our team
TRAINERS
Gary Nelson
President and Founder + Owner
Acceleration Indiana, Inc.
M.S. Mechanical Engineering
North Dakota State University
Stanford University Executive Program
Extensive Self-Study in the Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics Field
Certifications:
Master Trainer
CPR and First Aid
Licensed Professional Engineer (Indiana)
Accomplishments:
Acceleration Indiana, founder 1993
Acceleration Indiana Trainer 1997-Present
Athletic Republic National Advisory Council
Permanent Member
Dick Vraa Memorial Award in 2002 for Outstanding Leader
2011 Founders Award for Contribution to Athletic Republic Network
Automotive Technology and Business Strategy Consultant 1996-present
Cummins Engine Co. over 30 years (Retired)
VP Research and Development and Chief Technical Officer
VP Engineering
VP Product and Market Planning and Strategy
Leadership and Coaching Youth Ice Hockey Over 30 years
Personal Interests:
Watching NDSU (Bison) Football, 6-Time Division 1 FCS National Champions
Has played many sports: Ice Hockey, Tennis, Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Running for 40+ years, Weight Training, and Hunting
John Gangnon
Trainer – Northside
Major: B.S. Exercise Science
Indiana University
Certifications:
Currently getting NASM certification
Sports:
18 year hockey career
Weightlifting
Boxing
Personal Interests:
My favorite holiday is Independence Day
I love to golf, and I recently went skydiving
David Nelson
Vice President and Co-Owner
Since 1993
B.A. in Business Administration
Concordia College in Moorehead, MN
Certifications:
USA Hockey Level 3
Level 3 Athletic Republic
CPR and First Aid
Athletic Accomplishments:
Columbus East H.S. Soccer
Columbus Icemen H.S. Hockey All-Star, All State
Culver Military Academy A Team
Concordia College Varsity Hockey
Triple Crown Roller Hockey:
All-American Goalie 1994
National Champion 1994
Adult Hockey Indy League
Member of Cheetah Club: 20.6 mph
Maxed out the Hockey Treadmill (at 5% elevation) = 17.4 mph
Personal Interests:
Hobbies: consist of Coaching and Playing Hockey
Favorite Athlete: Gordie Howe
Favorite Foods: Spicy Foods, Coffee, and Ice Cream
Ashley Tofani
Trainer – Westside
Major: Exercise Science
Indiana University/Purdue University
Alec Lohman
Trainer – Northside and Westside
Major: B.S. Exercise Science
University of Indianapolis
Work Experience:
Helped with UIndy Strength Coach
Coached multiple youth sports teams
Sports:
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University of Indianapolis
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Football (RB)
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Mount Vernon High School
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Football
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Basketball
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Certifications:
CPR and First-Aid
Fun Facts:
In Cheetah Club at Acceleration Indiana
North Carolina is his favorite state
Has a bearded dragon named Ron