Aerial shot of a park with a little beach area.

Meet Our Staff

Verona, Wisconsin

Basement base-camp. In 1999, Ron Romens founded Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) with a small team in his home basement. His goal? To be the best of the best in the markets we serve. With over 75 years of combined experience, CRS’ team of industry consultants are committed to finding the best solutions to fit the needs and budget of each unique project. Our experts are a turn-key resource that provide the planning, design, installation, training and operational support needed to ensure success.

Offering an abundance of recreation solutions for both land and water-based projects, CRS is dedicated to providing the best service possible and building lasting relationships with each and every client. When you succeed, we succeed.

CRS’ project sales team focuses on Splashpads, playgrounds, site amenities, shade and shelter, and more, while our product sales team focuses on commercial waterfront inflatables and other water-based products and solutions. Whatever your needs and goals may be, we’re here to help. (Scroll to continue…)

Let’s have some fun. About Us Careers

Ron Romens, President

As the president of CRS, Ron is responsible for running all facets of the business. He has a proven executive management track record and over 20 years of experience in the recreation and watersports industries. Prior to founding CRS with Rich Wills in 1999, Romens was a founding member of RAVE Sports, a front-runner in the watersports industry and inventor of the water trampoline. As president, Ron has positioned CRS as a leader in the commercial recreation industry and specializes in aiding public entities through the development of water-based recreation zones from concept through completion. Under his guidance, CRS has added full design services through CRS Design and expanded its product offerings to include water inflatables, Splashpads, playgrounds, shade, shelter and other recreation amenities.

Fun Fact: CRS’ first business headquarters was located in Ron’s basement!

Rich Wills, Executive Vice President & Principal

With more than 25 years of experience in the commercial recreation and watersports industry, Rich Wills leads CRS’ New Jersey sales office and aids in running all facets of the business. Rich specializes in family entertainment and creating community spaces that enrich neighborhoods and bring people together. Through innovative product and project solutions, Rich is dedicated to developing engaging land and aquatic-based recreational amenities that maximize guest experience and generate revenue.

Fun Fact: Rich owns a 1966 Ford Mustang!

Ryan Hartberg, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

As CRS’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ryan oversees the marketing efforts for both divisions and serves as a resource for both aquatic and land-based recreation solutions. Prior to joining CRS, Ryan worked as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Purple Cow Organics where he managed all distributor and vendor relationships. He has extensive experience in sales, management, operations and marketing, giving him a valuable perspective and understanding of different types of business models, forging mutually beneficial strategic relationships and driving growth. Ryan is passionate about finding the right solutions to maximize space and enhance guest experience through proper product selection and project planning.

Fun Fact: Ryan is a classically trained pianist and played semi-pro soccer!

Nate Kilsdonk, Controller

As CRS’ Controller for the past six years, Nate is a wearer of many hats and oversees the accounting and human resources department – among many other duties. With a long-standing background in accounting and a highly organized work ethic, Nate keeps everyone at CRS on track and up to date through various financial reporting processes.

Fun Fact: Nate is not only a buttoned-up AR guru, but he also keeps the office entertained with his dry humor and by fueling the light-hearted trash talk during the annual CRS March Madness pool.

Paul Romens, Production Manager

Formerly involved in the building material and medical manufacturing industries, Paul Romens brings diverse experience, notably as an Applications Engineer. Paul’s affinity for CRS, rooted in his upbringing around the company and recreation business, led him to join as a Production Manager. Fueled by a strong background in project management and engineering, Paul oversees the construction and installation processes of our Operations Department. He ensures efficient construction and timely installation of our Splashpads, Playgrounds, Mini Golf Courses and more.

Fun Fact: Outside work, this family man with a 5-month-old son and an Australian Shepherd enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and lacrosse.

Jen Rice, WhoaZone General Manager

Jen Rice is the General Manager for WhoaZone, water-based family entertainment centers, owned and operated by Empire Recreation Management in affiliation with CRS, with 3 locations throughout the United States. Each WhoaZone location demonstrates the epitome of CRS’ offerings with features like a giant floating obstacle course, paddle crafts, floating cabanas, beach amenities and much more. Prior to joining the ERM team, Jen spent more than 12 years in operations and training leadership at Universal Orlando Resort and owned 2 Fun Bus kids fitness franchises. Jen graduated from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College with a BS in Hospitality Management.

Fun Fact: As an online instructor, Jen also leads virtual Zumba classes!

Patrick Pierce, Project Channel Sales Manager

Since Patrick joined us in 2019 as an Omaha-based Project Channel Sales Manager, he has played a crucial role in expanding our reach westward. With his help, we’ve been able to serve communities in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota – and we don’t plan to stop there! As a former Sanitary & Improvement District (SID) manager, Patrick has a solid understanding of civil engineering services as it pertains to both public and private sector clients. His passion for parks and recreation coupled with his unique skill set and expertise in construction and engineering as well as his CPSI certification make him a valuable addition to the CRS project team as it continues to broaden its reach

Fun Fact: Patrick is an avid cook and also really enjoys rugby! He started playing at age 14 and still continues to referee to this day.

Certifications: CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector)

Jeff Corniea, Senior Recreation Specialist

Based out of CRS’ Minnesota office, Jeff has over 10 years of experience in the park and recreation industry. He has established himself as an expert in the design and installation of Splashpads, water slides and pool play, in addition to dry play, resilient surfacing and site amenities. Jeff’s background in recreational play, industrial design and CAD technology allow him to understand the intent of clients, transform spaces with exciting designs and leverage the best installation techniques.

Fun Fact: Jeff is an avid outdoor person who enjoys all the recreation MN has to offer including hiking, camping, off-roading, and getting out to state parks and forests with his wife and six kids.

Certifications: CPO (Certified Pool Operator)

Brian Stracke, Recreation Specialist

Brian Stracke joined Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) in January 2018. He has more than 25 years of experience in account management and sales, and was drawn to CRS by his passion for helping communities create interactive public spaces for recreation and social engagement. Brian values building relationships with his clients as he helps them reinvigorate dated community assets with engaging, universally designed play spaces that cater to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Fun Fact: Brian coaches youth sports!

Certifications: CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector), CPO (Certified Pool Operator)

Cole Moeller, Recreation Specialist

Based in Iowa, Recreation Specialist Cole started his career with CRS after recently graduating from the University of Iowa with a Sports and Recreation Management degree, a minor in Business Management, and an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. He also brings experience serving customer needs in outdoor sports retail and service businesses. Cole is enjoying traveling the roads of Iowa getting to know the people and communities that make up his home state. He is inspired to understand their needs, so he can help them build stronger communities and create lasting memories through recreation. His motivation to serve his client’s needs combined with his passion for recreation makes Cole a great addition to the CRS team as it continues to grow.

Fun Fact: While at Iowa, Cole was a member of the Hawkeye Track and Field team where he competed in the high jump achieving a personal best of 6’10.25” or 2.09M.

Certifications: CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector)

Ashley Walker, Recreation Specialist

She might as well face it; she’s addicted to fun! With a degree in Mass Communications and minor in Marketing, Ashley Walker joined the team in May of 2023 as a Minnesota-based Recreation Specialist. As a former owner and operator of Zorbaz on the Lake restaurants, Ashley’s entrepreneurial background allows her to connect with both public and private sector clients on a personal level. With her love for the outdoors and MN state parks, Ashley will help you create memorable recreational spaces which foster inclusion, bolster excitement, and build a sense of community throughout MN and ND.

Fun Fact: This former skydiving adrenaline junkie keeps busy by chasing the northern lights with her family, coaching her daughter’s soccer team, curling, and hanging out with her golden retriever named Walleye.

Seth Westberg, Recreation Specialist

Formerly immersed in the local municipal world, Seth Westberg joined CRS to handpick recreation solutions for the northeast and northern Wisconsin regions. This outgoing Green Bay native knows this territory like the back of his hand, which allows him to create long-lasting client relationships. From Splashpads and playgrounds to disc golf courses and scenic shelters, Seth draws upon his passion and background in Forest Recreation and Urban Forestry to inspire a back-to-nature feel in every tailored project.

Fun Fact: If you found a large sum of money on the side of the street, would you find out who it belonged to? Seth would! He once found $20,000 in cash in the middle of the road and returned it to its rightful owner.

Certifications: CPRP, AFO, ISA Certified Arborist

Donna Komassa, Senior Sales Coordinator

As one of CRS’ first employees, Donna has assisted the CRS team in various capacities over the past 18 years. With experience in administration, accounting, logistics and production planning, Donna has a unique and versatile skill set that enables her to coordinate project details and logistics from concept to completion. Donna is assisted by a full-service in-house support team and plays a vital role in the success of all CRS projects.

Fun Fact: Donna loves motorcycles and fast cars!

Margaret Ryan, Sales Coordinator

Aside from offering her office mates samples of her homemade, lip-puckering wellness juices, Margaret Ryan plays an essential role in CRS project completion as a Sales Coordinator. Relocating from Omaha, NE, Margaret joined CRS in 2023 as a recent graduate from Creighton University with experience in advertising and customer communications. Margaret helps ensure our customers get the most out of their Splashpad, playground, or other community investment. She does so by collaborating and communicating with our Recreation Specialists, exclusive partners, and clients every step of the way.

Fun Fact: Ask this live music frequenter and coffee connoisseur about her latest experiment with a gluten-free recipe!

Cameron Hayko, Sales Coordinator

Driven by a background in event coordination and a degree in marketing from the University of St. Thomas, Cameron Hayko found joining CRS as a Sales Coordinator a natural fit. Character integrity is a top priority for Cameron, making him an enthusiastic advocate for customer success. He accomplishes this by enhancing client experience and facilitating design and proposal phases to ensure seamless communication for every step of each unique project. As an avid reader of Marketing Brew, Cameron stays ahead of trends and studies relevant topics to inspire his efforts at CRS.

Fun Fact: Cameron’s literary consumption doesn’t stop with Marketing Brew. Name any genre and he can tell you his latest read within the category!

David Romens, Systems Specialist

With a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Management and Master of Systems in Engineering, David joined our team as a Systems Specialist in late 2021. However, David was no stranger to CRS. Over his summer breaks from college, David worked at CRS as a product installer and watched the Verona-based business that his family built from the ground up grow and prosper. Using his CAD skills, David is the in-house playground planner for CRS and assists with business operations, sales, and project management. He’s known as “not your typical engineer” by cracking jokes in the office and reflecting his humorous spirit in his work. David shares the CRS mission to bring smiles to the faces of our clients and their guests.

Fun Fact: In his free time, David stays active. He plays for the Madison Milkmen Lacrosse Club, a semi-professional box lacrosse team, and coaches a girl’s youth lacrosse team. When he’s not outdoors, you may find him in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes.

Andy Berens, Vice President of Product Sales

Andy has been with CRS since 2012. As a former business development specialist, Andy has over 20 years of experience in sales operations, sales management and marketing. His diverse expertise gives him a valuable perspective and understanding of driving growth through proper product selection and fortifying long-term client relationships. He plays a vital role in the success of all CRS operations, providing inside sales team management and operations support, in addition to overseeing product-side marketing efforts.

Fun Fact: Andy loves to play tennis!

Bill Spencer, Senior Product Sales Specialist

Bill has been a product specialist with CRS for over nine years and plays a vital role in all CRS operations. With many years of experience in sales, Bill has a “we before me” attitude and is passionate about building lifelong relationships with clients and helping them find positive solutions for all their recreation endeavors. In addition to leading CRS’ sales squad, Bill is the office favorite when it comes to handyman help. He regularly assists with warehouse and technical operations, making him a valuable member of the CRS family.

Fun Fact: Bill enjoys martial arts and holds belts in many disciplines, including Kenpo Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, Kyokushin Karate, MMA and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is also a grandparent of 3!

Pat Whalen, Senior Product Sales Specialist

Prior to joining CRS in 2015, Pat worked as a territory sales manager in school fundraising for nearly 20 years. This extensive experience along with his desire to build customer relationships makes Pat a valuable asset in all CRS sales operations. Pat enjoys working with his clients to learn about their camp facilities and to help them discover opportunities for enhanced programming and new revenue streams.

Fun Fact: Pat is an avid sports fan and enjoys cheering on all Wisconsin Badgers sports teams!

Mike Lambe, Product Sales Specialist

Mike brings over 15 years of sales and business development experience to CRS, making him a valuable member of the Product Sales team. With extensive knowledge of the sales process, Mike enjoys serving as a resource for his clients, guiding them from the beginning stages to remaining a lifelong partner well beyond the completion of their project. He values creating meaningful recreational spaces through appropriate product selection in order to provide exciting and engaging family fun for people of all ages and abilities.

Fun Fact: Mike loves sports and you can often find him playing some hoops!

Scott Simmerman, Product Sales Specialist

“Get it done!” is Scott’s mantra, which he has carried out as one of our Product Sales Specialists after joining the team in October 2021. Ever since, he has been “getting it done” for our clients by tailoring product solutions that leave their guests with unforgettable experiences. As a member of our Product Sales team, Scott also helps build relationships with vendors, camp and campground owners, and clients alike. He is passionate about causes like disability inclusion and strives to raise awareness about CRS’ many ADA-compliant solutions.

Fun Fact: Scott is married with three children, two dogs, and one cat. He knows how to juggle and uses his sense of humor in good times and bad. Additionally, Scott is a bit of a fix-it/handyman and enjoys helping others!

Jami Noble, Product Sales Support Specialist

As primary support for the inside sales team and general support for CRS operations, Jami wears many hats. In addition to processing orders, maintaining vendor relations, operations logistics and much more, Jami also keeps CRS staff engaged through regular enrichment activities and group outings. She plays an important role in both sales operations and upholding CRS’ Serious About Fun office motto!

Fun Fact: Jami loves live music and you can often find her on stage singing with local bands at community events. She also makes a mean brandy slushy for the office holiday party!

Carrie Flesher, Product Sales Support Specialist

Carrie has been with CRS for nearly 18 years and has helped out in many capacities throughout her tenure. Today, she primarily focuses on product sales support, waterfront installation/take downs, vendor communication, logistics and much more, in addition to assisting with trade show coordination.

Fun Fact: Carrie can rap to about 80% of Ice Ice Baby!

AJ Messmer, Inside Sales Associate

“If you aren’t having fun, then you are doing it wrong,” is a motto AJ upholds and also played a part in what drew him to CRS. As an Inside Sales Associate for our product team, AJ looks forward to utilizing his dual master’s degree and experience in Technical Sales and Monetization to help bring fun to families through the commercial recreation industry. AJ helps form relationships with prospects as well as coordinate communication between existing clients and our Product Sales Specialists. He is passionate about accessibility and hopes to enlighten new and current customers about CRS’ inclusive and ADA-compliant solutions.

Fun Fact: Although a homebody by nature, AJ enjoys playing wheelchair basketball and learning new things. He was even the Head Coach for the Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team at UW-Whitewater for many years!

Karsten Knoche, Inside Sales Associate

If you ask Karsten what the foundation of a fulfilling life is, he will tell you it is health, wellness and personal well-being. As an Inside Sales Associate, Karsten practices what he preaches and helps enhance quality of life through recreation. He stays up to date on industry trends so he can help our clients transform their spaces and create immersive recreation experiences for their visitors. This UW-Eau-Claire alum taps into his service industry background and professional sales experience to connect with our clients and get to know each business on a personal level.

Fun Fact: Aside from being a sushi aficionado, Karsten also enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and cheering on his favorite basketball player, Russell Westbrook.

Joe Rhodes, Inside Sales Associate

Formerly a Sales Promoter specializing in lead generation, Joe Rhodes helps new customers discover their recreation goals with CRS as an Inside Sales Specialist. From there, he recommends solutions best suited for each unique customer to bring fun to the forefront of their business. This Madison native enjoys playing pickup basketball, tennis and pickleball, so he is well versed in dynamic recreation offerings for camps and many other business types.

Fun Fact: Touting a confident claim of being able to beat at least 95% of the population in a game of table tennis, Joe has yet to find a worthy opponent. Are you up for the challenge?

Brian DeMuynck, Design Studio Manager, Landscape Architect

With over 20 years of experience in campground design, public and private recreation design, and project management, Brian is the Design Studio Manager at CRS. He assists the entire team and its customers in all aspects of aquatic and land-based projects, including developing park master plans, Splashpads, aquatic centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, campgrounds, and more. Brian and our landscape designers are fueled by the idea that the design of a space makes a difference in how the space is perceived and how it facilitates recreation. That’s why he is dedicated to ensuring the Design Studio understands the project goals of each client to not only meet their needs, but to create well-defined recreational spaces they never thought possible that evoke happiness, are accessible, and sure to be cherished across generations.

Fun Fact: Brian is certified as a LEED AP, signifying his expertise in green building solutions. He’s also a loyal Bears fan living in Packer Country!

Stephanie Rawlins, Landscape Designer

Creating spaces that draw and engage people with the outdoors has always been Stephanie’s goal as a Landscape Designer, so pursuing CRS was a natural fit. Stephanie joined the team in October 2021 and has continued to fulfill her passion by playing a vital role in how the Design Studio by CRS brings our client’s dreams into existence through carefully crafted designs and realistic renderings. Her experience in the Landscape Architecture industry has allowed her to work with a wide range of clients over the years and her love for hiking, camping, and being outdoors gives her great insight to the wants and needs of CRS clients when designing recreational spaces.

Fun Fact: Stephanie is married with three children and a canine companion. In early 2020, she and her husband summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania!

Steven Tolle, Landscape Designer

In the fall of 2022, CRS welcomed Steven as our third in-house Landscape Designer. A solid foundation of architecture and urban planning from UW Milwaukee and experience as a Landscape Designer has shaped Steven’s keen eye for sustainable, nature-focused designs over the years. As a soon-to-be licensed Landscape Architect, Steven was drawn to the recreation destinations CRS helps our clients create. He uses his detailed CAD (Computer Aided Design) drafting and 3D modeling skills to help our clients envision these engaging community spaces in the developmental stages of our projects.

Fun Fact: As Steven says, you can never have too many boards! That’s why you can find this bilingual Wisconsin native atop a surf, snow, skate, or some other form of board in his free time.

David Reichelderfer, Waterfront Technical Services Manager

With years of experience in the recreation and hospitality industry along with a lifetime of expertise in building and repair, David Reichelderfer joined Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) in May 2018 to lead CRS’ installation and services division. Prior to CRS, David owned his own handyman business and worked as the Director of Adventures at Portofino Island Resort in Pensacola Beach, Florida, where he oversaw watersports and beach service rental operations that offered guests a variety of land and water-based activities. David oversees all of CRS’ waterfront technical services operations, including aqua park installation, takedown, cleaning and repair, while also assisting in the installation and maintenance of Splashpads, playgrounds and more!

Fun Fact: David owned his own handyman business and enjoys building wood furniture!

Jon Wills, Regional Construction & Service Manager

Based out of the New Jersey sales office, Jon serves as CRS’ Regional Construction and Service Manager for all projects on the east coast. He oversees the entire lightning detection division, coordinating service, installation and account management. As a Certified Meraki Network and Pool Operator, Jon also manages all waterfront network deployments, including aqua park and Splashpad installations and more.

Fun Fact: Jon previously worked as a forensic scientist with the New Jersey State Police!

Certifications: CPO (Certified Pool Operator), Vortex Certified Installer

Paofue Moua, Warehouse Lead

Coming from Milwaukee, WI Paofue Moua joined the CRS team in February of 2022 as our Warehouse Lead. Organization and efficiency are just a few of the many skills Paofue brings from his experience in product shipping and receiving. He understands CRS’ customer-focused business values and has helped our product shipping and receiving process go smoother at the height of our ordering season. He’s thrilled to be a part of a company that promotes fun and shares a passion for the outdoors!

Fun Fact: Aside from spending time with his fiancé and their “beautiful, fat cat” Niko, Paofue also plays professional Apex and has been signed in the pro leagues!

Andrew Speck, Construction Superintendent

A dynamic professional with a unique history, Andrew Speck joined CRS with a fervent desire for tackling challenging projects head-on. Holding accreditations like Vortex certified installer, CPO and OSHA 10, Andrew brings a wealth of expertise as a Superintendent. With a motto of “Work hard, play harder,” he embodies the spirit of perseverance and embraces creating joy through the thrill of splashpad projects. From installation, maintenance and winterization, Andrew plays an essential role in building the Splashpads and interactive water features that bring joy to communities across the Midwest.

Fun Fact: A Marine Corps bootcamp graduate, Andrew now enjoys family time with his spouse, two kids and the boss of the house, Loki the dog.

Certifications: Vortex Certified Installer

Roger Becker, Construction Superintendent

“Escape your comfort zone. It’s good for you,” Roger Becker often says. This U.S. Navy Veteran came to CRS with 5 years of experience aboard the USS Ronald Regan where Roger oversaw all repairs fabricated, welded, and completed on the vessel. Additionally, his background in managing an installation crew and the exciting nature of the job enticed Roger to join the team. As our Minnesota-based Construction Foreman, Roger oversees installation projects for splashpads, playgrounds, mini golf courses, and more. He is an essential part of ensuring our clients reach their satisfactory ribbon-cutting moment on opening day.

Fun Fact: As an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoys hunting with a bird dog because they are a friend you can always go with and they’ll never say, “maybe next time.”

Certifications: Vortex Certified Installer, CPO (Certified Pool Operator), OSHA 30 Certified