About Us
The roots of Genuine Innovations date back to 1986 when Tony Hollars approached bike shop owner, Jeff Bleecker, with his idea for a unique, controllable CO2 tire inflator for bicycles.
Innovations in Cycling was born in 1989 when Jeff & Tony went into production with their first CO2 inflation device, the "GT Instaflate" which was sold to GT bicycles as an exclusively branded product for their new mountain bike line.
In 1991 Jeff and Tony were approached by Reebok to develop a custom CO2 inflation device to be used with the popular Reebok "Pump" shoe line. By 1995, Innovations had produced over 1.8 million CO2 pumps for Reebok.
We have since gone on to develop the world's leading line of CO2 powered tire inflation products for the cycling and motor sports industry, sold under our Genuine Innovations brand.
In addition to our standard retail products, we design custom engineered devices for a variety of industries using our patented and proprietary CO2 valve technology.
Our experience ranges from designing advanced CO2 powered products for Fortune 500 companies to creating unique consumer products such as dust blowers and a CO2 powered air brush. Our engineers can review your needs and provide solutions featuring our exclusive CO2 delivery technology.

Our Team

Marty Mares
Chief Executive Officer
Having spent the late 1980’s working as a Pool Supervisor and Lifeguard Instructor Trainer for The City of Tucson, I took a part-time job at a local bicycle shop in the winter of 1989. At the time I was just looking for work and a way to get a deal on bicycle parts. I had no idea that this move would forever change my life. I was immediately hooked on the bicycle industry and decided to stay in “the bike biz” instead of returning to work for The City of Tucson the following summer.
After working as a bike mechanic for two years, I learned of a Store Manager opportunity that had just opened at a local shop. The store was named Bike Shack and owned by Jeff Bleecker. At the time, Jeff was also working to build a new business he had just started with Tony Hollars called Innovations in Cycling (which would later become Genuine Innovations). I landed the Store Manager position and set in motion a strong relationship with Jeff and Tony that continues to this day.
After three years managing Bike Shack, I spent the next decade living in Arizona, California, and Pennsylvania while climbing the ladder in the bicycle industry to occupy positions with KHS Bicycles (as Arizona/New Mexico Territory Manager), Answer Products (as OEM Sales Manager), and Carb-BOOM Energy Gel (as National Sales Manager).
In 2003 I returned to Genuine Innovations as the company’s North American Sales Manager. In addition to coming home to Arizona, it was a pleasure to rejoin the Genuine Innovations team, which had grown much stronger.
I was named VP of Sales in 2006. Then, with the semi-retirement of Jeff and Tony, I became the company Chief Executive Officer at the beginning of 2007.
Being a part of this organization is my dream job. It’s a pleasure to be among such an amazing family who care about each other as much as their work.
Beyond Genuine Innovations and competing as an amateur triathlete my main passion is spending time with my family. I’m also proud to say that I still ride my bike to work everyday just like I did back when I was a lifeguard.
Chief Executive Officer

Joe McCarthy
Chief Operating Officer
I am originally from Waverly, NY and received a degree in Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing from Corning, NY in 2000.
In 2001 while sitting in my kitchen in NY, I found a job posting on the internet for a design engineer at Genuine Innovations. I applied and accepted the position. In May of that year, my wife and I moved to Tucson, Arizona where I started my career at Genuine Innovations as a design engineer.
In 2003 I was promoted to Engineering Manager where my job responsibilities included the managing of all engineering related projects to overseeing the Purchasing Department and inventory control.
In June of 2006 I was promoted to Chief Operating Officer where my responsibilities include overseeing every facet of the day-to-day running of Genuine Innovations.
Chief Operating Officer

Vonna Mitchell
Controller/CFO
I am truly excited to be a member of this creatively motivated, family-oriented organization. My accounting and business admin career started with a small privately held company in Kansas City over twenty years ago. The atmosphere was amazingly similar to Genuine Innovations in that it was charged with ideas and a passion for its products. It truly feels like I’ve come home from a professional standpoint!
From a personal standpoint, my husband and I feel the same way about Tucson. We’ve spent the past twenty-two years moving across the country while I worked as a Controller for some large manufacturing companies and he became an expert in commercial & residential HVAC. We lived in Tucson in the early nineties and decided that we would eventually return to this gorgeous part of the country to ultimately retire. (We just wish we wouldn’t have sold our home when we left..we could almost be retired by now!).
In my spare time I enjoy working with stained glass while my husband tinkers with his ’63 Ford Galaxie 500. We also like NASCAR, football, hanging out by the pool, and vacationing in Vegas.
I feel very fortunate to be part of this dynamic Genuine Innovations team. The unlimited vision, the drive to succeed, and the customer commitment is impressive and frankly, contagious!
Controller/CFO

Michael Drabousky
Communications Director
Music and art have been the center of my personal and professional life for over 30 years. Thus the reason I chose to pursue a career in graphic design. I spent most of my life in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA working first with Pittsburgh Magazine then numerous advertising agencies over the last 12 years. Having a strong marketing background as well, I was promoted to Genuine Innovations' Communication Director position. I'm the guy responsible for all packaging, advertisements, media placement, website development and washing of the owners 2 cars and three small children (though those are not part of my official "job descriptions").
I've been with Genuine Innovations now for almost 7 years and I'm continually impressed with our technical ability to produce innovative and cutting edge inflation devices. Whether working with a customer to bring a new product to market or enhancing our own product line, the group of people I'm surrounded with are continually striving to do things better, faster and cheaper. It's always a pleasure to work with people who have the same goal as yourself, to simply be the best. That being said, look no further then Genuine Innovations as the World Leader in Powered Inflation Devices. The first, the only and the best!
I also enjoy long walks on an oil soaked beach. I don't eat meat except hamburger, steak, chicken and pork. I wear a medium in shirt size and have a 32 x 32 pant size (in case you'd like to send me a birthday present, Jan. 23rd). I prefer night to day, I've never been kissed (I'm saving myself), and I'm the lead singer of the best damn Country Rock band (Tucson's Band of the Year for 2006 & 2007) that you've never heard of, The Wyatts (www.wyattstheband.com & myspace.com/thewyatts).
Thanks for taking the time to find out about myself, my co-workers and our GREAT company, Genuine Innovations. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments about our products or to inquire about how we might be able to assist you in product development. We look forward to hearing from you.
Communications Director

Patrick McCann
Production Manager
I am currently the Production Manager and committed to shipping the highest quality, cost-effective product to the customer on-time. We at Genuine Innovations not only want our customers to be satisfied but delighted upon receipt of their order!! My goal is one of continuous improvement and process refinement by utilizing our most valuable asset – OUR PEOPLE…
I have a strong background in both Manufacturing Engineering and Production Management. I have worked in such diverse industries ranging from Automobiles, Hi-Fi’s, Medical, Power Technology, Hardware and Window/Door manufacturing. I hold a degree on Manufacturing Engineering Technology and have attended many seminars and conferences.
My hobbies include writing short stories and prose, watching soccer, listening to jazz, and trying to keep up with my two grandchildren.
Production Manager

Mark Ceglowski
Warehouse Manager
It was a long time ago- in a city far, far away, where the sun always shines, that I (Coach C) also known as Mark Ceglowski- came into this world. Many years have passed- unfortunately- and many warehouses to run, since that day in the 50’s and now I have landed at Genuine Innovations as the warehouse manager. I have been working the warehouse circuit since graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in business. I have been the operations manager for two office supply companies the last ten years after a successful stint of 15 years in sales. This experience has prepared myself to live the philosophy of – the customer is always right (no matter how wrong they may seem) which I apply to internal as well as external customers. I embrace new challenges and I am always looking for a fun and interesting way to keep others motivated to perform at their highest levels. Here at Genuine Innovations I have been blessed with a staff that holds the same philosophy (it’s gotta be fun) and work ethic (it's gotta get done).
My passions are exercising, watching TV, reading, cooking and tailgating at Sun Devil football games in Tempe. I am married to Shari with two adult children (Jenni and Brian) and a fabulous dog named Sarah- who hates the thunderstorms. Although I have arrived at the middle stage of life, I still feel like a kid and sometimes act like one.
"…dance like there’s nobody watching!"
Warehouse Manager

Carey Costle
Engineer
My name is Carey, a loving husband, father and a Design Engineer for the past 9 years.
After being born and raised in a small town Anaconda, Montana, I moved to Arizona in spring of 2000 to start my career. After a short stay in Phoenix, I moved to Tucson for a new job opportunity and change of scenery. It was surely a great move.
I came to Innovations in March of 2003, after working a handful of other drafting and design jobs. I enjoy working here immensely. The personal relationships within our company are just another added bonus of the already pleasurable working experience and awesome co-workers.
I have a wonderful family at home, my lovely wife and wonderful daughter. I enjoy spending the bulk of my time with them. My hobbies include restoring Mopar Muscle cars, playing basketball, shooting pool, golf, as well as hunting and fishing.
I look forward to assisting you in whatever way possible in your future relations at Genuine Innovations.
Engineer

Justin Porter
Quality Manager
I joined the Genuine Innovations team in 2007. I am committed to ensuring all products arriving and leaving Genuine Innovations meet stringent quality and safety standards. Genuine Innovations firmly believes quality starts at the ground level and ends with complete customer satisfaction.
A majority of my work experience includes Quality Control and Production Management. I believe in continuous learning and am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
My hobbies include bowling, basketball, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.
Quality Manager
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Bill Long
Planning Manager
This summer will mark my third year at Genuine Innovations and my 18th year living in Tucson. After a year spent teaching and coaching I have since been involved in manufacturing and manufacturing planning type of functions for over 25 years. Those years have seen me move from my original home in Southern California to Houston for 10 years, back to California for a few years and finally to Tucson.
During that time I have worked for some of the leading companies in their fields: including paper & label stock, swimming pool equipment, downhole oil & gas well equipment, aircraft engine components, residential locks and aircraft avionics and interiors.
Although my college playing days have long past, my passion is still basketball. I seldom turn down the opportunity to attend or watch a game. Rumor has it that I have awakened in the middle of the night with my thumb on an imaginary TV remote searching for a game. I also try to get on the golf course as often as possible.
(And, no, dice and 8-ball may be fun but they are not part of the planning process. There really are proven methods to the madness!)
Planning Manager

Marcia Sprague
Purchasing Manager
With a varied background I came to Genuine Innovations in 2003, after living in Hawaii for 20 years. As Purchasing Manager, one of the most enjoyable parts of my job is working with all of our vendors.
I have been a medical assistant, scholarship coordinator at a major university, travel agent, office manager for both a Publisher’s Rep Firm and a Film and Video Production Company. One of my most interesting jobs was when I grew algae to feed oyster larvae and then growing those oysters through all stages until finally harvesting and marketing them.
Sports and travel are my passions. While living in Hawaii I was fortunate enough to work the swim ramp for the Kona Ironman Triathlon for 5 years. I’ve also finished two marathons, and many 10K and 5K races. Now instead of running I prefer walking and hiking. You can see so many beautiful things and there is so much out there to discover and enjoy. I’m all about adventure and the experience.
I look forward to interacting with all the new people out there that will be crossing my path both professionally and socially.
Purchasing Manager

DJ Lopez
Customer Service
My role at Genuine Innovations: I work closely with our customers through taking orders & payments, answering their questions, participating in trade shows, and providing overall stellar customer service.
Best thing about working at Genuine Innovations: The opportunities to work for a small company in a very well known Bike Industry, and of course, the athletes I get to meet.
Hardest Job at Genuine Innovations: Would be getting up at 6 o’clock in the morning in Las Vegas to attend Interbike, while partying the night before.
Favorite Activities: Riding both my road and mountain bikes, (not at the same time), playing ball with my 10 dogs, (all at the same time), and gardening, in 100 degree weather, and reading
Favorite Food: Brownies, Cookies, and to mix it up, a salad once in a while,
Favorite Movie(s) & Book: Planet of the Apes with Mark Wahlberg, well any movie with Mark Walhberg in it.
Book: Angels & Demons,
Customer Service

Marcia Troutman
A/P Manager/Int’l Sales
Role at Genuine Innovations: I pay the bills and also work hard to develop and support our international customer relationships.
Best thing about working at GI: The diverse variety of dedicated people, all focused on doing what it takes to make the company grow. There’s always something new to learn.
Oddest Job: Pinecone picking for the Forest Service – Douglas Fir trees do not drop their seeds easily (only when there is a fire), so I picked pinecones out of the trees, not off the ground.
Favorite leisure activities: Horseback riding, target shooting, wildflower identification and collecting, watching lightning storms.
Favorite food: Italian and Mexican – the spicier the better!
Favorite book: The Australians by William Stuart Long – 12 book series
A/P Manager/Int’l Sales

Paul S. Hintze
Documentation/Imaging
My Role at Genuine Innovations: I do it all (LOL). Technical documentation, maintaining the web site, IT, Product and People photography for Innovations, and sometimes CEO (Not really, since it's such a demanding job and I don't want to work THAT hard).
Best thing about working at Genuine Innovations: The people. It's a great bunch to work with. In 40 years of work, I've never worked with a better group of people.
Hardest job at Genuine Innovations: Maintaining the computer and phone systems (not really so hard, but computers can be such a pain in the...)
Favorite Activities: Photography, reading and classic movies.
Favorite Food: Meat and potatoes. Unfortunately for the waistline, a too many potatoes, not enough greens. Breakfast burritos are a close second, ditto on the waistline.
Favorite Movies: To Kill a Mockingbird (1st), Inherit the Wind (2nd), A Patch of Blue (3rd)
Favorite Book: H.D.Thoreau, R.A.Emerson, Grisham (not a classic author, but very good). Also "Red Sky at Morning", "Don Quioxte"
Documentation/Imaging Specialist

James "Jimbo" Malta
Chief Inflation Education Officer
I have been in the bicycle industry in some way, shape, or form for the last twenty years; most recently as Co-Founder/Co-Owner of Mt Nittany Wheelworks, a bicycle shop in State College, PA. I was there in State College that I first met Marty Mares, now the President of Genuine Innovations, who had just arrived in town with a moving truck full of furniture and a wife who was eight months pregnant with their first child. Needing to unload a house full of furniture and boxes and not yet knowing anyone in town, Marty made a call to the local bike shop looking for some help. I and a friend drove out and helped Marty unload the truck (I still find it odd that all of the heaviest stuff happened to belong on the top floor…). Little did I know that ten years later I would be working for Marty at Genuine Innovations.
As the Road Rep, my job is to educate vendors and dealers about how our products work. The fact that our products work so well is a true testament to the ingenuity and dedication of everyone here at the company, from the engineers all the way around to the assembly and warehouse staff. I am excited to get out on the road and show people exactly why Genuine Innovations makes the best inflators in the world.
Chief Inflation Education Officer