TekVenture Staff

Peter Bolakowski

  • President

  • Area Manager for Woodworx

Peter Bolakowski is a quirky blend of an electrical engineer and woodworking wizard, hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana. With a knack for zapping circuits back to life and turning rough lumber into furniture masterpieces, Peter is known as the "Joules and Jigsaws" guru among his peers at TekVenture Makerspace. When he's not meticulously crafting intricate wood joints or tinkering with resistors, you can find Peter engrossed in debates about the superiority of hand tools over power tools – always with a touch of electrifying humor. Peter's unique mix of engineering precision and woodworking finesse makes him a one-of-a-kind maker in the vibrant community of TekVenture.

Jeanette Jaquish

  • Treasurer

  • Area Manager for the Artisan Attic

Jeannette Jaquish, Area Manager of the Artistic Attic, is a playwright, photographer and amateur videographer, and is on the TekVenture Board of Directors.  She created and ran the Firehouse Theater at 1245 E. State, in Fort Wayne, from Summer 2006 to early 2010 performing a new show every month and performances every weekend, rehearsing the next show Mon-Thurs.  See her theater scripts at www.theaterfunscripts.com. She learned to sew as a child and sewed her own prom and wedding dress. She plans to start Theater with Tech all ages activities at TekVenture soon and wants to build a few giant parade puppets.  Contact her at 260 750-9013 and jeannettejaquish@yahoo.com .

Chris Knipstein

  • Board Director

  • Area Manager for Machineworx and Rapid Prototyping

Chris Knipstein, the multi-talented whiz-kid at TekVenture, can fix your faulty industrial controls before you can say "loose wire." This macho machinist can craft you a wooden masterpiece that'll leave you more stunned than a possum in the headlights. Not only that, but Chris is also the reigning king of the garden, making plants grow quicker than rumors in a small town. His green thumb is so magical that even unicorns are jealous. With Chris around, there's nothing he can't fix, build, or grow – he's truly a superhero in a plaid shirt and work boots.

Jason Presser

  • Board Director

  • Area Manager for Electroworx

A somewhat peculiar individual, boasts a degree in industrial technology paired with a knack for all things Arduino electronics and machining. Embracing the weird and wonderful, Jason's creations often raise eyebrows but never fail to impress. His unique perspective and unconventional approach to making has earned him a reputation as the "mad scientist" of TekVenture Makerspace. If you spot a trail of glitter leading to a contraption that defies logic, chances are Jason had a hand in its creation.

Jen Smith

  • Area Manager for Clayworx

Meet Jen Smith - the master of mud, the clay connoisseur, the pottery powerhouse at Clayworx! With a mug full of creativity and a kiln-hot passion for pottery, Jen leads our team with finesse and flair. When she's not knee-deep in clay, you can find her sculpting masterpieces that make Michelangelo's jaw drop. From pinch pots to porcelain vases, Jen shapes clay like a wizard casting spells. Her motto? "Clay all day, keep the frowns away!" So if you're in need of some clay-day fun, Jen Smith at Clayworx is your go-to guru for all things pottery-tastic! Let's get muddy!

Brett Wilds

  • Area Manager for the Hot Shop

Brett Wilds is a master blacksmith with a passion for creating intricate metalwork at TekVenture Makerspace in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As the head of the hot shop, Brett oversees the forging process with precision and artistry. With years of experience under his belt, he skillfully combines traditional blacksmithing techniques with modern innovations to produce stunning pieces. In addition to his blacksmithing expertise, Brett is also well-versed in welding, ensuring that every project that leaves the hot shop is not only beautiful but also structurally sound. His dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail make him an invaluable member of the TekVenture team.