A perfect weekend morning for Nikki involves savoring a cup of coffee while watching football on TV. Her favorite team is none other than "Roll Tide" - a testament to her strong roots and love for successful endeavors. Nikki firmly believes in surrounding herself with other accomplished individuals as she considers their success an inspiration for her own journey.

Within the boating world, Nikki's favorite vessel is the Avalon Catalina Entertainer. This boat perfectly aligns with her personality, equipped with a built-in bar, a versatile rear bench for leisurely days on the water, and a movable footrest doubling as a cooler.

Nikki, your contributions to RTM have been nothing short of extraordinary. You've proven to be a rockstar, always dependable and willing to take on any challenge thrown your way. As one of the first faces our customers encounter, you leave a lasting impression and ensure they receive the best experience possible. Your dedication is truly appreciated, and we eagerly anticipate your future at RTM, knowing it will be filled with even greater achievements. Thank you for everything you do!

Jarid, fondly known as "BP," became a valued member of the Reeder Crew in March 2023, and his impact was felt the moment he stepped through our doors. Jarid embodies the spirit of a team player, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it's needed. Whether he's assisting customers in finding the perfect part or grilling up burgers for his fellow coworkers, Jarid is the go-to guy!

Beyond his role at work, Jarid is a proud father of three grown children. His eldest, Jordan, is on the brink of tying the knot, while his middle child, Josie, is gearing up for her 21st birthday celebration. His youngest, Jillian, is pursuing her education in Missouri. Every moment spent with his kids fills Jarid with immense pride and joy.

Jarid's true passion lies in the great outdoors. He savors every precious moment of daylight by immersing himself in outdoor activities. His love for the outdoors aligns perfectly with his top bucket list item: conquering the rugged trails of Moab in his trusty Jeep.

When it comes to entertainment, Jarid has a deep appreciation for the classics. His all-time favorite movie is none other than the timeless "Forrest Gump," and he finds solace in the soulful tunes of Pink Floyd, particularly when getting "comfortably numb." If he could step back in time and meet a historical figure, it would undoubtedly be JFK.

Jarid's personal definition of success revolves around efficiently tackling responsibilities so that he can relish stress-free moments of enjoyment. Reflecting on his journey, he wishes he could advise his past self to "slow down and take a moment to think about what you are doing." Jarid firmly believes that investing a few extra moments to do a task correctly saves time in the long run.

Jarid, you are a rockstar here at RTM. Your positive and upbeat personality creates a fantastic atmosphere for our customers and coworkers alike. We eagerly anticipate your bright future with us!  

Cherished Comrades: For Shai, the heart and soul of RTM is its people. He's deeply appreciative of the incredible camaraderie he shares with his colleagues, turning every day at work into a rewarding experience.

Beyond the Workshop: When the tools are down, you'll find Shai embracing the beauty of the great outdoors. From hunting to fishing and even hitting the greens for a round of golf, he thrives on the adventures nature has to offer.

Melodic Harmony: Shai's musical taste knows no bounds. Whether it's the rhythms of hip hop, the storytelling of rap, or the soothing vibes of country, he lets the day's mood dictate the genre. However, when the notes start playing, Kevin Gates is often leading the way.

Screen Time: Instead of tuning in to TV shows, Shai often immerses himself in the world of reading. Occasionally, he takes a detour into the world of cartoons when it's his kids turn for the remote. 

Current Literary Journey: Shai's current read is "Gunsmithing Modern Firearms." His dedication to his craft and thirst for knowledge keep him absorbed in refining his skills.

Family Fortitude: At the core of Shai's heart is his family. Together with his wife, he's celebrated 9 years of marriage, and they're the proud parents of two sets of twins: boys aged 5 and girls aged 8. Teamwork and family sports coaching are their shared passions.

 Defining Triumph: To Shai, success isn't a grand finale but rather an ongoing symphony of consistency. He believes that staying true to a steady, persistent effort is what truly matters in the pursuit of any goal.

 Memorable Boat Musings: Amid the vessels that have graced Reeder Trausch, the purple and yellow Baja takes the crown as Shai's all-time favorite. Despite not getting a chance to take it for a lake test.

Shai Garner's unwavering dedication and infectious positivity shine a bright light at RTM. With him on board, our team is further fortified, and your boats are in excellent hands. Expect nothing less than precision and care when Shai's in action, working tirelessly to ensure your vessels are at their prime. 
 

Meet the Crew: Travis Burmood

Say hello to Travis Burmood, our dedicated Service Tech who joined our team in July 2023. A husband and a father to 3 daughters, Travis juggles the exciting challenge of being a father while conquering the world of marine service. His favorite aspect of the job? Learning something new every day and being surrounded by like-minded individuals.

Before joining our team, Travis worked as a Diesel Tech for three years at Casey's. When he's not busy fixing things and keeping our operations running smoothly, he enjoys watching classic movies such as Varsity Blues and playing sports, even though he doesn't follow professional teams closely. Surprisingly, despite his handyman skills, Travis admits he's not great at woodworking, a trait that stands out in a family of skilled carpenters. On the bright side, he excels at fixing just about anything else.

Outside of work, Travis is all about family and adventure. He enjoys driving Razors, spending quality time with his kids, and exploring new and exciting dining experiences with his wife. His perfect day? One where everything goes according to plan from start to finish. In the coming years, Travis envisions himself as a team lead, passing on his knowledge and skills to future techs, ensuring the legacy of excellence continues. Travis brings a wealth of experience, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for problem-solving to our team. Say hi to him the next time you see him at the dealership!

Brian recently celebrated his one-year anniversary with RTM. Prior to joining us, he successfully ran his own business and spent many years farming. Interestingly, Brian stumbled upon his current career after becoming a customer first. He purchased a new Avalon from us and had such an incredible experience that he decided to join our crew. Now, Brian is responsible for efficiently moving boats around the dealership and delivering sold boats to customers. When it comes to moving a boat with a tractor, there's no one better than Brian. You can witness his expertise on our TikTok channel for video evidence.

What Brian loves most about working at RTM is the people. Like many others, he considers his co-workers more like family than mere colleagues. It's safe to say that we feel the same way about him. During his free time, Brian enjoys watching Purdue sports, boating, and spending quality time with his family. These aspects form the foundation of his definition of success. According to Brian, success lies in doing what makes you happy, and he believes it's up to each individual to discover that for themselves.

Aside from his hobbies, there's one thing Brian can't live without - his morning cup of coffee. When I asked him about his favorite show or movie, he humorously replied that watching anything would put him to sleep. Hopefully, with that cup of coffee in the morning, he can stay awake while pulling boats around the dealership.

In short, Brian is an incredible and highly valued employee, but more importantly, he's an exceptional person. Every day, he arrives with the same smile and energy as the day before. Your dedication to our customers and the entire staff never goes unnoticed. We sincerely appreciate all of your hard work!

Allow us to introduce you to Ray Fultz, our hardworking Lot Attendant who's been an invaluable part of the Reeder Trausch Marine family for a little over a year. Ray's journey to the RTM crew is quite unique. In 2022, he purchased a Premier Sunsation and quickly realized that working at RTM seemed like a whole lot of fun. He jokingly admits that he got tired of sitting at home and needed something exciting to do. And here, he found the perfect place to stay active and enjoy every moment of it.

Ray's favorite aspect of working at RTM is undoubtedly the people. He finds it fun, and it's the best job he's ever had. Every day, he eagerly looks forward to coming in and working with the incredible RTM team. It's the people and the vibrant atmosphere that make it all worthwhile.

Outside of his work, Ray's hobbies are as diverse as they come. He's an avid boater and a passionate angler, embracing anything that keeps him outdoors. He's even dabbled in the adrenaline-packed world of racing, particularly Outlaw figure 8 racing, where he lent a hand to the legendary Tommy St. John. Besides his adventurous side, he's a family man, sharing precious moments with his 8 grandkids and a great-grandson. He's also been happily married to Carol for 35 years, and those cherished moments together are the cornerstone of his life.

In his previous career, Ray served as a Supervisor at Viking Fabrication, where they specialized in fabricating pipes for overhead fire protection. When it comes to food, Ray's choice for a "deathrow" meal is simple but perfect - pizza from just about anywhere. In the realm of music, he's been tuning in to a lot of Jason Aldean lately. His loyalty extends to sports, where he passionately supports the Chicago Bears and is unique in supporting both IU and Purdue Basketball.

As a child, Ray aspired to be a racecar driver, inspired by the thrill of the track. If he could meet anyone in history, it would be Dale Earnhardt, also known as "The Intimidator." He admires Earnhardt for being a true badass who didn't tolerate nonsense.

And when it comes to boats, Ray's favorite at RTM is the Premier 270 Intrigue REV. This 10-foot-wide boat exudes a 1950s smokers' lounge vibe, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia.

Ray Fultz, your energy and love for life bring an exciting dynamic to our RTM crew. Your chill demeanor and easygoing personality is infectious and we enjoy every moment you are here. Thank you for your dedication and for being an essential part of our RTM Crew! 
 

Meet Scott Starnes, aka "Scotty Too Hotty", our Lot Attendant at Reeder Trausch Marine! Scott has been a valuable member of the RTM Crew for 7 months now. When asked about his decision to join the team, Scott explained that the proximity to his home was a significant factor. Additionally, he was a previous customer who visited for boat servicing and was drawn to the friendly atmosphere and culture.

One of Scott's favorite aspects of working here is the opportunity to spend time with both his coworkers and our wonderful customers. He also takes great pleasure in driving around on what he affectionately refers to as his "chariot," the John Deere.

Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending quality time with his three grandkids – two boys and one girl. He's often found working around his property and indulges in his love for boating whenever possible, surrounded by his family. He humorously notes that his grandkids visit on Fridays and tend to stay until late Sundays.

When asked about something he can't live without, Scott's quick response is pizza, with pepperoni being his favorite topping. If he had to listen to one band for the rest of his life, it would be New Country Music, and currently, he's jamming out to Jelly Roll.

Before joining the RTM Crew, Scott spent six years working in construction. He is a skilled builder and could easily give a 30-minute presentation with no advance preparation about building various things, from remodeling entire houses to constructing decks and more. 

As for his favorite season, Scott has a soft spot for fall, mainly because he gets to wear cozy hoodies. And when it comes to boats, he has a special fondness for the Porsche Orange Twin Excalibur, a stunning vessel that frequently graces our social channels.

Scott Starnes brings a wonderful mix of skills, personality, and passion to our team at Reeder Trausch Marine, making him an invaluable member of the RTM Crew. Thank you for everything you do, sir!