We all do! We are a member and volunteer-operated makerspace where no profit is made and nobody is paid. Members make donations of tools, soap, glue or toilet paper to keep the space running smoothly, and without help it would not be possible!
At KzooMakers, we operate in a uncoordinated but communal way. Our space thrives on the collective energy and dedication of our members and volunteers who give their time, skills, and enthusiasm to keep things running. There are no employees, no salaries, and no profit margins—just a community of makers helping makers.
We embrace the organized chaos that comes with a volunteer-run operation. While things might not always run with corporate precision, they run with heart. Every decision, every improvement, and every project is guided by our best intentions and our shared commitment to making the space better for everyone.
The Board sets the vision, sustainability, and growth of this non-profit. They manage finances, safety policies, insurance and other business related operations required for sustainability, working to ensure the space remains available, innovative, and collaborative. We have a shared goal: to keep our makerspace thriving as a hub for creativity, learning, and hands-on experimentation.
Zach leads the makerspace with a steady balance of vision and pragmatism. As President, he guides the board and membership toward sustainable growth while ensuring that creativity, learning, and community remain at the heart of every decision. With a deep commitment to open collaboration and hands-on innovation, Zach sets the tone for an inclusive, forward-thinking maker culture.
Ryan is one of the true cornerstones of our organization. As treasurer, he not only oversees billing operations with precision and reliability but also brings a personal touch to nearly every tour and event—chances are, you’ve met him or benefited from his work in some way. His breadth of knowledge spans every corner of our operations, and his readiness to jump in and help turn an idea into something tangible is unmatched. Ryan embodies the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines our community.
As Board Secretary and principal liaison with LARA, he ensures KzooMakers has accurate business notes and compliant with corporate governance — he blends creativity, engineering, and leadership in equal parts. A laser enthusiast and seasoned technologist with 23 years of experience, he manages the makerspace’s network, web services, and technical infrastructure. His precision-crafted laser engravings mark his presence throughout the space.
Lynden’s bench is often a hub of activity—his deep understanding of systems, from circuit design to Linux kernel nuances, makes him an indispensable mentor to makers of all experience levels. Whether troubleshooting a stubborn wiring issue or helping a new member configure their first Raspberry Pi, Lyndon brings the same patience, precision, and passion that have defined his many years of service to the board.
Al has been part of KzooMakers since the beginning. His journey started the day he discovered MAKE: magazine and thought, “I want to do all these things.” That moment sparked a lasting passion for hands-on creation, open collaboration, and community-driven innovation. He was the first President of Kalamazoo Innovation Initiative (KII), the non-profit corporation behind KzooMakers and previously was Manager of Technical Resources at the Air Zoo. Al combines technical expertise with a vision for an inclusive maker community.