Runyon Roots: Jonn Rippman

Jonn “The Ripper” Rippman was born on February 2, 1967, in Camden, New Jersey, one of five siblings. His father, a PhD in electrical physics, pioneered developments in control systems for power plants and held multiple patents, igniting Jonn’s interest in engineering. From his earliest memories, he was surrounded by innovation and a commitment to technical precision, qualities that would shape his professional journey.

After moving to, and then growing up in Maryland, Jonn discovered a love for sports, especially baseball, basketball and motocross, which nurtured his energetic spirit. At a young age, he began learning how to repair his own motorbike and even built a go-kart, fostering a lifelong passion for mechanics and motorsports. All the while, he was also earning pocket money mowing lawns and, a few years later, expanded his business to include painting, mulching, and staining decks. His early exposure to hard work and a knack for fixing things set the stage for a career rooted in applied skills.

Jonn’s professional journey began at 13, when he took a job at Compex Microelectronics, a manufacturer of chip capacitors for defense systems. Starting as an inspector, he quickly advanced to running three labs, gaining insight into scientific processes and business operations. This role taught him discipline, attention to detail, and the fundamentals of a high-stakes industry. After high school, he briefly attended Rutgers University, studying ceramics engineering, before deciding to focus on hands-on work.

When he was introduced to Bill Marsh, a regional manager at Blastrac, Jonn’s career took a pivotal turn. Impressed by Jonn’s skills and potential, Bill took a gamble on a 19-year-old kid and hired him as a service technician. Before long, Jonn had become an expert welder and fabricator. Under Marsh’s mentorship, he also developed a deep understanding of machine repair, customer service, and value-based selling. These skills, combined with his enthusiasm, enabled him to travel extensively, fixing Blastrac machinery across all 50 U.S. states and six continents, establishing himself as a trusted problem-solver for years to come.

After a successful nine years in sales based in Mishawaka, Indiana, Jonn relocated to Oklahoma City in 2005 to work at Blastrac’s factory, where he was integral to the development of Blastrac’s Home Depot program, which distributed equipment across 1,300 locations. Over the next 11 years, he held various leadership roles there, including Global Training Director and Director of Sales. His expertise extended to product development, training, and business strategy, helping Blastrac navigate the economic challenges of 2009. While in Oklahoma, Jonn was also fortunate enough to join friend and customer, Sean Whitley, AKA “Farmtruck,” as part of “Team Farmtruck” in the original TV series “Street Outlaws.” During this venture, Jonn was otherwise known by the nickname “The King of Bling.”

In 2016, Jonn took on the role of Vice President of Product and Product Development at Diamatic, Blastrac’s grinding division. Based in Folcroft, Pennsylvania, he spearheaded the development of a new propane line of equipment and established a production facility. In 2021, following Husqvarna’s acquisition of Blastrac, Jonn decided to seek new opportunities and joined Vortex as Vice President, overseeing product development and operations. When Vortex was acquired by Runyon Surface Prep in October 2023, Jonn’s career came full circle as he joined the team led by the daughter of his former Indiana-based customer, Gary Runyon.

Jonn married his wife, Janet, in 1992, at the age of 25, in a picturesque cathedral nestled in the woods. Outside of work, he remains deeply connected to his roots, still riding dirt bikes and restoring classic cars in his home workshop, where he’s currently working on a 1970 AMC Mark Donahue Javelin. This space, filled with tools and memories, is his sanctuary—a testament to his lifelong passion for building, fixing, and creating.

Now serving as a Shotblast Specialist at RSP, Jonn’s role includes product development, training, and regional sales across the tristate area. His extensive experience and technical knowledge make him an invaluable asset, helping to expand Runyon’s capabilities and furthering the commitment to excellence in everything we do. With a career that spans both decades and continents, Jonn Rippman continues to impact the industry, bringing dedication, skill, and a relentless drive to every project he undertakes. Everyone at RSP is so excited to have him on the team and cannot wait to see the great things he brings to the table.

Jonn's Contact Information:

Jonn Rippman

[email protected]

856-484-9178