Architects of Legacy.
Operators of Civic Deployment.
LUV Corporation is powered by a diverse team of veterans, technicians, strategists, and civic leaders—each committed to building teachable systems, deploying automation with purpose, and transmitting legacy through apprenticeship.
The LUV TEAM
Jim "Spirit" Mikel
Founder & Mythic Architect of LUV Corporation
Pflugerville, TX
Chairman of Spirit Technologies, LLC and originator of the LUV formats, Spirit choreographs SPOT, authors apprenticeship systems, and mythologizes every deployment.
His legacy blends robotics, adult education, government contracting, and creative storytelling into a scalable civic movement. Spirit is the originator of LUV Corporation and the architect behind its modular formats, civic deployment systems, and USDOL Registered Apprenticeship.
With decades of experience in robotics, sustainability, adult education, and government contracting, he’s built LUV as a legacy-driven platform for training civic technicians and deploying automation with purpose.
As Chairman he has choreographed SPOT (Boston Dynamics), developed SCOUT training protocols, and authored apprenticeship programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
His background includes:
Pilot programs with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Creating LED assessment training for Austin Energy and other utilities Designing Moodle-based adult education courses for Jefferson College and University of Missouri
Managing FEMA and ASHI training for inspectors, military personnel, and Wounded Warrior Battalions
Estimating and deploying mechanical systems for NASA, NAVSEA, and Baker Hughes
Leading outreach for the Department of Homeland Security’s BLUE campaign
Spirit is also a creative force—songwriter, playwright, screeenplay writer, musician, puppeteer, and projection artist—who mythologizes every format with emotional resonance and civic clarity.
His leadership blends strategic rigor with spiritual depth, building LUV as a teachable, scalable movement for the next generation.
🏛️ John T. Newman II
R.A. Architect & Civic Development Strategist
Salado, TX Texas
Registered Architect with 46+ years in civic design, John advises on buildouts, feasibility, and deployment.
His portfolio includes schools, parks, apartments, and municipal spaces across Texas.
John is a Texas Registered Architect with over 46 years in the building construction industry, including 31 years as a licensed practitioner. He’s designed and developed civic buildings, apartment complexes, schools, and municipal spaces across Texas—always with a focus on community, feasibility, and legacy.
At LUV Corps, John serves as a development consultant and architectural advisor, helping shape the physical deployment of LUV formats—from Shack to Cinema to Civic Pods.
His background includes:
• Principal of his own architectural firm in Salado, TX
• Architect of 100+ residences, State of Texas offices, and multi-million dollar apartment complexes
• Former staff architect at Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates (NYC) and Lawrence W. Speck Associates (Austin)
• Published projects in Architectural Record, Texas Architect, and Center
• VA Plan Certifier and civic planner for municipal parks and schools
John is also a community activist and livestream documentarian of Salado political events. He serves on the Salado Parks Advisory Board and holds a USGA GHIN 3 handicap index—named Temple Titleist Champion Wildcat Golfer of the Year in 2021.
His architectural eye and civic heart help ground the mythic vision of LUV in real, buildable spaces.
🧑‍🔧 Ronnie A. Gehring Facilities Strategist & Robotics
Missouri City, TX
Warehousing, Logistics, youth minister, and roller rink owner, Ronnie supports facilities planning and robotic integration.
He’s HVAC-certified, ministry-trained.
Ronnie is a multi-industry operations veteran with deep experience in warehouse management, youth ministry, and recreational business leadership. He’s currently training in robotics and drone systems, with certifications from Boston Dynamics and Scout software, and a clear mission to deploy automation with civic purpose.
At LUV Corps, Ronnie supports facilities planning, apprentice mentorship, and robotic systems integration.
His background includes:
• 20+ years managing inventory, logistics, and warehouse operations across Houston
• Director of Operations for Colony Creek Community Church, overseeing facilities, budgeting, and event coordination
• Owner/operator of Skate Central Roller Rink, a family-run business serving the community for over two decades
• HVAC-certified technician with EPA Type 1 and Type 2 credentials
• Leadership Development Network graduate with a Texas Ministry License
Ronnie’s ability to motivate teams, manage complex systems, and connect with guests makes him a vital bridge between legacy and innovation. His civic heart and operational precision help ground the LUV mission in real-world deployment.
🤖 David Ben-David VP of R&D
Tel Aviv, Israel
David Ben-David is the visionary engineer behind Beastro™, the world’s first fully autonomous robotic kitchen.
As VP of Research & Development at he leads the design, prototyping, and deployment of culinary automation systems that are transforming food service across the globe.
At LUV Corps, David serves as a strategic partner and technical advisor—supporting the integration of Beastro units into LUV Shack™ and LUV Beastro™ formats.
His background includes:
• Leading R&D for Kitchen Robotics since 2019
• Designing robotic systems that prepare, plate, and clean up meals with zero human intervention
• Filing patents for induction cookware sanitation using vision systems and high-pressure jets
• Collaborating with international teams to deploy Beastro in commercial kitchens, ghost kitchens, and civic food hubs
Graduate of the Israel Institute of Technology, with a focus on mechanical systems and automation David’s work ensures that every LUV Shack™ is not just efficient—but mythic. His engineering brilliance and civic alignment make him a cornerstone of LUV’s robotic legacy.
🎪 Dalton Sessumes Arts Producer & Creative Director
Austin, TX
Director of MindWorks / Co-Founder of Astra
Dalton Sessumes is a mythic choreographer of light, motion, and civic imagination. He leads immersive performance teams across continents—blending fire, drone choreography, and augmented reality into formats that move both body and soul.
His work spans LED drone acts in Dubai and Zurich, projection mapping for civic anniversaries, and large-scale installations at Seismic Dance Event and Burning Man.
He is the inventor of the Smokestack grenade prop and a civic builder shaping the future of drone-integrated performance.
With a background that bridges quantum physics, Cirque du Soleil, and augmented reality installations, Dalton brings emotional resonance and visual spectacle to every LUV deployment.
At LUV Corps, Dalton leads creative production across formats—designing SPOT-led intros, cinematic transitions, and civic rituals that feel alive, intentional, and unforgettable.
His background includes:
• Founder of MindWorks, a creative studio blending circus arts and tech innovation
• Co-director of Astra, a production company developing the next evolution of immersive circus shows
• Performer and casting artist with Cirque du Soleil at Sea
• Developer of leviwand drone choreography and LED-based visual acts
• Creator of AR installations for CURRENTS New Media Festival
• M.S. in Quantum Physics, with a pivot into performance and immersive design
Dalton’s work has appeared at Electric Daisy Carnival, Circus Roncalli (Germany), and across national and international stages. His passion for magic, movement, and mythic storytelling makes him the emotional architect of the LUV experience.
🧑‍🚀 Christopher G. Tinsman Operations Strategist & Drone Systems Architect
Fort Worth, TX
Marine Corps veteran and global electronics manager, Christopher leads drone integration, morale strategy, and apprentice mentorship. He’s a certified technician, 3D printing expert, and immersive systems builder with a heart for civic impact.
Christopher is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and seasoned Communications Electronics Maintenance Manager with over 20 years of global leadership experience. He’s a certified drone builder, technician, and submersible vehicle specialist with deep expertise in 3D printing, soldering, and immersive data systems.
At LUV Corps, Christopher serves as a systems integrator and morale strategist—overseeing operational readiness, mentoring apprentices, and customizing unmanned vehicles for civic deployment.
His background includes:
• Supervising teams of 300+ technicians across international theaters
• Managing $2.8M in assets and 800+ tracked components
• Designing proprietary drone filaments using Markforged industrial printers
• Building immersive VR conversions for mission-critical visualization
• Leading mentorship programs that retained and advanced over 140 service members
Christopher’s commitment to civic impact extends beyond robotics. He’s a community volunteer with Make-A-Wish, Kiwanis Club, and local food charities—bringing heart, discipline, and legacy to every mission.
🧑‍💼 Jennifer Choins Administrative Strategist & Guest Experience Architect
Waco, TX
Jennifer is a seasoned operations lead with over two decades of experience in customer service, project management, and civic hospitality. From front desk coordination to restaurant shift leadership, she’s mastered the art of creating welcoming, efficient environments that serve both mission and morale.
Jennifer is also a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served as a radar repair journeyman and communications specialist. Her volunteer work with Grace Fellowship Church and Royal Family Kids Camp reflects her deep commitment to legacy, mentorship, and emotional resonance.
Jennifer At LUV Corps, Jennifer oversees guest experience protocols, apprentice scheduling, and civic event logistics.
Her background includes:
• Managing active job workflows and implementing priority systems across departments
• Leading restaurant and retail teams at Love’s Travel Stop with precision and care
• Coordinating client orders, invoicing, and final product delivery for Mitchell & Associates
• Serving as a home health care attendant for over a decade, supporting daily living and medical outings
• Creating web content and managing inventory for Great Outdoors Service & Supply
Jennifer is also a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served as a radar repair journeyman and communications specialist.
Her volunteer work with Grace Fellowship Church and Royal Family Kids Camp reflects her deep commitment to legacy, mentorship, and emotional resonance.
🧑‍💼 Michael Abbott Jr. Customer Experience Strategist & Civic Engagement Lead
San Angelo, TX
Michael brings a unique blend of marketing insight, frontline service, and civic discipline to the LUV Corps mission. A graduate of Angelo State University with a BBA in Marketing, he’s worked across industries—from broadcast media and airport security to direct sales and logistics—always with a focus on clarity, care, and community.
His background includes:
• Direct marketing and client development across Texas
• Live broadcast operations and studio coordination for Nexstar Media
• Transportation Security Officer at TSA Mathis Field Airport
• Logistics and receiving specialist for precision calibration systems
• Frontline service roles at Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s, where he honed his hospitality instincts
Michael is also a veteran of the Air National Guard, bringing discipline, integrity, and mission focus to every deployment. His ability to connect with guests, manage logistics, and support civic rituals makes him a vital part of the LUV legacy.
