Upcycle Bikes Celebrates Executive Director Transition
April 27, 2026
Matt Jaglowski (left) and Rick Armbruster (right) in Upcycle Bikes’ shop in Grand Rapids.
THANK YOU, RICK!
After leading Upcycle Bikes since its founding in 2022, Executive Director Rick Armbruster has decided to step away from his leadership role at the organization to devote time and energy to personal pursuits. Rick’s decision comes on the heels of significant growth for the young organization. In just three-and-a-half years, Upcycle Bikes has grown to distribute more than 1,200 refurbished bikes annually to individuals with financial constraints, strengthening independence, opportunity, and connection by providing affordable and accessible transportation at no cost.
“I am incredibly grateful to have led Upcycle Bikes’ work for nearly four years,” shared Rick. “Our community has told us that transportation is a significant barrier to thriving, and we have listened, showing up with more bikes, more partners, and more services. I’m honored to have worked alongside our staff, volunteers, board, partner organizations, and riders. Now, I’m excited to pursue a new phase that will offer me the flexibility for personal pursuits and interests.”
Rick will remain at the organization as special projects manager, a condensed role where he will help to ensure a smooth leadership transition and support key initiatives. “I care deeply about this mission and this community,” Rick shared. “I look forward to handing the reins to a new leader and continuing to support Upcycle Bikes in new ways.”
WELCOME, MATT!
Through strategic review and succession planning, the board of directors and Rick identified the need for a strong operational skillset in the organization’s next leader. Matt Jaglowski, who co-founded Upcycle Bikes with Rick Armbruster, was an ideal fit. Upcycle Bikes is excited to welcome Matt as executive director, effective April 27, 2026.
Matt has served on the Board of Directors since the organization’s founding in 2022, leading as board president since 2024. Professionally, Matt has nearly two decades of experience as a quality and food safety leader in the food manufacturing industry. He has a track record of building and leading cross-functional teams, developing culture alongside strong systems, and aligning operational excellence with organizational values. Matt’s enthusiasm for bikes goes back to Michigan State University, where he served as head bike mechanic at the student-run bike shop MSUBikes! and earned a Bachelor of Science in Food Industry Management.
“On behalf of Upcycle Bikes’ Board of Directors, I’m thrilled to welcome Matt as executive director and thank Rick for his years of leadership,” shared Steve Buccella, longtime Upcycle Bikes board member and new board president. “Matt has helped to shape Upcycle Bikes from the very beginning, supporting the organization as a thought partner, board member, and volunteer bike mechanic. He is well-positioned to sustain and grow Upcycle Bikes’ impact, and the board looks forward to working with him as he enters this role.”
Cofounders Rick and Matt were introduced while independently volunteering to fix bikes for refugee groups who needed a way to get to work, school, appointments, and community resources. Not long after, the two created Upcycle Bikes. Since then, Matt has continued to shape strategy and operational processes as a board member and volunteer. The cofounders’ original vision to provide refurbished bikes as a means of essential transportation continues to guide the organization today.
“I am honored to step into this role at an incredible time for Upcycle Bikes,” shared Matt. “During my time on the board, I’ve led strategic conversations that keep our everyday decisions anchored to our mission, vision, and values—making sure that as the organization grows, we stay true to our original purpose. I look forward to continuing this work as executive director, ensuring we can sustain and increase our impact and connect more community members to vital transportation at no cost.”