NewTech Team Bios

Mark Jones - Mark is the co-founder and managing partner of NewTech since 2001. Mark is also the co-founder and co-owner of Clean Machine Inc., which was founded in 1993. Mark held various positions at Hughes Christensen as a PDC Bit Research Engineer in 1981, a Computer Aided Engineering Manager focusing on worldwide integration from 1982 to 1983 and as a Manager of PDC Bit Engineering focusing on worldwide design from 1984 to 1993. Prior to Hughes, Mark worked as Lead Engineer and General Manager at Fox Factory from 1977 to 1981. Mark received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.B.A. from the University of Utah.

Ken Curry - Ken is the co-founder and co-owner of NewTech since 2001. Ken is also the co-founder and co-owner of Clean Machine Inc., which was founded in 1993. Prior to Clean Machine, Ken held various positions in the Mechanical Design division of Hughes Christensen, including Coring Tools Design from 1983 to 1987, Lead PDC Bit Designer from 1988 to 1990 and Western Hemisphere PDC Bit Design Manager from 1991 to 1993. Prior to that, Ken worked as a machinist at Norton Christensen from 1980 to 1983.

Jeff Ross - Jeff has served as the President of NewTech since 2005. Prior to NewTech, Jeff held various positions at Hughes Christensen, including PDC Bit Worldwide Repair Center Manager from 2001 to 2004 and as PDC Bit Plant Manager in the Manufacturing division of Hughes Christensen at various locations, including Lafayette from 1999 to 2005, Houston from 1997 to 1999, Singapore from 1993 to 1997, and Shannon Ireland from 1985 to 1987. He also worked in the Mechanical Design division of Hughes Christensen as Asia/Pacific PDC Bit Design Manager from 1991 to 1997, Lead PDC Bit Designer from 1987 to 1993, and Oklahoma City Bit Designer from 1978 to 1985.

Kyle Johnson - Kyle is the Vice President of Engineering since 2008. Kyle started at Clean Machine, Inc. in 1996, working in accounting, office management and computer network administration. Kyle obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah in 2001. Kyle then began working for NewTech as a bit design engineer. Working with Mark, Kyle was instrumental in the development of NewTech’s proprietary bit design and manufacturing system. Kyle was promoted to Vice President of Engineering in 2008. Kyle is responsible for the design of all drilling products and has a staff of design engineers and designers that reports to him.

Garrett Hibbard – Garrett is the Production Controller since 2007. Prior to NewTech, Garrett held the Production Control position at American Diamond Tools from 2004 to 2007 and a variety of positions within the Christensen Mining group including production 1993 to 1995, Production & Inventory Control 1996 to 2002. Garrett also contributed to the purchasing and sales efforts while at Christensen..

Robert Vidal – Robert is the Shop Foreman since 2010. Prior to be promoted to Shop Foreman, Robert worked in the NewTech production shop from 2008 to 2010.