Meet the Team

Management
Sales
Service
IT
Office
Financial Supply Center

Brian Steele

Having been a member of the Board of Directors for Banker's Equipment since 2015, I joined operations as Vice President in 2022 and was appointed to take over as President in January 2024. Prior to joining BESI full time, I ran a successful law practice for 20 years where I practiced law in a variety of legal specialties. I am excited to have joined a very talented team of people at BESI and I fully embrace our mission to provide the highest level of services, products, and solutions to our customers. We will continue to strive to exceed our customer expectations while maintaining a positive environment that provides success for our team members for many years to come. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of Bankers Equipment.

I am a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College (1996) with a BA in Political Science. I earned my Juris Doctorate at William Mitchell College of Law in 2000.

Controller & Human Resources

Kelly Wait

Hi there,

I joined BES in 2023 as the Controller & Human Resources. I have worked in accounting/finance for over 18 years in both public and the private sector. I spent about seven years of my career in public accounting; auditing small to mid-sized businesses, and the other 10 years I was a Controller for various companies.

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in accounting from Minnesota State University out of Mankato, and received my CPA license shortly after. I currently live in Waconia with my two kids who keep me busy with all their sports activities which include football, hockey, soccer, volleyball, and golf.

Director of Service & Casino/Gaming Operations

Jay Carlson

Hello,

I joined Bankers Equipment in 1977 while still in high school starting out in shipping and receiving while also assisting in various tasks around the office. After graduating from high school, I began working full time as a Service Technician while also attending evening classes specializing in Digital Electronics repair. Over the years I began taking on more responsibilities within Bankers Equipment and became Service Manager in 2001.  In 2012 I assumed my current role as Director Of Service and Casino Operations. In addition to leading our terrific Service Team I also head up our Casino/Gaming Sales, Service and Support Operations.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time in the outdoors and traveling with my wife Lisa and our two grown sons.

Over my 45+ years here at Bankers Equipment I have met many wonderful people and if we have not yet met, I look forward to meeting you!

Chris Komorouski

Hello, my name is Chris Komorouski and I have been with Bankers Equipment since early 2013. I started here right out of college and quickly became very passionate about serving Community Financial Institutions in our three-state region. I started by covering the Southern Minnesota sales territory, eventually transitioned to the North Dakota/South Dakota territory, and am now the Director of Sales at BES. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young children, snowmobiling in the winter, and golfing in the summer. We are also very busy with the kids’ various activities. It is an honor to work with our local Community Financial Institutions and if we haven’t met yet, I look forward to connecting with you!

Jason Moody

Hello, I am an experienced technology professional, currently serving as the Manager of Technology Services at Bankers Equipment Service, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in IT, I have developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas, including IT infrastructure management, network security, and project management. Upon earning my degree in Business Computer Information Systems, I began my career as Network Administrator for a small accounting firm. Since then, I have worked in various roles for three different IT Managed Services organizations, serving the evolving needs of FI customers in each of those roles. Outside of the office, I am the husband to Emily, a scientist in biotech research, and a father to two happy and healthy kids, Morrie and Margot.

Director of Client Development | Eastern MN

Greg LaFrance

Account Representative | North Central MN

Roland Montaner-Kral

As a new face for the northwestern Minnesota territory at BES, I am excited to not only grow longstanding relationships, but establish new ones and continue providing quality products and solutions for our local financial institutions and retail markets. I am looking forward to working with all of you in this ever so changing landscape and providing solutions that best help you propel your establishment.

In my free time I enjoy participating in a variety of seasonal sports leagues, and spending quality time with friends and family. I am enthusiastic to learn and grow as part of this community.

Account Representative | SW MN & South Dakota

Chris Murray

Hello, my name is Chris Murray. I live in Tea, SD and I am a single dad of four. I have three children still at home; Hunter(13), Karsten(15), and Aftyn(17). I also have a 37-year-old daughter, Megan and a 13 year-old granddaughter, Alaynah. I am extremely excited to be working at Bankers Equipment Service and come to the company with 20+ years at Harland Clarke and three years at Experian. I enjoy watching my daughters play soccer and watching my son play basketball and football. In my free time, I love to bow hunt, play golf, fantasy football, and Texas Hold Em. I am looking forward to building lifelong relationships in the upper midwest and South Dakota.

Account Representative | North Dakota

Jake Mueller

Hello,

I am a North Dakota native who lived in Minnesota for several years, graduating from Hawley High in 2005.  I currently live in West Fargo with my fiancé, Jacalyn; and my son, James.  Our family also includes three dogs: Spock, Zoey, and Roofus.  In my downtime I enjoy traveling with my family, playing drums, collecting guitars, or maintaining my saltwater aquarium.

I joined Bankers Equipment after a decade in automotive sales to pursue a rewarding career helping customers with my sales and management experience.  Prior to the automotive industry, I was in construction management assisting in the building of windfarms.

Product Trainer & Project Management

Bonnie Eder

TBD

NCR Project Manager

Amanda Restivo

Hello,

I have been working in the financial industry for 20 years, enjoying every minute of it. I enjoy problem solving for clients, implementing new solutions, and working with my team and clients on where the industry is migrating to on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis.

Technician Support Manager | SE Metro, MN

Mark Erickson

Account Representative | ND & Moorhead, MN

Greg Asheim

Product Support | SE Metro, MN

Doug Dahl

Senior Systems Engineer | NE Metro, MN

Bob Kasparek

Hello,

My name is Bob Kasparek, I've worked for Bankers Equipment for almost 30 years. During that time, I've expanded my working knowledge from our base coin and currency products to recyclers and into networking. Today, I am primarily responsible for the installation of Currency Recycler Technology and the integration of DynaCash/DynaCore software solutions.

During my off time, I enjoy kayaking and traveling with my wife, Heather. Together we've designed/remodeled our home, where we've raised four children. With our youngest graduating in 2024, we are preparing to start a new chapter with new adventures.

Service Technician | NW Metro, MN

Jason Mock

Hello!

I am Jason Mock, and I proudly bring a decade of expertise as a service technician at Bankers Equipment. My professional journey involves traveling to various banks and casinos, ensuring their equipment operates seamlessly. It's a dynamic role that keeps me on my toes, troubleshooting and maintaining crucial systems.

I am happily married and, together with my wife, we navigate the whirlwind of parenthood with our energetic 13-year-old daughter. Our summers are immersed as she passionately engages in horse shows, showcasing her prowess in jumping and other disciplines. When not in the arena, she keeps us equally engaged with her involvement in football and basketball.

One of my personal passions is exploring the world, and I make it a point to embark on at least one adventurous trip annually. Whether it's setting sail on a cruise or enjoying a serene week on the beach, I find joy in discovering new places and cultures.

Service Technician | Duluth, MN

Justin Birch

Service Technician | N Metro, MN

Jerry Sommerdorf

Service Technician | SW Metro, MN

Francis Johnson

Hello!

I bring over four years of dedicated experience to my role at BESI, where my journey began as a first-line tech specializing in cash recyclers. However, my tech adventure spans over seven years, originating in the dynamic world of the retail entertainment industry. Intrigued by technology since my formative years, I delved into the realms of gaming and computers, setting the stage for my professional trajectory.

My initiation into the workforce occurred during college at a movie theater, where I climbed the ranks to become a projection manager. In the era of film, projectors were marvels of mechanical precision, demanding meticulous attention. As technology advanced and film transitioned to digital, I seamlessly pivoted to a cash manager role, leveraging my technical prowess to master computerized cash recyclers.

Beyond the tech world, my personal life is a joyous adventure. I met my wife during my tenure at the movie theater, and together we navigate the delightful chaos brought by our two energetic daughters. When not immersed in the intricacies of technology, you'll find me working on a challenging puzzle and utilizing my problem solving skills.

Service Technician | Bemidji, MN

Jim Porter

Hello,

I was raised in small-town of Deer Creek in central Minnesota. I enjoyed farming at my grandparents and uncle's farms during the summer. I played baseball and basketball during my school days, and worked at the local grocery store.

I moved to Bemidji in 1987 after graduating from electronic schooling. I got married in 1992, and was married for 28 years. We adopted two boys; one and two years old. We had a boy of our own, and then later on had a girl. I live on the Northside of Lake Bemidji where my kids keep me busy pulling them on a tube behind my boat. I love to fish, motorcycle, and archery hunt wild turkeys.

I've been working in electronics, gaining experience since I moved to Bemidji. Either fixing stereos, VCRs, TVs, to even video games and pinball machines. I started working at Bankers Equipment Service in 2013. I look forward to a challenge which gives me great satisfaction.

Senior Technician | Moorhead, MN

Darron Schauer

Hello, I am excited to share a bit more about myself. I am happily married to my wonderful wife, Rebecca, and together we're navigating the journey of parenthood with our two children, Alaina, our 13-year-old daughter, and my step-son, Wren who is 21. Along with our children, our household adds the presence of two beloved pets: Harlee, our Cavashon dog, and Brody, the feline member of our family.

Beyond the roles of husband and father, I find joy in a variety of hobbies. My interests span from collecting vinyl records and antiques to cultivating a green haven with various plants. Music is a significant part of my life, as I enjoy both drumming and strumming the guitar in my free time. My musical journey has taken me through the vibrant local rock and tribute band scene, providing opportunities to open for national acts and perform at renowned venues such as Ribfest and the fair. While my stage days may be behind me, the love for music persists, and I continue to compose and write, considering it a cherished personal pastime.

Outside of music, my family and I find solace in the great outdoors. Camping holds a special place in our hearts, and we've explored numerous campgrounds throughout Minnesota, with a particular fondness for the picturesque landscapes of the Duluth area.

Information Security Constultant

Ryan Kinsella

Hi,

I have about two decades of varied security IT experience, from physical security to applications to information security. I have always enjoyed the technical side of business and gravitated toward technology early in my career. I currently enjoy working with organizations at all levels of information security program maturity and helping them assess their programs and move to the next level.

Outside of work I love spending time with my family. We have two children who love to be outdoors; camping, fishing, playing sports, or exploring all the parks around the area. They are also excellent helpers in the kitchen and love to bake cookies.

IT Service Technician

Andrew Bolton

Hello,

With over eight years of experience in network engineering within the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry, and twelve years total in computers, I bring a proven track record of delivering robust and reliable network solutions to diverse clientele. As a certified professional in A+, Network+, some Office 365, and learning CCNA, CCNP, etc., I thrive in building, implementing, and optimizing intricate network infrastructures tailored to clients' specific needs.

My role involves gathering design ideas, deployment, and maintenance of network systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and security for our clients. I excel in identifying and resolving complex network issues promptly, employing a proactive approach to mitigate potential risks and enhance network performance.

Collaboration lies at the core of my methodology - I work closely with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies with business objectives, providing clients with scalable and future-proof network solutions. Customer satisfaction is paramount, and I take pride in fostering strong relationships built on trust, transparency, and continuous support.

My passion for staying updated with the latest technological advancements drives me to remain at the forefront of emerging trends in networking, enabling me to offer innovative solutions that drive efficiency and productivity for our clients.

Outside of work, I enjoy family time, refurbishing PCs to their best abilities, building my own home networks and of-course video games, finding that is complements my problem-solving skills and enhances my ability to approach network challenges with creativity and a fresh perspective.

I am dedicated to delivering excellence in network engineering, committed to enhancing operational efficiency, security, and overall performance for our clients at Bankers Equipment Service, Inc.

Office Assistant

Patty Berg

Hello, my name is Patty Berg, and I have been with Bankers Equipment Inc. for 2 1/2 years. I am the office assistant and the person you talk to when you call in for service. I enter the service orders for the technicians. I have 30 years of experience in customer service. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, antiquing, and taking road trips with my son.

Accounts Payable/Receivable

Sarah Fletcher

TBD

Sales & Service Administrative Assistant

Karla Bruels

Hello,

My name is Karla Bruels. I have been with Bankers Equipment Service since 2012 when I was hired as the Receptionist, a position I really enjoyed - interacting with the customers, service technicians, and anyone walking by the front desk. In 2019, I transferred into my current position assisting the Sales, Service, and Accounting departments. My husband and I enjoy the company of our two grown children and we like to play cards and be outdoors.

Contracts Administrator

Maureen Tangen

My name is Maureen Tangen and I have been with Bankers Equipment since 2014. I started here after working with Northwest Airlines for 23 years which I obtained experience in several accounting departments. I was brought on to manage the Service Contracts for BES and I also have assisted in the AR/AP department. In my off time I spend time with my husband of 39 years and our children and granddaughter. During the summer we spend time golfing and camping. I have enjoyed my time with BES.

Carri McClellan

Hello!

I'm Carri and I manage our supply division, Financial Supply Center. I have been with the company since 2019. I enjoy working at FSC helping our customers find valuable solutions that make their jobs easier. In my spare time, I love camping and hiking, spending time with my kids, and snuggling with my dog, Maggie.

Customer Service Specialist

Kathy Runk

Hi!

My name is Kathy Runk. I became a member of the Bankers Equipment family in 2021 when Financial Supply Center merged with them. I've been working in customer service for FSC for 15 years. I live in Bismarck now after moving here from Oklahoma. I worked in the printing industry for 16 years as a typesetter until I became a stay-at-home mom to my son. He is now a teacher and he and his wife have given me three handsome grandsons! I enjoy talking with and helping our customers, and I am looking forward to many more years of serving you.

Supply Sales Representative

John Sullivan

Hello,

My name is John Sullivan, I am a Senior Account Executive for Bankers Equipment's new division, Financial Supply Center. We now have an expanded offering of print and promotional items so you can experience on stop purchasing for all your banking needs. I am very proud to be a graduate of Providence College. Outside of work, I enjoy a round of golf, and spending time with family.