About
Our Purpose & Our People
To empower people who are working towards prosperity by providing affordable transportation solutions.
As we help each other, people will have the freedom to accomplish their dreams.
We’ve gathered an inspiring group of humans who keep ChangingGears on track towards creating a brighter future.
joel@changing-gears.org
513.357.2004 x4001
Trying to “Be the change you want to see in the world,” Joel and his wife, Marnie, started ChangingGears to help clients experience the freedom of private transportation. When he’s not dreaming up where ChangingGears is headed next, you can find him hiking, reading, or spending time with his family. For Joel, the most rewarding part about ChangingGears is “being part of a team that’s being the hands and feet of God as we run after those in need.”
katie@changing-gears.org
513.357.2004 x4002
Katie’s papa once told her, “If you don’t look ahead, you won’t ever get there.” Considering that it’s Katie’s role to materialize dreams into actions, she clearly took his advice to heart. In addition to keeping all of our programs moving without a hitch, Katie enjoys spending her time dabbling in calligraphy, cross stitching, and CrossFit. Katie’s favorite part about her job is “celebrating when our clients get the keys to their car, and again once they’ve paid off their loan and get the title!”
rob@changing-gears.org
513.357.2004 x4003
Rob manages all the operational aspects of our shop so we can turn donated cars into poverty fighting machines. When he’s not supporting the clients, volunteers and staff in our shop, he’s probably exploring a new park with his family, playing baseball with his son, or watching a Sal DiBlasi video to prepare for his next house project. His favorite part of working at ChangingGears is talking with clients and getting things fixed.
marnie@changing-gears.org
513.357.2004
You won’t find Marnie repairing any cars at ChangingGears as she once “fixed” the bumper of her Nissan Sentra with duct tape, but she loves people and parties so you will find her pouring into our staff and planning our awesome events. As a co-founder of ChangingGears, Marnie continues to be motivated by seeing our clients empowered when they pay off their car loans and knowing the trajectory changing impact of each car extends to the entire family of every client.
eric.dallas@changing-gears.org
513.357.2004 x4005
Although Eric’s role requires acute attention to detail, his life mantra is to “stop stressing about what you can’t control.” Eric is an ASE certified Master Technician, so you can rest assured that every car that drives off our lot is in tip-top shape. While he knows his way around a car engine, his favorite part about working at ChangingGears is interacting with clients. “Seeing them pay off their title is just awesome! And it’s even better when I get to see them driving around town.”
katie.armentrout@changing-gears.org
513.357.2004 x4004
Spend any amount of time with Katie and she’s going to recommend a great podcast, ask you to donate your car to ChangingGears, or remind you that Iowa is an actual state. Her small town roots fostered a passion for serving others that is summed up with her favorite MLK Jr. quote, “Everyone has the power for greatness, not fame, because greatness is determined by service.” At ChangingGears, Katie serves others by bringing in the resources we need to positively impact the lives of more clients.
todd@changing-gears.org
513.357.2004 x4008
Always be humble and kind” is the best advice Todd has ever received and if you donate a vehicle to ChangingGears, you will get to see him living out that advice. One of Todd’s favorite parts about working at ChangingGears is seeing the smiles on vehicle donor’s faces when they realize how their donation is fueling change in someone’s life. In Todd’s spare time, you might find him refinishing wood furniture or enjoying a week in Hilton Head spending time with his family.
We’ve teamed up with some stellar organizations committed to breaking the poverty cycle in Greater Cincinnati.
Is it free to donate my vehicle?
Will you really take any vehicle in any condition?
My vehicle is in decent shape but needs a major repair, does ChangingGears still want it?
My vehicle is not running and probably belongs in a junk yard, does ChangingGears still want it?
Is my vehicle donation tax deductible?
How much will I be able to deduct for my donation?
How do I determine the FMV of my vehicles?
When will I know what my tax deduction is?
Why do you ask for my Social Security Number?
I’ve never worked on a car, can I still volunteer?
How is ChangingGears different from other vehicle donation programs?
What are the requirements to purchase a vehicle from ChangingGears?
I don’t have a vehicle to donate, how else can I help?