Our Team

Leadership

J. Martin (Marty) Carlson, MS, CPO, FAAOP(e)
Owner and Chief Engineer

Mr. Carlson received BS and MS degrees in aeronautics and engineering mechanics at the University of Minnesota. For six years, he worked on the development of new instruments for measuring force, pressure, and temperature for industrial process control. He then shifted his career focus to orthopedic/rehabilitation engineering.

Marty received his formal orthotic and prosthetic training at Northwestern University and served as Director of Habilitation Technologies at Gillette Children’s Hospital for sixteen years. He has published two dozen articles in a variety of medical and orthotic-prosthetic journals.

Carlson and his staff have gained an international reputation for design, development and biomechanical analyses. Marty focuses on building a workplace culture where each of the staff members feels mutual support and expects to be excellent.

Peggy Carlson
Owner & Vice President

Peggy graduated from the University of Iowa with B.S. & M.A. in Therapeutic Recreation. She worked as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for 10 years in a variety of settings including working with children who had acute & chronic illnesses as well as in community/residential settings with physically/mentally disabled children. Away from work, Peggy enjoys being a wife and mother. She spends her free time gardening, farming, spinning wool and running.

Cole Carlson

Owner & Director of Business Development

Cole graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a B.A. in Physics, and from the University of Colorado at Boulder with an M.S. in mechanical engineering with an emphasis on energy and the environment. He worked as a mechanical / energy engineer for several consulting firms before shifting his professional focus to materials science and rehabilitation engineering.

After spending the entirety of his career in the consulting industry, Cole is happy for the values, philosophies, and personal relationships found at Tamarack.

When he is not at work, Cole spends most of his free time parenting his two children and fixing up the run-down hobby farm he and his wife purchased in 2016. In his remaining free time (which isn’t much!) he enjoys trail running, mountain biking, backpacking, canoeing/kayaking, skiing, and slacklining. Meditation is also something he tries to practice on a regular basis.

Cole’s Favorite Quote: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu

What would he do for a career if he wasn’t doing this? Be a ski bum or national park ranger.

Marketing & Business Development

Clinical Services

Mark Payette, CO, ATP
Clinical Services & Education Manager

Mark is a certified orthotist with more than 25 years of patient care experience, specializing in custom orthotic wheelchair seating. Providing these services was a joy and passion for Mark. He has been with Tamarack since its inception, except for the 4 year time period that Tamarack clinical services was owned by a large local hospital corporation. Mark has since returned to Tamarack and, while missing direct client services, now enjoys the opportunity and challenges of new product development.

When he is not at work, Mark enjoys family activities, and spends as much time as possible with his wife, grown children, and two great grandchildren. He enjoys gardening, home remodeling activities, working with wood, playing the trumpet and outdoor activities such as water skiing, fishing, hiking, bicycling, camping, kayaking, and sailing.

Engineering

Amanda Davis
Technician and ISO Management Representative

Amanda graduated in 2011 from Iowa State University with degrees in Biology and Art & Design. She then went on to complete the Prosthetic/Orthotic Technician and Assistant Programs at Century College. She is excited to be a part of a small company where everyone has a voice and has a hand in the creative process. Outside of work Amanda enjoys spending as much time as she can outdoors hiking, camping, cross country skiing and insect collecting. She enjoys time with family and friends, as well as exploring new interests.

Sharath Nair
Mechanical Engineer 

Sharath has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He is an immigrant who moved from India to Minnesota in 2014 to pursue his Bachelor’s degree. He joined Tamarack as an Entry level Mechanical Engineer in August of 2017. He loves working at Tamarack and expanding his fabrication, design and general engineering knowledge.

Outside of work, Sharath is an avid soccer fan who watches matches and plays on a regular basis. He also enjoys watching Bollywood movies.

Manufacturing / Production

Raquel Adams
Production Specialist II

Raquel moved to Minnesota from California and attended Minnesota School of Business for Computer Systems. Raquel joined Tamarack in May of 2004. She enjoys the atmosphere and friendly staff and also appreciates the flexible schedule that Tamarack offers her. Away from work Raquel enjoys music and spending time with her family and friends.

Adam Erickson, PE
Director of Manufacturing & Technology

Adam graduated from Michigan Technological University with a mechanical engineering degree and a background in biomechanics. Adam appreciates working for a small company where he has the opportunity to experience the entire process of developing, manufacturing and selling new products. Away from work, Adam enjoys spending time with his family and playing various sports include beach volleyball and curling.

Natcha Isler
Production Specialist II

Natcha is originally from Bangkok, Thailand where she graduated from Rajchaphat Thonburi Institute with a Bachelor degree in General Management. She moved to Minnesota in 2002 where she graduated from Midwest Career Institute earning her CNA certification. Natcha feels working at Tamarack is interesting because of the dynamic products and designs. Away from work Natcha enjoys gardening, movies, travel and playing with her cats.

Sara Lilyerd
Sewing Specialist I

Sara attended Dunwoody Technical College and completed the Sewing & Production Specialist program. She enjoys being able to work for a company that makes such a difference for so many peoples lives. Outside of work she enjoys crafting of many varieties, working with animals, traveling, and doing a variety of charity events.

Administration

Brenda Hofschild
Director of Finance & Human Resources

Brenda graduated from ARCC with a Degree in Accounting.  She has many years of HR, payroll, accounting, and administrative experience. She finds her position at Tamarack fulfilling and enjoys the small company atmosphere. Outside of Tamarack Brenda enjoys spending time with her family, reading and working on various crafts.