Meet the Backdraft Team
Tyler LeBrun
President/
Engineering/
Originally from the southwest corner of Minnesota, Tyler went to school for manufacturing engineering at South Dakota State University, while working for Daktronics. After graduation, Tyler started full time for Bobcat in North Dakota, until moving back closer to family in 2015. While working for Midwest Fire in Luverne, he noticed the need for some of the skills in modern manufacturing and design that he had picked up along the way and started Backdraft Manufacturing in August of 2017.
Brandon LeBrun
Fabrication
Growing up in a agricultural area and working with farmers for most of his career, Brandon brings his hard work ethic to Backdraft MFG in creating your project. After graduating from MN West, he worked in the agricultural production segment, while always wanting to get back to doing something more technical. Since joining Backdraft, he is able to bring his experience from the farm setting into the modern manufacturing arena, and help bring modern manufacturing into our area.
Lynette
Continuous Improvement / Quality
Lynette has worked in manufacturing throughout her entire career, and brings her experience in quality control and continuous improvement to Backdraft. Working for Alexandria Extrusion, she started in machining, transitioning into quality control, dealing with statistical process control and ISO certification. Lynette was the quality manager before moving back to Luverne in the early 2000's. Lynette worked for Midwest Fire before coming on board with Backdraft in mid - 2019.
Adam Ask
Assembler / Laborer
Adam is from Luverne and joined Backdraft on June 1, 2026. He has attended the University of South Dakota and brings a strong work ethic, leadership instincts, and a get‑it‑done mindset. He likes keeping projects efficient and moving forward. When he’s not in the shop, Adam enjoys day trading and managing private equity accounts.
Stephen Sample
Machinist / Programmer
Originally from Nashua, New Hampshire, Stephen studied machine technology at Whittier Regional Technical High School. Before joining Backdraft in January 2024, he worked for companies including Straumann USA, Sig Sauer, and A.W. Chesterton. Stephen programs and runs CNC mills and lathes and enjoys seeing a part move from raw stock to a finished component. Outside of work, he spends time target shooting, hunting, and exploring parks with his family.
Trey
Engineering
A Louisiana native, Trey graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and joined the Backdraft team in January 2020. While in school, Trey worked as an engineering intern at Halco PM, a machine shop that focused on high-end archery components. In addition to the mechanical engineering background, he brings in additional design and 3D printing expertise.
Dalton Popkes
Automation Controls Technician
Dalton grew up in Ellsworth, Minnesota, and graduated from Northwest Iowa Community College with a degree in Industrial Instrumentation and Controls. He completed UL508A and Yaskawa robotic training and interned at POET before joining Backdraft in May 2023. Dalton works with robotics, HMI and PLC programming, panel design, and automation troubleshooting. He enjoys seeing automated systems come together and run the way they should. Outside of work, he helps on his family farm.
Landon Leuthold
Automation Controls Technician
Landon is from Ellsworth and earned his AAS in Industrial Instrumentation and Control. He first joined Backdraft as an intern and came on full‑time after graduating in May 2026. Landon brings solid automation knowledge and a strong work ethic, and he enjoys building projects from start to finish. Outside of work, he’s usually hunting, fishing, or spending time outdoors.
Rick Wessels
Fabricator / Welder
Rick has been with Backdraft since 2022 and brings years of experience from working in fabrication and machining shops like ours. He’s steady, dependable, and knows his way around day‑to‑day production work. Rick takes pride in doing things right the first time and keeping projects moving. When he’s not in the shop, he’s usually at the track — racing is his favorite way to unwind.
Dan VanMeeteren
Fabricator / Welder
Dan is originally from Luverne and now lives near Adrian with his family. He joined Backdraft in February 2026 and is currently attending school for robotics. Dan brings life experience, reliability, and a steady work ethic to the fabrication team. He enjoys seeing quality work head out the door to customers. When he’s not welding, he’s spending time on his acreage with family and friends.