Michael Barbone, the Education Developer & Instructor for the RevsEd program, boasts a distinguished career spanning four decades that began in the automotive repair industry. With an unwavering passion for both automobiles and education, Michael embarked on a journey to attain a master’s degree in education and administration, paving the way for a second career in the educational sector. There, he dedicated himself to teaching automotive repair, igniting the minds of countless students.  Elevating his ambitions, Michael assumed the role of Vice Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, serving with distinction for sixteen years at Kearny High School in New Jersey before retiring as an esteemed administrator. After relocating to Naples, Florida, Michael joined the Revs Institute team. He is proud to contribute to the development of this initiative and feels fortunate to have his two life passions evolve into his dream position.

With a career spanning 45 years, Craig Lortie is a seasoned veteran in the automotive industry. He has worked for prestigious brands including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, and Lamborghini. Craig is an esteemed member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and holds Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. With a degree in Automotive Technology, Craig possesses a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the automotive field. His academic background, coupled with decades of hands-on experience, positions him as a trusted authority in automotive engineering and mechanics. Beyond work, Craig is an avid motorcyclist, finding joy and freedom on the open road. His passion for motorcycles reflects his lifelong dedication to all things automotive, both personally and professionally.

Ian Thompson, an experienced aviator, and automotive enthusiast, holds a BS and MBA from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. Ian served as both an Instructor Pilot and a Fighter Pilot with the United States Air Force from ’85 to ’93. Transitioning from the skies to the racetrack, he embraced roles as a pit crew member for late model dirt track racing in the mid-’80s. Post-military, Ian continued his aviation career in various capacities, including airline, corporate, and private jet piloting until his first retirement. A lifelong hot rodder, he’s equally passionate about automotive sports, participating in autocross and drag racing events. Now focused on RevsEd, Ian shares his expertise in teaching and auto mechanics, nurturing the next generation of enthusiasts. Alongside his automotive pursuits, he coaches for the local master’s swim team, and the Seacrest Country Day team. Ian cherishes time with his three granddaughters, showcasing his devotion to family amidst his adrenaline-fueled lifestyle.

Pedro Vela is a motorsports enthusiast, historian, and a restoration technician at Revs Institute. He began his career in motorsports at the age of 5 when his father bought him his first dirt bike to go racing. His father poured his passion of motorsports onto Pedro, leading Pedro on a lifelong career in the world of automobiles and motorcycles. 

At the age of 15, after living in Ecuador all his life, Pedro moved to the United States to complete his high school and collegiate studies. While in high school, he joined his school’s automotive program and began participating in local competitions, eventually allowing him to earn a scholarship to continue his studies at the University of Northwestern Ohio.

After graduating with a degree in Applied Science in High Performance Motorsports and Automotive Technology, Pedro was offered an internship at Revs Institute. He has now been part of the Revs Institute for 7 years, focusing on fabrication, machining, restoration, and general collection maintenance and management. Pedro is happy and thankful to say he now has his dream job here at Revs!

Bob Stoll is an avid automotive enthusiast. In his career, Bob managed an automotive supplier plant, both domestically and internationally. As an automotive aficionado, Bob has owned various sports cars which he has shown and raced at a private road course. Bob has also attended numerous automotive events such as Daytona, Watkins Glen, Sebring, Darlington, and Silverstone, among others. 

Bob is a mechanical engineer with a BSME from Rochester Institute of Technology and a MSME from Case Western Reserve University. Bob has also been a community leader, having been elected to 2 terms with the local school board. After obtaining his doctorate in business, Bob has taught for over 25 years at numerous universities. Bob is excited to share his expertise and advice to help create the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.