Our Team

William R. Benner Jr

President / CTO

William R. Benner, Jr. is President and CTO of Pangolin Laser Systems. As President, he sets the general strategic direction for the company and oversees all aspects of company operations. As CTO, he is in charge of all hardware and software development as well as research for new products and new directions for the laser industry. In addition to having received more than 35 international awards for technical achievement, products invented by Benner are currently used by some of the best-known entertainment and technology companies in the world, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, DreamWorks pictures, Boeing, Samsung and Lawrence Livermore Labs.

Benner holds nearly 60 US and International Patents, and has received personal letters of commendation from U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Florida Governor Bob Graham. He has articles published in IEEE, SMPTE Journal, The Laserist, and Motorola’s Embedded Connection magazine. He is the sole author of the #1 best-selling book LASER SCANNERS AND co-author of the best-selling business books Game Changers, Win, and The Success Secret. Benner has also been featured on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX television affiliates.

Beyond his work at Pangolin, Benner holds the highest class of Amateur Radio license (callsign N4WRB) and has also served on several boards as well as serving for seven years as ILDA's Technical Committee Chairman. He also contributed expertise to outside companies including Bliss Lights, Cambridge Technologies, RMB Miniature Bearings and many others.

Justin Perry

Chief Operating Officer

Justin is a partner, and our Chief Operating Officer. He oversees the company’s general business, financial, and marketing efforts, seeking to help the laser entertainment and projection industries continue to grow, in a positive and safe manner. Early on in his career, Justin assisted with the expansion of Pangolin’s distribution network, working directly with clients around the world to increase the markets served by Pangolin’s laser design software, control hardware, and later, optical scanning products. In 2014 and 2015, Justin was integral in devising the strategic vision to align Pangolin, KVANT, and Unity Lasers into a global powerhouse of brands, aimed at bringing cutting edge laser technologies to new markets around the globe. Justin also played an active role in the acquisitions of Phoenix Showcontroller GmbH, and Showtacle s.r.o. IP. Justin is an alumnus of the University of Central Florida’s School of Business Administration, where he studied Business Administration, Marketing and Finance. His internships included working with the national automotive firm J & L Marketing, where he participated in designing, developing and launching automotive marketing campaigns for companies including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Chrysler, and General Motors. In addition to his current role at Pangolin, Justin was also elected to the International Laser Display Association’s Board of Directors and also served as Chairman of the ILDA membership Committee. Justin is an accomplished author as well, and has had articles published in a variety of industry publications including MONDO DR, TPI, and PLSN magazines, as well as Lighting and Sound America, and is a featured author alongside our Founder William R. Benner Jr. and Jack Canfield, in the Success Secret book. Justin started his first business at age 17, and has a true passion for international business strategic partnerships. He also loves art, and has a keen sense for design, painting, and drawing. Outside his responsibilities for the organization, Justin is father of two girls, and enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He is also an avid sportsman, and enjoys a vigorous routine including weightlifting, golf, and skiing.

Alexey Sinitsyn

Lead Programmer

Alexey received a degree from the Kharkov Air-Space University. His specialties include computers, computing algorithms, computing systems and networks. Alexey has written software for a variety of applications including scientific research, nuclear power plant diagnostics, DMX light controllers and laser controllers. Alexey has been working on Laser controllers since 1998 and working on mobile messaging software since 2001. Alexey is currently the lead programmer on many of Pangolin’s projects, including Lasershow Designer peripheral programs including QuickShow, BEYOND, and LivePRO and Interactive Messaging Unlimited.

Ante Uglesic

Director - Pangolin Europe

Ante is a partner in Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc. and Diector of Pangolin d.o.o., our European division of the company located in Slovenia. Ante has an extensive background in the laser industry, and before working with Pangolin, he was programming and performing laser shows all across Europe. Ante has a passion for computer and electrical engineering, and now oversees the production of various Pangolin products, while also is assisting with the development of new technologies Pangolin is bringing to the laser industry.

Niels Debaets

Chief Firmware Engineer

Niels is our Chief Firmware Engineer, and has an extensive history in the laser and lighting industry. Niels currently leads our hardware development team, specializing in the development of new features for all Pangolin laser control hardware. Prior to working at Pangolin, Niels worked as a freelance lighting operator for major European festivals and tours.

Valery Furmanov

Custom Controls Developer

Valery received a degree from the Kharkov Air-Space University. His specialties include computers, computing algorithms, GUI design, system software and networks. Valery has worked in a variety of areas including control systems for turbo generators in power plants, medical database software and software for experimental devices. Valery has been working on laser control software since 1997 and on mobile messaging software since 2001. Valery is our resident expert for Custom Controls development (all of those pretty buttons, toolbars, scrolling panels, etc.) as well as MCI, DirectX, and the underlying nuts and bolts that most people never see.

Suhas Holla

Senior Software Engineer

Suhas, our Senior Software Engineer, holds a master's degree in computer science and wields a versatile skill set as a full-stack and mobile developer. Starting as an intern, Suhas's journey at Pangolin has been nothing short of impressive, rocketing from intern to an integral part of our team. Whether crafting software infrastructure or conjuring innovative mobile and web applications, Suhas's expertise shines through. And when not immersed in code, you'll find him lost in the cinematic world of movies, savoring the aroma of coffee, or finding Zen through meditation.

Jordan Greck

Sales Manager

Jordan is the Sales Manager at Pangolin, and is responsible for overseeing daily sales operations, managing dealer and distributor accounts, forming customer relations, and handling technical inquiries. Jordan received a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida, where he studied Computational Sciences, Technical Writing, and Entrepreneurship. Outside of working at Pangolin, Jordan and his wife Sierra love visiting national parks, spending time with their pets, and playing games together.

Jorge Aponte

General Manager

As the General Manager here at Pangolin, Jorge makes sure everything is running smoothly. Jorge keeps an eye on several facets of the company to ensure things are being done with the quality that our customers deserve. When not generally managing things at Pangolin, Jorge is out growing his collection of toys, action figures, video games, board games, and LEGOs. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw

Courtney Wall

Account and Social Media Manager

As an Account Manager and Social Media Manager, Courtney works as a primary point of contact for clients and creates engaging content. She works hand in hand with clients to understand their goals to develop tailored solutions that help them achieve their objectives. As social media manager, Courtney is equally adept at developing content for multiple platforms with the goal to uplift current clients and inspire other laser enthusiasts. Whether crafting compelling copy, writing inspiring case studies, or creating graphics, Courtney is dedicated to delivering content that resonates with their audience. Courtney is a graduate from Seminole state College of Florida where she received her degree in Business and Information Management. During her time in college, she completed an internship with Marriott Vacations Worldwide where she further developed skills in marketing and customer advocacy. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys exploring the outdoors through activities like kayaking. She also has a passion for photography and loves to capture creative portraits of people. And when she wants to let loose and have some fun, she can be found karaoking with friends and family

Calvin Hunt

Marketing Director

Calvin is responsible for Pangolin's social media channels (FB, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). In addition, he oversees the companies blogs, and manages the creation of company newsletters, video productions, and podcasts. Calvin also assists with basic sales related activities, and exhibition preparations.

Alex Dou (Dou Yi)

China Branch Director

He received a honors degree in Business English from the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Before joining Pangolin, Alex formerly worked for LFI International. He has extensive computer knowledge from working with computer sales, maintenance, server administration and serving as the Minister for the Network and Information Department (NID) of the school of Business English at Guangdong University. Alex is responsible for sales, customer support, dealer relations, translations, forecasting, and general operations within China.

Maja Rozman

Maja Rozman

Maja oversees all accounting, invoicing, and billing related functions for Pangolin Europe.

Lyra Letourneau

Creative Director

As creative director, Lyra is responsible for the overall creative direction of Pangolin. Including exhibition stand design, and tradeshow management. As well as overseeing our creative content departments, and training initiatives. Lyra also manages our showroom, and oversees the creation of support and training materials (including training videos, support videos, podcasts, and manuals).

Aaron McDonald

Technical Support Manager

Aaron (A Aron) McDonald is Pangolin's Technical Support and US Service Manager. He provides Technical Support to our users worldwide, or worded better, "He helps people make light dance!"; Aaron also oversees the processing of our Service and Maintenance requests. Chances are, if you have had a problem using one of our products, you have spoken with him in one form or another. Aaron has an Associate of Science degree in Video Game Design and Development from Full Sail University and was an IT specialist before his career at Pangolin (Cable Guy with tricks); additionally, Aaron worked Wireless Telecommunications Technical Support for some of the largest companies in the United States. Aaron lives far off in the woods, where he is harmonizing with Nature by growing a Food Forest, and helping people understand that "You are The Light Dancing!"

Bob Varkevisser

IT Manager

Bob mainly works behind the scenes to keep the information flow and systems going. Bob is integral in many other company operations from troubleshooting, graphics design, web management, product development, product testing and also programming the Pangolin cloud used in various of Pangolin products. He has extensive knowledge in areas of networking, routing Internet, communication and server systems. Also an addicted BEYOND user and uses his expertise to freelance as laserist on the Dutch market.

Francesco van Loon

European Repair Service support engineer

Francesco is Pangolin's "swiss army knife". He oversees all repairs of Pangolin control products (QM2000, FB3QS, FB4) as well as lasers - within Europe. In addition, he helps with software testing, tutorial video creation, training, installations, and exhibition services. He is knowledgable in all areas of Pangolin products, and is a great resource when help is needed across the board.

Paul van Loon

European Repair support manager

Paul manages the daily office administration, accounting, production and logistics for Pangolin's Service and Support office in the Netherlands. He is also Francesco's father.

Ryan Smith

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Ryan Smith is Senior Mechanical Engineer here at Pangolin, for both our Pangolin and ScannerMAX divisions. Ryan studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Central Florida, and has extensive experience working with popular design software programs such as Solid Works. Ryan assists with various ScannerMAX product developments, including work done on our Compact-506 and Saturn-1 systems. Ryan’s expertise and passion for engineering is reflected in his product designs.

Erik Dominguez

Technical Support Manager

Erik Dominguez is currently the Production Manager for Pangolin’s ScannerMAX division. Erik is originally from Honduras, and studied electrical engineering at the National University of Honduras. Upon moving to Florida, Erik transferred to the University of Central Florida, where he is currently finishing his degree in the electrical engineering field. Erik has a passion for quality, support and service, and this is reflected in the way he manages the ScannerMAX division.

Joshua Pollock

Operations Manager

Joshua is the Operations Manager for the ScannerMax Division. He studied Physics at the University of Central Florida and had diverse experience across optics, research, manufacturing, and computer science. Joshua directly manages the optics and tuning departments as well as scheduling and overseeing production for ScannerMAX as a whole. When he's not at work, you can find him at the rock climbing gym.

Ray Escobedo

ScannerMAX Assembly Engineer

Ray is one of our assemblers of ScannerMAX products.

John Fiji

Production manager

John oversees the production line for Pangolin's Compact-506 galvos. Including manufacturing, shipping, order processing, and hiring.

Vanessa Chanthavong

ScannerMAX Assembly Engineer

Vanessa Chanthavong oversees the manufacturing line for ARC scanners. Vanessa is an ARC scanner assembler by day and a vintage collector and Marvel enthusiast by night. Currently studying to receive her bachelors in mechanical engineering from University of Central Florida.

Leslie Martin

Accounting Manager

Leslie works directly for the Controller, managing daily accounting functions such as bills, payments, deposits, and reconciliations. She assists with financial reporting, cash flow, and closing procedures. She has a love of learning new things and solving logic puzzles. Some of her favorite pastimes include reading and spending as much time in the warm Florida sunshine as possible.