At Ride Shocks, we’re more than a team—we’re a group of off-road enthusiasts driven by a shared mission to deliver the best suspension systems on the market. Each of us brings unique skills, decades of experience, and an unwavering commitment to “getting it right” for our customers. From hands-on shock tuning to exploring iconic trails, off-roading is part of who we are, and we bring that same passion to every project we touch.
John Arriola: Bringing Global Expertise to the Table
I’ve been in the off-road industry for over 13 years, working in retail and wholesale at ORW, Agile Offroad, and AOR. But what sets me apart is my 10+ years of hands-on experience rebuilding shocks—both on the job and in my personal projects.
Through the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping race teams source parts for competitions around the world, from Russia and Pakistan to Australia. It’s given me a broad perspective on what it takes to meet high-performance standards.
One of my proudest achievements is my Toyota Pickup, the same truck I drove in high school. I’ve kept it, rebuilt it, and improved it over the years—it’s a reminder of why I love this industry and why I’m so passionate about what we do at Ride Shocks.
Mike Ruzicka: Turning Passion into Performance
Off-roading has been a part of my life since I first got my license. My first rig was a 1988 Toyota 4×4 truck, lifted and sitting on 33” mud terrains. Over the years, my passion for pushing limits has grown, just like my skills.
My 1997 Jeep Wrangler is a prime example. I’ve taken it through every suspension upgrade imaginable—custom-linked suspension, stretched wheelbase, custom axles, coilovers, and 40s. It’s my ultimate test vehicle and a symbol of my commitment to continuous improvement.
Outside of my builds, I’ve been lucky enough to co-drive in the King of the Hammers twice and tackle trails across over 12 states. These experiences aren’t just fun—they fuel my work as a graphic designer, where I bring creativity and precision to everything we do at Ride Shocks.
Andrew Cortez: Engineering Precision Meets Off-Road Grit
I got my start in the off-road world at Cal Poly, where I studied Materials Engineering and joined the Poly Goats off-roading club. That’s where I met some of my closest friends and first discovered the thrill of building and testing suspension systems.
Since then, I’ve spent 15 years in the industry, focusing on suspension sales and building e-commerce departments. Along the way, I’ve built my own rigs, like my first Toyota 4Runner rock crawler, which I wheeled on legendary trails like the Rubicon and Fordyce. I’ve also co-driven in the King of the Hammers and worked on countless other projects—it’s all part of my love for anything with wheels and an engine.
When I’m not working on suspension systems, you’ll find me racing go-karts, hitting car shows, or searching for the next great food spot with my brother.
Justin Maddox – Living the Lifestyle
Justin Maddox’s love for off-roading started early, bouncing around the trails in the back of his dad’s old Cherokee and spending summers camping with his grandparents. He got his first Jeep as a teenager and dove into the world of modifications, starting with rock crawling before discovering the thrill of “go-fast” adventures on the Mojave Road. A hands-on enthusiast, Justin brings his self-taught expertise and passion for vehicle upgrades to Ride Shocks, where he appreciates the unmatched fit, finish, and performance backed by an industry-leading warranty.
When he’s not off-roading with his family or exploring new trails, Justin enjoys snowboarding, SCUBA diving, attending concerts, and camping. His current Jeep setup includes a 4.5” short arm lift, 33” tires, Fox 2.0 remote reservoir shocks, and plenty of custom upgrades—with big plans for even more in the future. For Justin, off-roading isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life, combining challenge, adventure, and family.
Ryan Van Sluis – All About the Details
Ryan Van Sluis joined AccuTune over a year ago, transitioning from a successful five-year career in the medical device industry, where he specialized in process engineering, R&D, and sterilization techniques. His passion for suspension systems was ignited through his hobbies, including motorcycle racing, off-roading, and RC car racing, where he developed a deep appreciation for performance tuning.
At Ride Shocks, Ryan admires the precision and dedication behind each design, focusing on dialing in the fundamentals of shock function to deliver exceptional off-road performance while maintaining everyday comfort. Off-roading, for Ryan, is all about exploring new places in nature and testing his 2014 Toyota Tacoma, which features an impressive list of upgrades, including AccuTune-tuned Fox 2.5 DSC shocks, a custom rear seat platform for his dog Emma, and a Leitner Designs storage system.
Outside of work, Ryan can be found in his garage tackling creative engineering projects or enjoying the summer months with Emma at the dog beach. His dedication to innovation and performance makes him an invaluable part of the Ride Shocks team.
Nick Gabrisak – The Newcomer
As a newcomer to the off-road sales world, Nick Gabrisak brings a fresh perspective and an unwavering enthusiasm for adventure. His approach goes beyond selling products—he’s dedicated to helping customers fuel their passion for exploration. From understanding diverse vehicle setups to building connections within the vibrant off-roading community, every day is a chance for Nick to immerse himself deeper into the lifestyle he loves.
Nick appreciates how Ride Shocks combines years of expertise with a genuine love for the sport, and he’s proud to contribute to a team focused on enhancing the off-road experience for everyone. Outside of work, Nick enjoys off-roading, camping, snowboarding, swimming in the ocean, and discovering new restaurants. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems in the wild or pushing his practically stock Tacoma to its limits, Nick thrives on the freedom and excitement that comes with venturing off the beaten path.
What Brings Us Together
We come from different backgrounds, but what unites us is a deep love for the off-road industry and the drive to do things right. At Ride Shocks, we aren’t just building suspension systems—we’re building trust with our customers and a reputation for excellence.
Every product we create is backed by years of hands-on experience and a relentless commitment to quality. We’re not just engineers and designers; we’re off-roaders who understand the challenges of the trail and the thrill of getting it just right.
Let’s hit the trail together. Explore our lineup today and see why Ride Shocks is built by experts for enthusiasts like you.