THE ACTIVATOR TEAM

Dr. Arlan Fuhr

Dr. Arlan Fuhr

Chairman & Founder

Arlan W. Fuhr, D.C., F.A.C.C Founder and Chairman of Activator Methods International, is the co-inventor of the Activator Adjusting Instrument and the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique.

Judi Fuhr

Judi Fuhr

Chief Executive Officer

Judith J. Fuhr is the Chief Executive Officer for Activator Methods International. Judi has, since 2000, been at the helm of the company’s day-to-day operations as Activator’s Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, President and co-owner.

TYLER HOFFMAN

Chief Operating Officer

Tyler Hoffman is the Chief Operating Officer at Activator Methods International, where he oversees the company’s day-to-day operations with a focus on efficiency, strategic execution, and long-term growth. His tenure with the organization began over a decade ago in a part-time role during high school, where he supported administrative functions and customer communications. Since then, Tyler has advanced through nearly every operational department — including customer service, sales, and logistics — equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of the business and its customers.

As COO, Tyler is responsible for streamlining internal processes, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring seamless coordination across departments. His leadership is defined by a strong operational mindset, a detail-oriented approach, and a deep commitment to Activator Methods’ mission and values.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Tyler enjoys the European car scene and follows Formula 1 closely, drawn to both the engineering precision and competitive strategy of the sport. He also spends time on the golf course—admittedly not playing at a pro level, but enjoying the game nonetheless. 

Gertrud Bateman

GERTRUD BATEMAN

Warehouse Coordinator

Gertrud was born and educated in Germany before moving to Chicago and worked in the Steel Mill for 12 years.

She moved to Arizona in 1989, and has worked in various industries to include Plastics, Pharmaceuticals, and Aerospace. Later, she joined Activator in 2012 as the Shipping and Receiving clerk.

She loves horses and her seven dogs.

Kim Hounshell

KIM HOUNSHELL

Customer Service Specialist

Kim was born at Williams Air Force base in Chandler, Arizona, now Mesa Gateway Airport. At one year old she went back to Minnesota where she lived until the age of 22. Kim returned to Phoenix and had 29 great years with a wonderful man before losing him to cancer. She has family and friends that keep her busy, but her greatest joy is her love of animals. Since losing her beloved cat Zootie after 17 years she has adopted two new orange kitties. A male named Dean and a female named Sammie. They are super active and keep my heart filled with joy.

Kim has work in customer service for many types of industries including pharmaceutical products, nutritional products, and automotive and motorcycle lubricants and paints. When Kim joined Activator Methods in 2011 she found a family to become a part of and a technique and product that changed her life forever.

Mark Sacksteder

MARK SACKSTEDER

Customer Service Specialist

I am a native Michigander with a wonderful family. Two sons who are now adults, we continue to have great fun as we course through life.

My career has been in the healthcare field working in sales & customer service. As you know that has been a dynamic field for the past 25-30 years. I continue to enjoy it immensely. The advances have changed lives for the better.

I received my bachelor’s degree in education and have learned in every career and life situation there are opportunities to learn and teach.

Joe Pekarna

JOE PEKARNA

Director of Business Development

Joe Pekarna is a native Minnesotan who comes to Activator with a deep history of successful business development experience. He began his professional career with Hormel Foods, and later pursued his passion for business development within the commercial banking arena.

Joe has served on the board of directors of the Central Mn Music School, and as chairman of the St Cloud Chambers’ annual Central Mn Farm Show.

Joes Marketing and Management degree is from Mn State University Mankato. He and Mary, his wife of 30 years, have three adult children. Joe shares his passion for gardening with friends, neighbors and local elementary schools. He loves to golf, fish and spend time with his grandson, Joe IV.

David torres

Warehouse associate & Customer Service Specialist

I was born in Morelos, Mexico, and moved to the States as a young kid. I have resided in Arizona for over 20 years. After Graduating high school, I ventured into the workforce right away. I was working in the golf courses here in Arizona’s beautiful weather. From there, I ventured into Contract Manufacturing as an Inventory assistant for nearly ten years before landing at Activator Methods.
I am married and have a wonderful son and a Beagle. I enjoy collecting various items in my spare time, from random movie memorabilia to books. Also, I enjoy learning to cook new things like Brase’s sweet pork belly with spinach to my favored dessert, Creme Brulee.

Rj Olmstead

roy "rj" olmstead

Executive Assistant

Roy “RJ” Olmstead is Activator Methods’ Executive Assistant. While this certainly means he wears many hats, his main focuses are coordination and organization for Activator Methods internally and externally. Having a history in computer repair, education, and executive administration, RJ’s love of efficiency, communication, and data-driven action helps Activator Methods stay on track.

Outside of his office, you may catch RJ working in a lecture hall as an Adjunct Professor, drawing to keep up his old trade school skills in game design, or spending time with his wife and dogs at home, indulging in games or a book from their private library. 

Randy strom

Accountant

I was born in Nebraska, but I’ve lived in Arizona most of my life. I have a wonderful wife, two daughters and a son that are the greatest things in my life. Love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling.  My main hobby is writing, playing and recording music.

I’m a proud ASU graduate with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. Go Sun Devils!