Meet The Drivers
Jen Greenfelder
Jen Greenfelder is in Midwest corporate communications for Toyota and Lexus. With more than 20 years of experience in automotive mobility and materials, focusing on media relations, strategic planning, brand development, event and content management, she began her career interning for the Detroit Red Wings, while studying at Wayne State University in Detroit. After that, she held two more internships and then began her automotive career at a public relations agency, working for several automotive suppliers, the steel industry as director of automotive communications and currently at Toyota. In her free time, she loves lifting weights, running, reading, boating, skiing, and spending time with her 13-year-old daughter, family and friends.
Sam Abuelsamid
Sam Abuelsamid is VP market research at Telemetry focusing on assisted and automated driving, software, and advanced propulsion systems, Abuelsamid works with clients to help them understand emerging technology trends and shape strategies. With a BSc in mechanical engineering from Kettering University., Abuelsamid has more than two decades of experience as an automotive product development engineer. Sam has also been an automotive journalist since 2006 and a frequent speaker at transportation technology conferences and hosts the Wheel Bearings and Telemetry Transportation Daily podcasts.
Harvey Briggs
Harvey is the Editor/Publisher of Rides & Drives. He began his career as an intern at Car and Driver Magazine under the tutelage of the legendary David E. Davis, Jr. Harvey has written for a number of publications including Winding Road, Bimmerfest, 95 Octane, Automotive Map, Pursuitist, and is the on-air automotive expert for WISC TV. He is a long-time dog parent, who has been volunteering on operation Frodo since its inception in 2022.Harvey has written for a number of websites and publications, including Winding Road, Bimmerfest, 95 Octane, Automotive Map, Pursuitist, and is the on-air automotive expert for WISC TV. His first book – Rolls-Royce, Making A Legend – is on sale now. He is also president emeritus of the Midwest Automotive Media Association.
Jeff Zurschmeide
Jeff Zurschmeide is a mostly-retired automotive journalist and a serial animal rescuer. He works with Tillamook Animal Shelter in his home town of Tillamook, Oregon as a foster father for up to a dozen kittens and injured cats at a time. He also loves a good winter road trip, which is why he participates in OperationFrodo every year. Jeff says, “Animal rescue gives me back far more than I put into it, and the rewards make it a lifelong passion.”
Nik
Nik has been a staple of the American broadcasting scene since the early 90s. Nik Is best known nationally for his Fox Sports and NBC Sports, TV show and locally for his Morning show segments on 50 local stations. Nik also has a daily Radio News segment that reaches a million Americans every day. With 32 years of experience as a radio and TV host and 14 years as an automotive journalist, Nik has a witty and informative automotive perspective. Nik got his start in Radio as the #1 Portland and Seattle afternoon show. Nik was an early adopter of digital media and has been part of the YouTube landscape since 2006.
Born in England, Nik has worked for the BBC, Tribune Broadcasting, CBS, Entercom, and many more major broadcast network companies. Nik has six dogs, Porsche, Samwise, Bilbo, Frodo, Gala, and Arwen and has spent many years rescuing animals in need. Nik spends any free time he has at his house in Portland Oregon, riding his Motorcycles and working with local charitable organizations. Whenever Nik appears on TV he wears Union Jack socks. This is his tribute to his homeland.
Born in England, Nik has worked for the BBC, Tribune Broadcasting, CBS, Entercom, and many more major broadcast network companies. Nik has six dogs, Porsche, Samwise, Bilbo, Frodo, Gala, and Arwen and has spent many years rescuing animals in need. Nik spends any free time he has at his house in Portland Oregon, riding his Motorcycles and working with local charitable organizations. Whenever Nik appears on TV he wears Union Jack socks. This is his tribute to his homeland.
José Carlos De Mier
José Carlos led exciting and relevant media projects (magazines, websites, video production, TV and radio) in Spain, Mexico, South America, and the USA. Always curious, he is an expert in automotive communications, Digital and Experiential Marketing. He manages a dedicated small team of professionals devoted to Content, cultivating a growing presence in Mexico, Latin America and United States. His years of experience have only fueled his original passion. His career reached new heights through his work in magazines, TV and web for Televisa and Motorpresse in the region. “Rara avis” with experience in Media, Brands and Associations (Media Magazine association founder in México) Current outlet. www.queautocompro.com and MSN autos en Español.
Elizabeth Williams
Elizabeth is a lifelong lover of the outdoors and the Pacific Northwest. Her interest in the automotive industry led her to past positions as Product Communications Manager with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Marketing Communications for teams in the Champ Car World Series, and Fleet Management for Mercedes Benz, USA. Elizabeth currently works with clients in the wine industry and automotive manufacturers and has recently been part of the media team for the 2023 Rebelle Rally. She is based in Portland, Oregon.
Collier has a background in education and public policy and holds degrees in Political Science, International Studies, History and Spanish. She is also a mother, the president of the Texas Auto Writers Association, formerly a Landmark Commissioner and is currently an elected Trustee for Mesquite ISD.
Stewart Webb
Stewart Webb is the VP of marketing at PRYNT Digital, Content Creator, and Influencer. He started his career in the auto industry after driving 6,400 miles from Alaska to Nevada for the SEMA show and back.
Javier Mota
Javier Mota, has covered the automotive industry for over 20 years, reporting for numerous outlets including Univision, Telemundo, Sirius XM Radio, CNN Español, Autoproyecto and the Impremedia Network. Javier is a member of the North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) and World Car of the Year Awards juries.
Teia Blackshear Collier
Teia Blackshear Collier is an award-winning writer, founder and strategist based in the Dallas area. Specializing in automotive, education, technology and philanthropy, her work has been featured globally and landed her on the front page of the Washington Post as a top service provider. Frequently sought as a trusted voice for parents, Collier helps busy families find the tools, resources, products and services to improve the quality of their lives right now.
Collier has a background in education and public policy and holds degrees in Political Science, International Studies, History and Spanish. She is also a mother, the president of the Texas Auto Writers Association, formerly a Landmark Commissioner and is currently an elected Trustee for Mesquite ISD.
Sue Mead
Sue Mead is an automotive journalist, author, off-road adventurer, and racer. She has traveled to 72 countries test-driving cars and trucks, working for magazines, newspapers, television, radio and the internet to provide reviews and adventure stories about racing, automotive expeditions and travel. Sue has won numerous writing and photography awards, been a keynote speaker, and is an inductee to the Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame. She is juror for the North American Car and Truck of the Year and the Women’s Worldwide Car Of the Year.
Tanya Gazdik
Tanya Gazdik, based in Detroit, writes about the automotive industry for several publications including MediaPost, WardsAuto and A Girl’s Guide To Cars. She programs and runs two successful conferences tied to the New York and Los Angeles auto shows. She began her career as a hard news reporter and worked at The Associated Press before moving to business reporting at WardsAuto and Adweek. She also worked at The (Toledo) Blade as the animal welfare reporter (covered by CJR.) She took a mid-career “break” and got her J.D., but quickly returned to her true passion: journalism. She bleeds green and white, having attended both J-School and law school at Michigan State University.
Daniel Velarde
Daniel Velarde is the Director of Marketing for PRYNT Digital. With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Daniel has worked for Shelby American, Drake Automotive and Holley Performance. When he’s not around cars, he can be found at his local dog rescue in Los Angeles, Pups without Borders.
Paul A. Eisenstein
Paul A. Eisenstein is one of the world’s most widely published independent automotive journalists. His work has appeared in 100s of electronic, broadcast and print outlets worldwide since he began working as a correspondent for National Public Radio in 1979. He was honored as a “Pioneer of the Internet” by J.D. Power for launching one of the first automotive websites in 1996. Constantly on the move, he covers the global auto industry from a broad point of view, covering trends, business news and writing reviews.
Nathan Adlen
I’m Nathan Adlen, an automotive journalist, video host, podcaster and writer with over two decades of experience in all media. My upbringing in California’s car culture, combined with my education in various fields like theater, journalism, and history helped shape my identity. My family’s background is dominated by automotive wrecking yards, some of the largest in California, going back to the 1940s. Having this background (and working for my family) has surreptitiously aided in my journalistic narrative. I have a passion for finding hidden gems among more affordable vehicles. It’s something that I take seriously. I try to recognize the value beyond price, especially when vehicles carry personal or sentimental significance for many people. I feel my past helps keep me grounded. Did I mention I’m funny?
Yep, I’m funny.
Did I mention I’m handsome?
Yep, I’m funny.
Did I mention I’m handsome?
Jon Steele
Based in Portland, Oregon, Jon has been immersed in the world of motorsports since his early teens, racing competitively through his early twenties. Since 2000, he has instructed and trained drivers on both racing circuits and off-road courses, helping participants build technical skill, confidence, and safety awareness behind the wheel.
In addition to his work in driver development, Jon has played a key role in planning and facilitating media and marketing events since 2005, collaborating with brands, teams, and creators to deliver engaging, high-impact experiences.
A lifelong dog lover, he grew up surrounded by dogs and has carried that passion with him throughout his life.
In addition to his work in driver development, Jon has played a key role in planning and facilitating media and marketing events since 2005, collaborating with brands, teams, and creators to deliver engaging, high-impact experiences.
A lifelong dog lover, he grew up surrounded by dogs and has carried that passion with him throughout his life.
Jami Olerich
Jami is a proud Pacific Northwest native whose love for the outdoors and animals has shaped much of her life. Having volunteered at local animal shelters on and off over the years, she’s always been driven by a desire to support the wellbeing and safety of animals in her community. With over a decade of experience organizing and hosting events with her local Corvette club, Jami built a strong foundation in leadership, community engagement, and event coordination. During that time, she also served as a new-driver instructor, helping others build confidence, safety awareness, and skill behind the wheel. For the past five years, Jami has worked professionally in automotive marketing and training events, combining her passion for cars with her ability to connect with people and create memorable, educational experiences. Whether she’s behind the wheel, out exploring Oregon’s trails, or lending a hand at an animal shelter, Jami brings dedication, enthusiasm, and heart to everything she does.
Nik
Nik is great Dog Lover. Text Text Text Text