Meet Our Team at Vehicle Response Training
Jesse Ruhmann, CEO
Jesse is a fully certified EV technician with over 20 years of experience in structural collision repair and damage assessments. He also serves as a firefighter in the Twin Cities with over 19 years of dedicated service. Together with Cathy, he owned and operated an EV certified collision center for more than 8 years, focusing on electric vehicle training and EV safety training. Jesse’s collision center achieved I-Car Gold Class certification for various vehicle manufacturers, including Rivian, GM, Nissan, Corvette, Ford, Stellantis (RAM, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge), and Hyundai.
His extensive background has fueled his passion for promoting safe training and response practices for Electric Vehicles in an evolving automotive landscape. Outside of work, Jesse enjoys camping and traveling with his family, often taking trips in his International Travelall, and he is now advocating for firefighter EV training to prepare for the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles.
Aaron Sour, COO
Aaron has over 9 years of experience as a firefighter and has two years managing collision center operations, with a focus on electric vehicle training and EV safety training. He holds a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and brings over 15 years of expertise in human factors, safety management systems, quality assurance, and crew resource management, including specialized firefighter EV training.
Aaron has several publications and professional presentations that examine how emotional states affect error rates, the role of positive thinking, and generational differences in crew resource management practices. He has owned and operated small businesses for 4 years and holds both a private and UAV pilot's license. In his leisure time, Aaron enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Cathy Ruhmann, CFO
Cathy Ruhmann has over 20 years of experience in automotive and heavy-duty collision repair and operations management. She co-owned and operated a vehicle manufacturer and EV-certified collision center for more than eight years.
Cathy brings a strong emphasis on proper repair practices, operational safety, and hazard awareness. She is passionate about supporting first responders by translating industry expertise into practical, safety-focused training for incidents involving electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.
Greg Downer, VP Operations
Greg Downer has over eight years of experience managing an OEM-certified automotive and heavy-duty collision repair center. He has extensive knowledge of vehicle construction and collision repair processes across both automotive and heavy-duty platforms.
Greg is certified in high-voltage vehicle repair and served in a leadership role ensuring insurance providers understood EV safety and repair requirements. He also holds his private pilot certification and brings a structured, systems-based approach to vehicle safety training.
Mike Brasher, EV Trainer and Specialist
Mike Brasher brings more than 35 years of experience in the automotive collision repair industry to VRT. As an EV Certified Structural Repair Technician and Mechanic, Mike has owned and operated a collision repair center and served in estimator and management roles. He has taught Auto Body Repair and Welding at Century College, combining decades of hands-on industry experience with a strong commitment to practical, safety-focused training. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors 4-wheeling and riding motorcycles. When he’s indoors, you’ll likely find him enjoying music, collecting records, and restoring vintage audio equipment.
Beau Ruhmann, Heavy Duty Specialist
Beau Ruhmann has over 10 years experience as a Twin Cities firefighter. He is an automotive specialist who has completed Salvage Wire’s accredited training on the Safe Handling of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. Beau specializes in heavy duty truck chassis repair and has provided props and equipment for training on heavy truck extrications for multiple fire departments. Beau also brings over 20 years of experience as an owner/operator of his own truck business. Beau enjoys old cars, attending car shows, and spending time with family and friends in his spare time.