Meet Our Team

Tyler Sulzberger has been at the helm with Ascent since its inception in November 2016, when he started Ascent Professional Staffing as a majority owner. As the business evolved, Tyler saw a tremendous opportunity to transform the existing business from a staffing company to Ascent Pro Support, a full-service emergency roadside service call center supporting the world’s largest tire company! In two short years, Ascent’s team has grown nearly 400%, from around 50 employees to over 200! Prior to Ascent, Tyler invested in a family business serving as co-owner and Vice President of SulzCo, LLC., a Muscatine-based excavating company. Tyler also served in a Tax Accountant role with Transamerica Life Insurance for 2 years. Tyler, a native Iowan born and raised in Muscatine, received his A.S. in Accounting from Muscatine Community College and B.S. in Accounting from Iowa State University graduating with honors.

Tim Sulzberger is our Vice President of Partner Solutions and joined Ascent Professional Staffing in 2017. Tim was instrumental in growing Ascent’s staffing business and transitioning the business to an in-house emergency road service, rebranded as Ascent Pro Support. Prior to Ascent, Tim spent 30 years at Bridgestone where he was Manager, Global Dealer Support, responsible for promoting and protecting the Bandag retread brand. He spent several years travelling in S.E. Asia, training Technical Service Reps and developing a support infrastructure for Bandag retread franchises. Tim also held positions in IT Service Management & Security, Quality Management, and Technical Training. Tim has been a Board Member for Historic Muscatine, Inc, and co-owner of T&M Charters in Tortola, BVI. Tim’s hobbies include blue water sailing, photography, genealogy, drones, and his grandchildren.

Barry Pence is our Director or Human Resources and joined Ascent in 2022. Barry is responsible for leading our HR and admin support for the business in all aspects of personnel management including recruiting, employee engagement, workforce analytics, performance leadership, and strategy development. Barry graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a B.A. and received his MBA from the University of Iowa in 2001. He brings over 25 years of management experience in human resources, marketing, and customer service. Barry is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and has been an Adjunct at Muscatine Community College in Muscatine. Barry lives in Muscatine with his wife and two kids and outside of work he enjoys cooking, hunting & fishing, and entertaining family and friends.

Shannon Paulson is our Director of Customer Support and joined Ascent in 2020. Shannon is responsible for the overall direction of the ERS program(s). Shannon develops service level standards focused on reducing cost while increasing customer satisfaction. She analyzes and reports on performance metrics. Shannon likes being able to help individuals learn, develop, and grow in their roles. She also enjoys seeing the business continually evolve and improve. Prior to Ascent, Shannon worked 15 years at Bridgestone where she was an ERS agent, billing specialist, process specialist, trainer, and supervisor. She is originally from Waterford, WI and currently lives in Wapello, IA with her husband Dane. Shannon has a BS in Elementary Education from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2005) and an MBA from University of Iowa – Tippie School of Management (2014).

Amy Quiroz is our Technical Solutions Training Manager and joined Ascent in 2017. Amy determines processes and training needs for the ERS group and develops the LMS curriculum for new hires. She also helps manage REACH support tickets and provide REACH demos for new fleets and dealers. Amy likes being able to participate in user acceptance testing for new features & software. She also enjoys helping determine our processes and what works best for our team. She likes helping Bridgestone Fleets and Dealers set up their portals to see how they utilize REACH differently than ERS. In her free time, she likes to crochet, work on Cricut projects, and watch movies. In her tenure at Bridgestone in ERS she dispatched for about 10 years and assisted with Training.

Anne Brockert is our HR Coordinator and joined Ascent in 2017. Anne efficiently oversees the home office operations, manages end-to-end recruiting and hiring processes, facilitates seamless onboarding for new team members, and ensures the smooth functioning of our HRIS. Her support extends across all departments, contributing to the overall success of our organization. Prior to her role as HR Coordinator, Anne served as the Office Assistant at Ascent, Billing Clerk for ERS at Bridgestone-Bandag, and diverse roles at Walmart, Goodwill, Fareway, and the Army National Guard at Middletown, IA, Jefferson City, MO, and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Anne graduated from Mediapolis High School in 1998, earned her Associate’s from Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO in 2000, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Management in 2003 from the University of Central Missouri. Anne’s wealth of experience and educational achievements make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Jan Beinke is our HR Generalist and joined Ascent in 2021. Jan coordinates our benefits program, administers FMLA, completes all I-9’s, and assists with onboarding all new employees. Jan enjoys working with all the people at Ascent and the variety in her job. Prior to Ascent, Jan worked for Bandag for 22 years, Elder Implement John Deere dealership for 3 years, and Stanley Consultants for 10 years. Jan has two sons who are both married, two grandsons, and her Boxer, Mac. She volunteers at the Ag Center with a program called Riding for Success for disabled children who learn all about horses and ride the horses while being lead around the ring. She also enjoys planting flowers, working in the yard, and travel.

Sean Arnold is our Accounting Manager and joined Ascent in 2021. Sean is responsible for all things Accounting, except annual corporate tax returns. Sean likes performing all aspects of Accounting so he can see the big picture, see trends, and advise management of opportunities for improvement. Prior to Ascent Sean held positions as data analyst for a federal contractor, accounting manager for a furniture company, board treasurer for a non-profit, and financial analyst for an agricultural manufacturing company. Sean has a 23-year-old son and two needy cats. His hobbies include gaming (video and tabletop), collecting intriguing antique hardcover books, coffee, and single-malt scotch. Once per year he volunteers to assist with a fundraising event at Burlington Notre Dame school in Burlington, IA.

Pam Hunter is one of our Customer Support Managers and joined Ascent in 2020. She monitors ERS systems to ensure effective and efficient operations; and leads, develops, and mentors ERS Success Coaches and Agents. Her responsibilities include ensuring full adherence to ERS processes and policies, aiding in resolving disputes between customers and service providers, ensuring all calls are handled in a professional and timely manner, and managing ERS staffing. She enjoys the fact that Ascent has grown so much, and we have such a wonderful group of employees from multiple states. Prior to Ascent, Pam worked for Bridgestone/Bandag for 15 years. Pam loves to read and spend time with her sisters. “We have a great group of admin staff, and the work environment is wonderful.”

Alissia Smith is one of our Customer Support Managers and joined Ascent in 2020. She helps Ascent create positive customer service experiences through all ERS services and demonstrates commitment to achieving ERS vision and goals. Alissia likes to learn and grow to provide guidance to help everyone on our team and loves seeing the teamwork of our agents in service events and Teams communications. Prior to Ascent, Alissia worked in ERS for Bridgestone/Bandag for 14 years as ERS Process Specialist and Customer Service Manager.

Collin McDaniel is a Success Coach who joined Ascent in 2018. As a Success Coach, he helps guide and advise Ascent’s agents and encourages them to continually improve themselves to provide a better customer experience. Collin actively monitors all ERS systems and agent performance to ensure that Ascent’s high standard of customer service is continually being met. Collin enjoys providing agents with answers to their questions and finds satisfaction in watching them become better versions of themselves as a result. Collin’s hobbies include spending time with his family, spending time outdoors, and spending time with his high-maintenance Siberian husky.

Chrisy Burdick is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2017. Chrisy helps agents by providing them with support and coaching. Her responsibilities include monitoring events and agent performance to ensure adherence to ERS processes and policies, collecting data from reports to provide positive feedback, troubleshooting, and is a point of contact for when agents have questions or need guidance. She enjoys helping agents learn and grow and considers it rewarding when an agent is successful and has a confident grasp of ERS. In her free time, Chrisy likes to watch movies and TV shows, antiquing, and spend time with her husband. “Ascent is a great place to work, the admin staff is fantastic and supportive, and everyone is passionate about their role with the company.”

Sandi Jones is one of the Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2020. She mentors and assists Ascent ERS employees with day-to-day operations, providing positive direction and assistance to ensure they adhere to all current guidelines to obtain the best customer service for our clients. Sandi enjoys learning new processes and assisting others with learning and continued growth within our company. Sandi loves the family-oriented atmosphere that Ascent provides. Prior to Ascent, Sandi worked in the ERS department for Bridgestone/Bandag for 3 years as an ERS/ENS Agent. Sandi enjoys working on puzzles, diamond painting, and spending time with her family.

Nicole Carl is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2020. She assists Ascent ERS agents with their day-to-day processes, providing positive direction and directives to ensure they provide optimal customer service for our clients. Nicole enjoys learning new processes and assisting others with their learning and continued growth within our company. Nicole loves the family-oriented team atmosphere that has been Ascent from the beginning. Prior to Ascent, Nicole worked in the ERS department for Bridgestone/Bandag for 5 years as an ERS/ENS Agent. Nicole loves spending time with her fur babies, reading and doing crafts. “We have a wonderful group of admin staff that genuinely care about their staff and co-workers.”

Rachel Paris is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2017. She assists Ascent ERS employees with their day-to-day processes, providing positive direction and directives to ensure they adhere to all current guidelines to obtain optimal customer service for our clients. Rachel enjoys learning, helping others, and knowing not every day is the same. Always something new happening at Ascent! In her free time, she likes to travel, CrossFit, and spend time with her family.

Alyssa Eady is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2022. She assists Ascent ERS employees with their day-to-day processes, providing positive direction and directives to ensure agents adhere to all current guidelines to obtain optimal customer service for our clients. Alyssa started as dispatching for one of our large, specialized fleets before moving to ENS, just before joining the Success Coach team. Alyssa enjoys helping others, problem solving, and the overall teamwork! Alyssa lives with her husband and daughter in SE GA. She loves spending time with her family, going out on the boat, and reading.

Megan Van Gundy is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2021. She assists Ascent ERS employees with their day-to-day processes, providing positive direction and directives to ensure they adhere to all current guidelines to obtain optimal customer service for our clients. Megan enjoys learning new processes and assisting others reaching their full potential and thrive. Megan loves the caring team atmosphere that truly makes Ascent shine. Prior to Ascent, Megan worked as a CNA for years, and in other customer service roles. Megan loves to spend time making memories with her family, treating everyday as a new adventure and gift.

Venesa Ramos is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2017. She assists Ascent ERS employees with their day-to-day processes, providing positive direction and directives to ensure they adhere to all current guidelines to obtain optimal customer service for our clients.

Caleb Rethemeyer is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2022. He assists Ascent ERS employees with their day-to-day processes, providing positive direction and directives to ensure they adhere to all current guidelines to obtain optimal customer service for our clients. Caleb started as dispatching for one of our large, specialized fleets before moving to ENS, just before joining the Success Coach team in 2023. Prior to joining Ascent, Caleb spent close to five years in customer service/call center roles, working time spent working for three Fortune 500 companies. Caleb resides in NW Missouri and his hobbies and interests include playing video games, watching anime, and spending time with family, friends, and his cats Milo and Oliver.

Chante Waltors is one of our Success Coaches and joined Ascent in 2022. She mentors and assists Ascent ERS employees with day-to-day operations, providing positive direction and assistance to ensure they adhere to all current guidelines to obtain the best customer service for our clients. Chante enjoys learning new processes and assisting others with learning and continued growth within our company. Chante started as dispatching for one of our large, specialized fleets before moving to ENS, just before joining the Success Coach team in 2023. Chante’s work experience includes over seven years of call center and customer support experience with five in supervisory roles. Chante’s hobbies and interests are doing arts and crafts with the family, shopping, trying new foods, cosmetology, listening to music, and decorating homes. Chante resides in Central Oklahoma with her family.

Morgan is one of our Technical Solutions Trainers and joined Ascent in 2021. She provides instructor-led training to all of our Call Center Agents on Bridgestone’s event management platform (REACH). She also provides virtual and on-site training to commercial Fleets, Dealers, and Call Centers. Her job duties include technical support to all Bridgestone event management platform users, including participating in User Acceptance Training for software upgrades, and other duties as assigned. Prior to joining Ascent, Morgan worked in Customer Service and Retail Management for 9 years and is a Licensed Esthetician. She lives in Iowa with her boyfriend, their daughter, 2 dogs, and 2 cats. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, playing darts, and reading.

Angela is one of our Technical Solutions Trainers and joined Ascent in 2023. She provides instructor-led training to all of our Call Center Agents on Bridgestone’s event management platform (REACH). She also provides virtual and on-site training to commercial Fleets, Dealers, and Call Centers. Her job duties include technical support to all Bridgestone event management platform users, including participating in User Acceptance Training for software upgrades, and other duties as assigned. Prior to joining Ascent, Angela spent 18 years in various customer service and dispatching positions, including owning a Pest Control company. In her spare time, she enjoys singing in her band and spending quality time with her daughter, friends, and family.

Brennan Alexander is one of our Technical Solutions Trainers and joined Ascent in 2018. He provides instructor-led training for all our Call Center Agents on Bridgestone’s event management platform (Reach). He also provides virtual and on-site training to commercial Fleets, Dealers, and Call Centers. His job duties include technical support to all Bridgestone event management platform users, including participating in User Acceptance Training for software upgrades, and other duties as assigned. Prior to Ascent, Brennan spent 1.5 years in customer service as an Assistant Manager in the fast-food business. In his spare time, Brennan enjoys video games, bowling, watching movies, and hanging out with his fiancé, friends, and family.

Jessica is our Instructional Designer/Course Creation Specialist and joined Ascent in 2022. She collaborates with the training team and ERS managers to conceptualize, develop, and maintain an array of training materials for agents, dealers, and call centers. Additionally, Jessica is responsible for creating and maintaining courses within our Learning Management System, the online platform used for training agents. She earned her Bachelor’s (Biology), Master’s (Teaching), and Education Specialist (K-12 Leadership & Administration) degrees all from the University of Central Missouri. Prior to Ascent, Jessica spent 8 years teaching middle school Science. She lives near Kansas City with her husband and two daughters, and enjoys reading, going to the gym, and exploring new places with family in her free time.

Meet Mac, the four-legged dynamo bringing a punch of joy to our office space! With a coat as sleek as a champion’s robe and a bark that echoes through the halls like a triumphant victory, Mac is not your average office pet – he’s a knockout addition to our team. When he’s not busy sparring with chew toys or practicing his paw-jab combos, you can catch Mac lounging by the water cooler, charming coworkers with his puppy-dog eyes. Despite his tough exterior, Mac is a softie at heart, always ready to offer a paw shake or a cuddle session during those stressful deadlines. With Mac on our side, every workday feels like a winning round, and his tail-wagging enthusiasm is the perfect morale boost. So, if you hear the faint sound of a collar jingling and see a blur of fawn fur streaking past your desk, you’ll know Mac is on a mission to spread smiles and tail-wags throughout the office!