Team

Dave Smith began his career with Institutional Products Incorporated in 1986 after graduating from Ball State University, where he studied engineering and architecture. He initially managed plant operations and order fulfillment and continued his leadership role when Bison Inc. acquired IPI in 2012, relocating with the company to Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Today, Dave serves as a Project Team Director, leading a team of designers and technical service staff. His deep industry experience, steady leadership, and commitment to quality play a major role in IPI’s ongoing success. 

Outside of work, Dave is an avid bowler with multiple 300 games to his name—a testament to his focus and precision both on and off the lanes. 

Nik brings more than 20 years of experience with Bison and IPI by Bison, having first joined the company in 1999 and returning in 2025 in his new role as Development Director. He works closely with dealers to strengthen relationships, increase sales, and develop new business opportunities, while also supporting marketing, lead generation, and trade show efforts. 

Nik enjoys collaborating with dealers to create quality gyms and athletic facilities that help today’s athletes succeed. He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering and CAD from Southeast Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Bellevue University. 

Outside of work, Nik enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, outdoor adventures on his UTV, fitness, and attending USHL hockey games. A fun fact—he and his wife have hosted two USHL players each season for the past four years. His favorite quote is, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t—you’re right.” – Henry Ford 

Lee has been with IPI by Bison for five years and leads business development efforts focused on expanding the company’s international sales. Fluent in Spanish, he works closely with distributors, partners, and clients around the world to build strong relationships and ensure the successful delivery of custom sports equipment projects. 

With a background in engineering and design, Lee earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Design Engineering Technologies from Morton College. He began his career as a CAD designer in the sports equipment industry before transitioning into international sales, where his technical expertise helps him effectively address client needs and project challenges. 

Lee enjoys collaborating on projects that require unique structural design solutions and takes pride in seeing how each installation evolves from proposal to completion.  

Outside of work, Lee values spending time with family and relaxing with friends. A proud Chicago Bears fan (Go Bears!).  His personal motto is simple: “Always Stay Ready.” 

Iman has been with IPI by Bison for eight years, serving as a Senior Engineering Advisor focused on design innovation, manufacturing optimization, and product development. His work centers on improving design workflows, developing advanced 3D models and structural analyses, and implementing process efficiencies that enhance product quality, safety, and manufacturability across IPI by Bison’s sports equipment lines. 

With a passion for engineering excellence, Iman enjoys being part of a team that transforms ideas into durable, high-performing products trusted by athletes and schools nationwide. Among his favorite projects are IPI’s fully automated custom design software—streamlining design and drawing development—and the re-engineered ceiling volleyball system, recognized as one of the best in the industry. 

Iman holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), he brings extensive experience in mechanical design, manufacturing systems, and R&D project management. 

Outside of work, Iman enjoys exploring nature, barbecuing, traveling, and spending time with family. His favorite sport is volleyball, and his guiding motto is: “If a plan doesn’t work, change the plan, not the goal.”

Aryssa has been with IPI by Bison for five years and serves as a Senior Project Designer, creating custom gym equipment layouts tailored to each facility’s unique space. Working closely with dealers and using CAD software, she ensures every design fits flawlessly and functions as intended. 

Aryssa enjoys the variety and challenge of her work, especially stepping into a finished facility and seeing the equipment she designed in use. Having grown into handling many of IPI’s larger and more complex projects, she takes pride in reaching a level where she can confidently manage intricate layouts and deliver precise results. Known for bringing fun to the workplace, often planning potlucks or celebrations, Aryssa takes her design work seriously and is committed to getting every detail right. 

She earned her degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Southeast Community College and originally joined IPI by Bison as an intern before transitioning into a full-time role. A lifelong athlete, Aryssa enjoys the full-circle connection of now designing training spaces for the sports world she grew up in. 

Outside of work, she loves spending time with her two dogs, Maverick and Goose (yes—like Top Gun), diving into a good book, and trying new recipes with her fiancé, Eduardo. A loyal Texas Longhorns fan living in Nebraska, she proudly holds her own during football season.  

Her favorite motto, “Think happy thoughts,” sits by her computer as a daily reminder to stay positive and patient, even on the tough days. 

Jose has been part of the IPI by Bison team for four years, serving as a 3D CAD Designer specializing in the design and development of indoor basketball structures. He creates detailed shop drawings that guide the fabrication and installation of custom sports equipment. 

Passionate about both design and athletics, Jose enjoys contributing to the world of sports through innovative and precise engineering. He especially enjoys the challenge of designing custom parts and assemblies that bring unique projects to life. Jose holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Drafting and Design Technology from Hastings Community College. Before joining IPI by Bison, he worked in the design and fabrication of sports braces and orthotics, where he gained valuable experience in precision design. 

Outside of work, Jose enjoys working on cars and ATVs, staying active through fitness, and spending time with his family. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he’s also a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan. His favorite quote sums up his sense of humor and work ethic: “I always give 100% at work — 13% Monday, 22% Tuesday, 26% Wednesday, 35% Thursday, and 4% Friday.” 

Lincoln Eldred recently joined the IPI by Bison team as a Project Designer, where he focuses on designing custom attachments for basketball backstops, gym dividers, and other specialized equipment. Using his background in drafting and 3D modeling, he contributes to creating functional, well-integrated solutions tailored to each project.

Lincoln enjoys being part of a company that values community outreach and takes pride in contributing to projects that make a positive impact. His favorite part of the job is working on ceiling-mounted systems, where design precision and creativity come together.

He brings several years of experience as a drafter in the construction industry, along with a long-standing personal interest in 3D modeling. This combination of professional and self-driven experience supports his ability to approach projects with both technical skill and creativity.

Outside of work, Lincoln enjoys a wide range of hobbies including reading, 3D printing, playing Dungeons & Dragons, video games, bookbinding, guitar, and cooking. A fan of Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT in the World Rally Championship, he appreciates both engineering and performance in action. His favorite quote is: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

Al Watts has spent more than 20 years with Bison and the past five years with IPI by Bison, bringing a deep understanding of the company’s operations to his role as Project Lead. He manages the physical execution of projects from start to finish, coordinating closely with multiple departments once designs are approved to ensure every order comes together seamlessly. When projects are ready to ship, Al and his team take hands-on responsibility for loading and preparing shipments for delivery. 

Al enjoys the many moving parts that come together to form an IPI order and values the strong teamwork that drives each project forward. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is seeing completed installations and satisfied customers at the end of the process. 

Through two decades with the company, Al has gained experience across nearly every department, giving him a comprehensive understanding of how each piece contributes to the overall operation. With five years in the IPI department, he continues to look forward to personal growth and the ongoing development of the team. 

Outside of work, Al spends much of his time outdoors, following the seasons through hunting, fishing, rock collecting, mushroom foraging, and searching for Native American artifacts in rivers and streams. He also enjoys mentoring young adults and sharing the knowledge and experience he’s gained over the years. His favorite motto is: “Worrying only makes you suffer twice.”