1996: Company founder Kirk Swaney led a team that designed & built its first high-efficiency electric car. It was fun, educational, and with the support of a great team, the car performed very well. He designed and built several more, and launched "DESTINY" (DestinyParts.com) in 1999, as a parts resource for builders.
2009: SHIFT Electric Vehicles LLC was formed to offer high quality EV Services.
2013: SHIFT Electric Vehicles LLC acquired DESTINY, combining the unique offering of both companies to builders, owners, and potential owners of custom EV's.
Kirk Swaney, Owner/Manager
Kirk is a diversely experienced individual with strengths in leading technical teams, business teams, and hands-on fabrication. He has decades of experience in corporate business, small business ownership and Product, Process and Business Development. He credits Hewlett-Packard for much of his knowledge and value gained from his 24 years employed at three different divisions in the Northwestern United States. That exposure to industry training, development and talented people continues to be invaluable. Kirk has managed multiple R&D and Manufacturing technical support organizations. He's been responsible for staffing & budgeting related projections, planning, personnel, processes, and related metrics, and annual budgets ranging up to $12m. He hangs no "formal" degree on the wall, but has completed significant need-driven education on many topics from Oregon State University, Institute of Configuration Management, Chemekata Community College, Arizona State University, University of Phoenix and Linn-Benton Community College. He thoroughly enjoys learning to solve team and technical challenges in new and better ways. When he's not doing something EV related, he's hanging out with friends, family and/or on a ski boat relaxing.
Nicoala Slupe (Nickey), Order Fufillment Specialist
This fall, Nocoala will complete her BA in Operation Management and Analysis from Ashford University. Nickoala brings more than 10 years of experience in management. She is a current and active board member for the Local Community Planning Commission and has recently been appointed the secretary of Electrathon America. When she is not volunteering for the community and organizations, she enjoys taking time with her family and working on the many projects she has going. Please do not ask about her truck. She can be easily distracted and has work to get done. She is very resourceful to find you answers, and quick to learn new technologies. Feel free to contact Nickoala in our office and challenge her knowledge.
Rod Slupe, EV Technician
Rod has been a car audio and accessory installer for the better part of 25 years. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Policy and Law and History, and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology. Rod has served on the board of directors for the Linn-Benton Housing Authority for three years and been a member of the Albany Community Planning Committee. He is also a veteran of the United States Army. Aside from electric vehicles, His hobbies include building model cars and motorcycles, playing drums and guitar, and fixing up his family’s home. Rod has considerable experience in many things automotive and is very keen on the future of automotive development, and the possibilities for teaching and inspiring the young minds that will bring that future to reality.
Justin Schepige, Intern
Bio coming soon.
Christee Sinclair, Bookkeeper
Bio coming.
Our extended team
In this rapidly changing world of technology, we network and/or contract with talented resources for specialty work as needed.