People

Ted Hanson, President Email: thanson@westernstatesautomation.com Raised on a farm in Northern Iowa, Ted learned the value, and reward, of hard work. After serving in the Air Force in Idaho, he fell in love with the Lovely Office Head Honcho, and the great outdoors. He loves the challenge of every application and providing solutions with engineered products. He has 22 years of experience working with customers in wide ranging industries in the Inland Northwest.

Brandon Coleman, General Manager Email: bcoleman@westernstatesautomation.com Brandon is an Idaho native who has spent his entire life in the Boise area. He has a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Boise State University and has over 20 years of experience in the Temperature Sensing Industry. Throughout his career, he has been involved with all aspects of product design, manufacturing, sales, and business leadership. In his free time, Brandon enjoys being out on the lake in the summer with his family, golfing, camping and riding dirtbikes.

Josh Hanson, Account Manager - S. Idaho & E. Oregon Email: jhanson@westernstatesautomation.com I was born and raised in this great state of Idaho. I have sales experience in a number of industries and enjoy building relationships with customers. In my free time I enjoy watching sports, going on hikes, and arguing with my friends. I have a beautiful Australian Shepard named Willow and she keeps me on my toes.

Joey Powell, Account Manager - E Washington, C Oregon, N Idaho Email: jpowell@westernstatesautomation.com Growing up in Eastern Oregon, Joey learned how to work for his money. After graduating High School he went into the grain industry. After several years, and across a few companies, he moved to an irrigation district. From there he became a supervisor, then maintenance, and eventually department manager at an ethanol plant. After 10 years, he built and ran an organic fertilizer plant in Boardman before moving on to rebuilding pumps for Reyco Systems, where he worked for 2+ years. Joey has a diverse background, work ethic, and hands-on experience in the processing world. And he loves to fish.

Colter Young, Sales Engineer Email: cyoung@westernstatesautomation.com I am an experienced mechanical and fluid design engineer specializing in plant layout design and automation process control. I have designed and patented valves for the food processing industry and worked extensively in new product development and engineering for OEM manufacturing. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and hunting.

Jake Smiley, Account Manager - Nevada Email: jsmiley@westernstatesautomation.com Born and raised in Elko, Nevada, I have spent most of my adult life working in the gold mining industry in various capacities. This experience has sharpened my problem-solving skills and given me a deep understanding of the industry’s unique challenges. I am dedicated to being your go-to resource—not just for automated valve solutions, but for any challenge you face. If I can’t solve the problem directly, I’ll connect you with the right person or resource to get the job done. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors and cherish being a dad to our four amazing kids—my most rewarding role.

Michael Willis, Customer Service Email: mwillis@westernstatesautomation.com In the years of living in Idaho, I’ve learned to slow down and explore the great outdoors more with friends and family. I have a passion of working with customers while problem solving and working towards lasting viable solutions. One of my strengths is building business relationships while benefiting both customers and the company. Over the last few years, riding the motorcycle up in the mountains with my wife is often a great pastime.

Tonia Stone, Inside Sales Email: tstone@westernstatesautomation.com Tonia was born and raised in Texas, but relocated to Idaho in late spring of 2024. She has a 20-year-old daughter currently enrolled in flight school in Texas, with plans to join Tonia in Idaho in the next few years. Tonia is a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in customer service, sales, and office management. With a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences, Tonia has built a successful career centered on customer satisfaction and relationship-building. Outside of her professional life, Tonia is an avid traveler who loves exploring new destinations, whether it's a spontaneous weekend getaway, a road trip to the coast, or a camping adventure. Her love for the outdoors extends to paddleboarding and other recreational activities. Additionally, Tonia enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons weekly, where she connects with friends and embraces her creativity.

Dakota Oldham, Valve Assembler Email: doldham@westernstatesautomation.com Born and raised here in Idaho, I have a passion to get things done. I am the second generation of Oldham born in Idaho, currently raising the third. My family is the light of my life, making every day better. All I know is old vehicles and turning wrenches; there isn't much more I can ask for. I am blessed to wake up every morning and to keep learning every day.

Heather Hanson, Administration/Lovely Office Head Honcho Email: hhanson@westernstatesautomation.com “Everything is a blur from the time I met the most amazing man on earth.” Quotes like these from Heather are commonplace in the office. “I can't imagine doing anything other than whatever Ted asks”. Nuff said!