KRave KRew - Krave Automotive

KRAVE KREW

We view the world as a place to travel and explore. We like to choose the road less travelled, and love the adventure that comes along with the journey. In fact, we consider the journey to be just as important as the final destination. Because of this, KRave Automotive was born.

Our team of enthusiasts are proud to offer over 90 years of combined automotive experience. Whether helping to guide a vehicle build, provide access to the highest quality parts in the industry, or make sure your pride and joy is running perfectly, we would love to work with you!

Managing Partner / General Manager

Ryan Quiring

Ryan is the co-founder of KRave automotive and managing partner. You will find him driving a 2006 Toyota Tacoma DCLB Auto that has over 600,000 km’s, that is the equivalence of driving around the world 15 times! I’m excited to see if we can get this truck to a million km’s! Oh, and did we mention that it’s supercharged!?

Before Ryan had his learners license he had already removed and reinstalled his first engine. He holds a Journeyman Technician ticket from SAIT and most of his Journeyman years were spent working with Toyota. He loves fabricating, suspension tuning, setting up gears, and engine tuning. His ingenuity knows no bounds and he’s been the one behind all of KRave’s custom processes. We don’t call him the doctor for nothing. He’s a genius! One thing about Ryan’s truck that you may notice is that it never looks the same. That’s because he is always working on ways to make it look and function better. With about 6” of lift, running some sweet custom Elka shocks and 37X13.50R17 tires, this thing is a beast! Ryan is always up for a good challenge and a ton of fun to wheel with.
When he’s not tinkering in the shop or wheeling, Ryan spends a lot of time with he’s amazing wife and kids.

How did your truck find its way into your life?

It was traded in at the Toyota dealership I worked at so I purchased it.

What is your favorite modification?

Boost!

What is your favorite part of working at KRave?

The people and the culture. Great staff and great customers! Its nice to live out my passion every day!

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Partner / Sales & Marketing Manager

Vill Van Der Merwe

Vill is the Sales and Marketing manager and newest Partner at KRave automotive. When we opened the doors to KRave 3 years ago, we would have never guessed that Vills supercharger install would blossom into such a strong family friendship. The stars aligned as Vill was looking for a shop to turn his Tacoma into Beast mode and KRave was grateful to have such a great owner and truck to showcase our passions. Vill was so inspired by our cause he started volunteering his time to KRave.

He is passionate about photography so he starting capturing great photos of our awesome adventures together.

His family also loves to explore, the Tacoma allowed us all to travel to such amazing places over the last 3 years. He then volunteered to take over our social media accounts to share these great pictures and our brand with the world. He even volunteered to organize weekend trail clean ups with our great customers. We could not have found a manager with more heart or one that understands our culture better. What started with a client relationship has evolved into gaining a best friend. Vill, his wife Jen and their son Vinny are excited to now officially join the KRave KRew! We have a vision and the Van Der Merwe’s are excited for the new journeys this KRew has coming up in the future!

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Shop Foreman

Alex Navickas

What happens when you mix an Arts Degree and a Journeyman Technician ticket? You get Alex! He is our lead technician who has brought to our KRew an artists touch and expression to the technical side of our truck builds. Even his resume had an artistic mechanical touch. After getting to meet Alex at a car show and learning about his passion we were stoked to have him join the team!

Before starting at KRave he had already taken a 3rd Gen 4runner with a 4 cylinder, automatic and 2wd powertrain and converted the truck to a 4×4 with manual transmission! On our first company camping trip Alex came flying into our lives with some entertaining air time with his 4runner. 3 wheels off the ground must have not been enough for him though as shortly after he had a custom turbo built and installed by himself to give the 4runner the extra speed he needed. A couple months later he arguably got all 4 wheels off the ground on Ryan’s birthday camping trip! Not only is he an amazing guy, Alex’s love for sending it fits in perfectly with our KRew! Alex has been an amazing addition to our KRew and we look forward to his new Elka suspension kit being installed to help him with his signature air time driving style!

How did your truck find its way into your life?

I purchased it sight unseen from Kijiji, at a price it was either broken or a write off. Luckily it was sound but turned out to only have a 4 cylinder, automatic transmission and 2wd.

What is your favorite modification?

All of them! The top 3 are; 2wd to 4wd conversion, turbocharger and gears and lastly front end Tacoma swap and custom paint job.

What is your favorite part of working at KRave?

Being part of a top quality group of people that play as hard as they work. Walking in every day knowing that I get to colour outside the lines with that group.

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Office Manager/Technology Manager

Ryan Jansen

Ryan “Eugene” Jansen has the title for most Toyota’s owned! He personally has a total of 5 Toyota’s registered in his name and a total of 11 sitting at his families acreage. His fleet consists of two 1st gen Taco’s, 2nd gen Taco, 4th Gen 4runner and a Mark II Supra named Alice. We had the pleasure of working with Eugene in a previous Toyota work life. He left to pursue his business degree and we were super happy to have him join the KRew after completing his 4 year degree.

Build Specialist

Cam Mueller

What happens when you have an Automotive Business Diploma and drive an 80 series Land Cruiser? You start a career at KRave! Cam was originally a customer that had us help him install and supply his sweet Dobinson suspension onto his Land Cruiser. We had a lot of fun with each other during the build and it felt very natural to have him join the team when he asked if there were any opportunities.

Cam has this smile and laugh which can make you feel like you have been friends for years. You will find this smile at the front desk welcoming you into the candy shop. He has a very long list of Toyota ownership experience, he even has a turbocharged Toyota Chaser for his summer Street Cruiser. He is very passionate about everything Toyota and is one of our most active outdoor enthusiasts. Almost every weekend he has his LC80 loaded up and headed for adventure. You may find him on the rivers/lakes fishing, mountain biking or camping on a road less traveled. We are very grateful to have Cam at the front desk as he is sure to make you feel welcome.

How did your truck find its way into your life?

I purchased a Toyota Chaser in Edmonton. When I arrived I saw a stock 80 series. It was his daily driver. I told him if he ever wanted to sell it to let me know. A year later he was looking to sell, so I drove up to Edmonton and purchased with no questions asked!!

What is your favorite modification?

Gear made a huge difference on the truck. They helped improve the drive ability 10 fold! I would be lying if I said my 3D printed cup holder wasn’t my favorite mod though.

What is your favorite part of working at KRave?

It is good vibes all around! We have amazing customers, amazing co workers and awesome trucks! Its is very rewarding to help people modify and maintain their vehicles.

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Build Specialist

Ashton Leiper

Ashtons knowledge and passion for the automotive industry landed her on the KRew. She had already owned a BJ60, 1st gen pickup and a handlful of 4runners. She has dreams of owning an FJ40 but until that time you will finding her driving an awesome 3rd gen 4runner on 35’s!

She came to us from another customization shop that has had the pleasure of sending trucks built down to SEMA which is very cool. Ashton loves offroad Toyotas and fast cars, hence why she owns a 4runner and an Evo X. You will find Ashton and her warm welcome when you come in the front door of KRave. Ashton also loves meeting and helping people with building up their sweet Toyotas. She has really grown quickly in her new role and has adapted well to the fast paced environment at KRave. She is currently a 1st year Parts Person apprentice, looking to get her Red Seal ticket. We are very happy to have Ashton part of the KRew!

How did your truck find its way into your life?

Coming from the modified car world, I knew I wanted something more capable and what I would be able to really put to use! I had owned a 60 series diesel cruiser, 1st gen pick up and a few 3rd gen 4runners. The 4runner seemed to most fit my lifestyle. Timing was great when I found a rare green 3rd gen with only 2 owners!

What is your favorite modification?

My suspension for sure! It completely changed the driving characteristics and look of it! Elka has put a ton of thought into their coil over kits and it has made offroading that much more fun!

What is your favorite part of working at KRave?

Helping build our customers dream trucks! Best part is after installation and seeing their reaction of their sweet new parts on the trucks!

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Assistant Sales Manager

Keith Zorniak

Great Words About Keith – Bio coming soon!

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e-Commerce Wizard

Dylan Johnson

In a previous Toyota work life Dylan, Ryan and Kyle worked together. Dylan really proved himself on the parts team when he was finishing high school. After we started KRave he was always stoked on our builds, asking to run KRave stickers and was figuring out ways to install negative -10mm wheels with larger than stock tires while having no lift on his stock 4th Gen 4runner. It was only natural to draft him to the KRave KRew when he needed some time off from university.

Since joining our team its been amazing seeing the advancements he has made in his work skills, person skills and of course his 4 runner. Now running 35″ tires and -38mm wheels, his passion for a wicked stance has not changed. His vehicle has really transformed over the last couple of years. Always super stoked to be out in his truck or hiking in the mountains, Dylan has a strong desire to be out exploring. He sometimes has so much fun, he chooses to stay out overnight with no plans to do so! LOL. Dylan has been an amazing addition to the KRew and we hope he chooses to come back home after he earns his Business Degree. In the mean time Dylan will still be working with KRave part time while going to back to school. We can’t wait for the next time we get to come give you a winch out buddy!

How did your truck find its way into your life?

In 2018 I was working for Toyota and not having a vehicle while at school was not enjoyable. I picked up my 2006 4runner from a co worker.

What is your favorite modification?

It is hard not to be cliche but is easily my Elka suspension. Back when the 4runner was stock it felt like a sack of potatoes. The Elka just makes everything better on the truck!

What is your favorite part of working at KRave?

The team. Its is very special to be able to go to work and look forward to seeing everyone. Additionally, having Kyle, Ryan and other team members to give you their leadership, knowledge, and experience is not comparable to any other workplace I have been in.

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Shipping/ Receiving

Justin Jorgensen

How could we not hire a guy that has a Toyota truck tattooed on his leg?!?! Justin was a long time customer of KRave before he joined the KRew. We had the pleasure of helping accessorize, repair and maintain his 3rd Gen 4runner. He has a long history of of parts experience and has a dream to get his Journeyman Partsperson ticket with Kyles red seal supervision.

Justin has a diploma in Digital Film Making, we are excited to see if he brings a camera on our next excursion. When not cranking gangster rap music in his 4runner you can find Justin at the shooting range or long boarding. We are excited to help you get your Red Seal ticket Justin!

How did your truck find its way into your life?

In 2015 I was looking for a 1st gen Tacoma double cab but couldn’t find one priced right. Then a 1 owner 3rd gen 4Runner came up with low KM’s and was so minty, I couldn’t look way.

What is your favorite modification?

The 2″ lift kit and 33″ tires, my soon to be favorite mod will be my new paint job and mad max themed satoshi grill.

What is your favorite part of working at KRave?

Seeing the joy and excitment the customers have when they first see their vehicle transformation. Also hearing the customers have travelled across the province/country to experience KRave. Neat being part of their vacation experience.

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Journeyman Technician

Kevin Davies

Kevin was another KRave customer before he joined the KRew. Both Kevin and his wife Braylyn are Toyota and outdoor enthusiasts, hence why they own a 3rd Gen Tacoma Offroad and a 5th Gen 4runner Offroad! Its awesome seeing his Tacoma has already started its transformation from relatively stock, next in line is some new Elka suspension and larger tires. Kevin brings to our team a Journeyman Technician ticket and many great years of experience!

When Kevin is not at work you will find him and his wife driving to the most remote location possible, and then adding a hike and remote camp site to make sure they have found the ultimate secluded spot. If they are not camping or hunting, you will catch them playing with their 2 dogs. In the short time Kevin has been with the team, we have been super excited to see his quick growth and awesome fit with the KRew!

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Journeyman Technician

Jeremy Kisko

We are super excited to now have 4 Journeyman technicians at KRave! Jeremy brings with him many years of experience from another Toyota specialized shop. He originally came to the Toyota car world as his platform of choice when doing auto cross.

He had sweet 1st Gen 4runner convertible and his current exploration vehicle is a 3rd Gen 4runner. He is most passionate about electrical, diagnosis, fabrication and engines. When not working on Toyota’s you will find him snowboarding, camping or mountain biking. It’s great to have another talented technician in the shop and we look forward to see him grow with our team.

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Apprentice Technician

Derrick Candido

Derrick was our very first team member of KRave! He drives a 2017 Toyota Tacoma DCSB TRD Sport Manual. His truck came to us with a few small mods like a tonneau cover and used side step bars purchased from Ryan on Kijiji before he joined the KRew, small world in the Toyota network! Shortly after starting with us he had his lift kit installed. He worked hard and saved up for some new FN Wheels and some 33″ tires. This truck keeps getting better!

Now multiple styles of suspension and tires have been tested on his truck. He loves camping with his family and has truck has now morphed into an overland machine with a Front Runner roof rack, 40″ dual row light bar, ARB awning with room, RCI bed rack, Treeline tent, RCI sliders, Element skids, Coastal Offroad bumper, Smittybilt winch and an OV tuned engine. Its a blast to watch Derrick drive, he has tackled our hardest trips like Hells Revenge and Top of the World, Moab! Derrick was referred to us by a close friend in the industry. Our friend Phil was his automotive instructor while attending the Motive Action trades program. Derrick has shown KRave great loyalty and dependability. We look forward to Derrick getting his Journeyman Technician ticket under the mentorship of our Journeyman Ryan, Alex, Kevin and Jeremy!

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Apprentice Technician

Ethan Fleck

Great Words About Ethan – Bio coming soon!

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Apprentice Technician

Damon De Guzman

Great Words About Damon – Bio coming soon!

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Journeyman Welder

Matt Estabillo

We knew it wouldn’t be long until a Journeyman Welder would be a great asset to have on the KRew! While we have some amazing fabricators on the team, its awesome to have someone with a B pressure welding ticket. Matt is a great fit as he has owned a 1st, a 2nd and a 3rd Gen Tacoma. He is super stoked to be able to start building some armour for his sweet 3rd gen on 35’s.

When not laying down some beads you can find him building up his Tacoma for his future trip to Alaska or jumping out of a helicopter on the top of a mountain with his bike! We’re stoked to have Matt on the team and excited to see what projects are in our future together.

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KR ONLINE STORE - NOW OPEN!

403-367-7851

KR ONLINE STORE - NOW OPEN!

Ryan Quiring

Vill Van Der Merwe

Alex Navickas

Ryan Jansen

Cam Mueller

Ashton Leiper

Keith Zorniak

Dylan Johnson

Justin Jorgensen

Kevin Davies

Jeremy Kisko

Derrick Candido

Ethan Fleck

Damon De Guzman

Matt Estabillo

KR ONLINE STORE - NOW OPEN!

403-367-7851

Start Your Build

KR ONLINE STORE - NOW OPEN!

Ryan Quiring

Vill Van Der Merwe

Alex Navickas

Ryan Jansen

Cam Mueller

Ashton Leiper

Keith Zorniak

Dylan Johnson

Justin Jorgensen

Kevin Davies

Jeremy Kisko

Derrick Candido

Ethan Fleck

Damon De Guzman

Matt Estabillo