Meet Our Team

Tyler Sulzberger founded Ascent in 2016 and has led the company through every stage of its growth—from a specialized staffing provider into the modern, full-service customer support organization it is today. His vision, adaptability, and operational discipline have shaped Ascent Pro Support’s reputation as a reliable partner for large, complex fleet and dealer networks.

Prior to launching Ascent, Tyler served as Corporate Tax Accountant with Transamerica and later as co-owner and Vice President of SulzCo, LLC., an excavating and site-work company based in Muscatine, Iowa. His background blends financial acumen with hands-on operational experience—skills that have proven invaluable as Ascent expanded into a nationwide remote workforce model.

A native of Muscatine, Tyler graduated with honors from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Accounting. He lives in Muscatine with his wife and two children. When he’s not working, you’ll find him boating on the Mississippi River, hiking, or staying active with CrossFit.

Tyler remains deeply invested in Ascent’s mission: building high-quality teams, solving operational challenges, and helping partners deliver exceptional experiences to the customers who rely on them.

Shannon Paulson joined Ascent Pro Support in 2020 and leads the strategic direction of our Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) programs. In her role, she oversees service delivery, operational standards, and the performance frameworks that ensure our teams meet—and exceed—client expectations.

Shannon is passionate about developing people. She’s known for her ability to coach, mentor, and empower team members as they grow into new roles and responsibilities. She also brings a strong analytical mindset, using performance data to improve efficiency, elevate customer satisfaction, and support Ascent’s continuous evolution.

Before joining Ascent, Shannon spent 15 years with Bridgestone, where she served in positions spanning ERS agent, billing specialist, process specialist, trainer, and supervisor. This extensive hands-on experience gives her a deep understanding of the ERS environment and the operational challenges fleet clients face every day.

Originally from Waterford, Wisconsin, Shannon now lives in Wapello, Iowa with her husband, Dane. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business.

Barry Pence joined Ascent Pro Support in 2022 and leads all aspects of our Human Resources and administrative operations. He oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance leadership, and workforce planning—ensuring the people, culture, and structure of Ascent support the continued growth of the business.

With more than 25 years of management experience across human resources, marketing, and customer service, Barry brings a seasoned and well-rounded perspective to the organization. His approach blends strategic thinking with a strong commitment to employee development, helping create an environment where teams feel supported, empowered, and set up for success.

Barry holds a B.A. from Iowa Wesleyan College and an MBA from the University of Iowa (2001). He is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and has served as an adjunct instructor at Muscatine Community College, contributing his expertise to the next generation of professionals.

A long-time Muscatine resident, Barry lives in the community with his wife and two children. Outside of the office, he enjoys cooking, hunting, fishing, and hosting gatherings for family and friends.

Anne Brockert joined Ascent Pro Support in 2017 and plays a central role in keeping our home office and HR operations running smoothly. She oversees day-to-day administrative functions, leads full-cycle recruiting and hiring, and manages onboarding for new team members. Anne also maintains Ascent’s HRIS and provides cross-departmental support that helps keep the organization aligned, efficient, and moving forward.

Anne brings a diverse professional background that spans office administration, billing, retail leadership, and military service. Before stepping into her current role, she served as Ascent’s Office Assistant and previously worked as an ERS Billing Clerk at Bridgestone–Bandag. Her experience also includes positions with Walmart, Goodwill, and Fareway, as well as service in the Army National Guard in Middletown, IA; Jefferson City, MO; and Fort Leonard Wood, MO.

A 1998 graduate of Mediapolis High School, Anne went on to earn her Associate’s degree from Wentworth Military Academy in 2000 and her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Central Missouri in 2003.

Dependable, detail-oriented, and dedicated to helping others succeed, Anne is an invaluable part of the Ascent team.

Sean Arnold joined Ascent Pro Support in 2021 and leads all day-to-day accounting operations for the organization. He oversees financial reporting, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll accounting, and month-end close processes—providing the clear financial insights needed to guide sound decision-making across the business. Sean enjoys working across the entire accounting function because it allows him to understand the full financial picture, identify trends, and advise leadership on opportunities for improvement.

Sean brings a broad and well-rounded background in finance and data analysis. Prior to joining Ascent, he served as a data analyst for a federal contractor, accounting manager for a furniture manufacturer, financial analyst for an agricultural manufacturing company, and board treasurer for a non-profit organization. His blend of analytical skill and operational experience helps ensure Ascent maintains strong financial discipline and transparency.

Outside of work, Sean enjoys gaming (both tabletop and video), collecting unique antique hardcover books, exploring great coffee, and appreciating single-malt scotch. He has a 23-year-old son, two very demanding cats, and volunteers annually to support a major fundraising event for Burlington Notre Dame School in Burlington, Iowa.

Pam Hunter joined Ascent Pro Support in 2020 and serves as one of our Customer Support Managers, overseeing daily operations within the Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) program. She monitors ERS systems to ensure efficient performance, leads and develops Success Coaches and Agents, and ensures teams consistently follow established processes and policies. Pam also plays a key role in staffing coordination, dispute resolution, and maintaining our commitment to delivering timely, professional customer support.

Pam is passionate about team development and takes pride in helping agents grow into confident, capable professionals. She loves being part of a rapidly growing organization with employees across multiple states, and she values the supportive, collaborative environment that has become central to Ascent’s culture.

Before joining Ascent, Pam spent 15 years with Bridgestone/Bandag in roles that provided her with deep industry insight and hands-on experience in customer and operational support.

Outside of work, Pam enjoys reading and spending time with her sisters.

Alissia Smith joined Ascent Pro Support in 2020 and serves as one of our Customer Support Managers, helping drive positive customer experiences across all Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) programs. She supports Ascent’s service vision by guiding teams, reinforcing best practices, and ensuring agents have the tools and direction needed to deliver consistent, high-quality support.

Alissia is passionate about learning and growth—both personally and as a leader. She enjoys coaching team members, sharing her knowledge, and seeing agents collaborate during service events and across Teams communications. Her ability to foster teamwork and encourage continuous improvement makes her a valuable part of Ascent’s leadership team.

Before joining Ascent, Alissia spent 14 years with Bridgestone/Bandag in ERS roles, including ERS Process Specialist and Customer Service Manager, giving her deep industry expertise and a strong foundation in operational excellence.

Collin McDaniel joined Ascent Pro Support in 2018 and serves as a Success Coach, supporting agent performance and development across the Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) program. In his role, he guides and mentors agents, helping them strengthen their skills, build confidence, and deliver the high-quality customer experience Ascent is known for.

Collin actively monitors ERS systems and agent activity to ensure service standards are consistently met. He enjoys being a resource for team members, answering questions, and seeing agents grow into stronger versions of themselves through coaching and support. His steady leadership and dedication to continuous improvement make him an important part of the Ascent team.

Outside of work, Collin enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and managing life with his energetic—and admittedly high-maintenance—Siberian Husky.

Chrisy Burdick joined Ascent Pro Support in 2017 and serves as a Success Coach, helping guide and support agents across the Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) program. She monitors service events and agent performance, ensures adherence to established processes and policies, and provides coaching that helps team members grow in skill and confidence. Chrisy is also a key point of contact for agents who need troubleshooting assistance, guidance, or clarity in their day-to-day work.

Chrisy enjoys helping agents learn, develop, and gain a strong command of ERS procedures. She finds it especially rewarding to watch agents become more successful, self-assured, and capable in their roles through consistent support and feedback.

Outside of work, Chrisy enjoys watching movies and TV shows, antiquing, and spending time with her husband. She appreciates Ascent’s supportive environment and values the dedication and passion shared by the entire administrative team.

Nicole Carl joined Ascent Pro Support in 2020 and serves as a Success Coach, supporting ERS agents with their day-to-day processes and helping ensure they deliver exceptional customer service for our clients. She provides guidance, answers questions, and reinforces best practices so agents feel confident and prepared in every service event.

Nicole enjoys learning new processes and sharing that knowledge with others. She finds fulfillment in watching team members grow, develop, and strengthen their skills within the company. Nicole also values Ascent’s family-oriented culture and the supportive atmosphere that has been part of the organization since the beginning.

Before joining Ascent, Nicole spent five years in the ERS department at Bridgestone/Bandag as an ERS/ENS Agent, gaining hands-on experience that she now uses to guide and mentor others.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her pets, reading, and crafting. She appreciates being part of a leadership team that genuinely cares about its people and is committed to helping every employee succeed.

Rachel Shoppa joined Ascent Pro Support in 2017 and serves as a Success Coach, helping guide ERS team members through their day-to-day processes and ensuring they follow current guidelines to deliver the high-quality customer service our clients expect. She provides positive direction, answers questions, and supports agents as they navigate service events and operational procedures.

Rachel enjoys learning new things, helping others grow, and the fact that no two days at Ascent are ever the same. She appreciates the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the work and the sense of teamwork that comes with it.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling, staying active with CrossFit, and spending time with her family.

Venesa Ramos joined Ascent Pro Support in 2017 and serves as a Success Coach, supporting ERS team members in their day-to-day work and ensuring they follow current guidelines to deliver exceptional customer service. She provides guidance, clarity, and positive direction to help agents navigate service events and uphold Ascent’s standards.

Venesa plays an important role in reinforcing best practices and supporting agents as they grow in skill and confidence—contributing to stronger performance across the ERS program.

Caleb Rethemeyer joined Ascent Pro Support in 2022 and serves as a Success Coach, assisting ERS team members with their day-to-day processes and ensuring they follow current guidelines to provide exceptional customer service. He offers guidance, answers questions, and reinforces best practices so agents feel supported and confident in their roles.

Caleb began his career at Ascent dispatching for one of our large specialized fleets before moving into the ENS program. His strong performance and commitment to helping others led to his promotion to the Success Coach team in 2023. Prior to joining Ascent, he spent nearly five years in customer service and call center roles, including experience with three Fortune 500 companies.

Caleb resides in northwest Missouri. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and spending time with family, friends, and his cats, Milo and Oliver.