Benjamin Wilson is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ryker Holdings, Inc., a family-owned and operated company built from the ground up. Ryker’s foundation of unwavering values and future of empowering fellow small businesses founders, individuals, and communities, is built on Ben’s vision, firm principles, and entrepreneurial drive.

In his role, Ben is responsible for formulating and leading the company’s overall growth and operational strategy. From a single electrical construction start-up (ARC American Inc.) to now a team of organized companies offering a full suite of next-generation utility construction and infrastructure services, Ben has guided the company through exceptional internal and external growth and is active on a daily basis in every key aspect of Ryker’s continued expansion, strategic operations, founder partnerships, and customer relationships.

Ben’s leadership and hands-on understanding is shaped by over two decades of in-field tradesman experience and start-up steadfastness. In 2007, Ben founded C.A. Advanced with a truck he bought at an auction for $800 dollars, a $3,000.00 credit card, and a considerable amount of risk. Based on the strength and learnings of C.A. Advanced, in 2012 Ben partnered with Reuben Eicher on founding ARC American Inc, a union utility construction contractor with a nationwide presence that grew rapidly based on strong core values, an active safety culture, a nimble and skilled workforce. These foundational businesses thrived and under Ben’s acquisition and growth strategy lead to the formulation of Ryker Holdings LLC in 2022.

When not working, Ben is spending his time with his three daughters, Clara, Gracie and Ella on their Wakarusa, IN farm.

Matthew W. Long currently serves as Chairman on the Board Of Directors for Ryker Holdings, Inc. As Chief Financial Officer of Ryker Holdings, Inc. / ARC American from August 2019 through December 2021, Matthew has deep experience in construction financial management as well as other key industries: Director of Chase Packaging since 2019, a publicly traded shell company; Interim Chief Financial Officer for Spartan Motors, Inc. a publicly traded manufacturer of specialty vehicles until their Chief Financial Officer returned from medical leave at the end of 2018;  Member of Board of Directors of Skyline Corporation serving on the Audit and Compensation Committees in 2017 and 2018 until the company was acquired in 2018; Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary of Supreme Industries, Inc. a publicly traded leading manufacturer of truck bodies and specialized commercial vehicles from April 2011 until the company was acquired in September 2017 where he played a critical role in improving the company’s profitability.

Peter T. Von Tobel currently serves on the Board Of Directors for Ryker Holdings, Inc.   As a seasoned finance specialist, Peter has over 20 years of investment banking and business consulting experience with both small-market and Fortune 500 companies. He is the founder and president of Von Tobel Growth Advisors (VTGA,) holds an MBA from Duke University where he was awarded the Certificate of Academic Excellence in the discipline of Finance, and serves on the Board of Directors for several non-profit organizations in the local area.

Chad Weldy serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Ryker Holdings, Inc.  He oversees the company’s finance, accounting, tax, treasury, risk mitigation, and information technology functions. Chad has over 27 years of construction financial management experience.  He has an innate drive for continuous improvement and stewardship of company resources through financial integrity.  His extensive experience in the utility industry and history of leading cross functional teams will help to position Ryker for strategic growth.

Chad received a B.S. in accounting and an M.B.A. from Pensacola Christian College.  He is a Certified Management Accountant and a member of the Institute of Management Accountants.  Chad is also a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional and a member of the Construction Financial Management Association.

John Cour currently serves as Vice President of Operations for Ryker Holdings. John is a Journeyman Lineman with over 28 years of experience. A dedicated leader with multiple industry certifications, John has a proven record of management, leadership development, operational success, customer relations, and team building. His experience with union halls, contracts and mergers/acquisitions has made him an asset to the executive team - while he continues to work diligently at instilling cultural values, accountability, and reliability within the Ryker organization.

Bonnie Knopf currently serves as a Director of Ryker Holdings. Bonnie has worked in the utility industry since 2013, and brings specialized experience in utility construction safety and operations. Bonnie has been instrumental in standing-up and managing multiple safety and compliance programs for teams of 900+. Her experience in Manufacturing, Business Management and Storm Restoration has contributed to the development of strong and successful systems in a fluid environment.  Her passion for family and helping others has greatly complimented the culture of the Ryker organization.