Uniting people, passion and precision since 2018

“Mountain Mary” wears so many hats at Nirvana Upfitters that it is hard to keep up as she has embraced our entrepreneurial environment since joining the Company in 2019. She developed Nirvana’s initial systems for procurement, bookkeeping, customer relations, and project management; and she is also the Company’s chief seamstress who creates Nirvana’s unique, colorful, and highly sought-after van curtains. Mary is often found adventuring and camping with her husband, kids, grandkids, and friends all over the United States—on beaches and in mountains, forests, and at music festivals. Big Sur is among her favorite places.

Jude, Nirvana Upfitters’ founder, CEO and President, is an outdoor adventurer extraordinaire and vanlife visionary. When coupled with his practical science and engineering experience gained over many years, and his formal training in both biotechnology (Fitchburg State College) and woodcraft design and building (Yestermorrow), Jude’s unique leadership abilities have propelled him and Nirvana to a top position in the Northeast’s outdoor adventure travel sector. Jude can be found rock climbing all over the world, playing soccer, hiking, swimming, camping, and yes…kindling his passions in his van.

Ryan joined Nirvana Upfitters in early 2023 and he has been a great addition to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Project Management from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Ryan bolsters the company with his team-focused initiative and background to support the systems and project management teams at Nirvana Upfitters. Outside of work, Ryan travels the country on weekends to play semi-professional volleyball for the legendary Boston Bounce team. An outdoorsy, athletic individual who also enjoys city life, Ryan can be seen bounding up mountainsides as he aims to ascend all 48 4000-footers in New England. 

Ken is a top-notch van builder, though he is identified and admired by all as a natural “culture carrier” of the Nirvana team. He is a phenomenal team player. Ken has been a teacher, painter, health care worker, and carpenter; however, if you tasted his homemade tomato soup or his chocolate chip cookies, you would swear he had been a chef or a baker! He hails from central Massachusetts and holds a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Ken is an avid outdoorsman who aspires to be a vanlifer in the future…but in the meantime he can be seen living it up with friends camping in the wilderness or at music festivals.

Alyssa is an Associate Design Engineer at Nirvana Upfitters where she wields her design expertise at each phase of a van build, facilitating in design discussion, creation of 3D models, and assembly documentation for production. Alyssa joined Nirvana Upfitters in the fall of ‘22, and wow! How great it is to have her rocking her craft. After graduating with a Masters in Architecture from Norwich University in Vermont, Alyssa designed small retail spaces from an integrated architecture, interiors, and branding perspective. When Alyssa’s not out hiking with her dog, Grahm, you can find her sewing, crocheting, or experimenting with a new DIY hobby. Alyssa loves to travel and explore new places, and looks forward to experiencing the wonder of the Northern Lights in the near future.

Tom joined Nirvana’s Cabinetry, Foundations and Finish team in January of 2022 after graduating from the renowned North Bennet Street School where he learned to hone “hand skills in concert with evolving technology, and to preserve and advance craft traditions.” Tom hit the ground running as he applied his training to some of our most challenging design and build projects, demonstrating his skills with great care and style. Growing up in New England, Tom often kindles his passions at his island cabin on Lake Winnipesaukee where he continues to build as he connects with the natural world of the New Hampshire Lakes Region in the foothills of the White Mountains.

Pat has been dubbed Nirvana Upfitters’ Chief Passion Kindler by Nirvana’s founder—Pat’s son, Jude. Pat has served Jude and Nirvana as an advisor from the beginning. A scientist, teacher, writer and entrepreneur, Pat is formally retired, but busies himself as a volunteer for nonprofit organizations focused on helping sick kids, supporting land conservation, and teaching creative writing. Pat can be seen traveling with his wife Mary in their van, the Wandering Aengus, adventuring in the wilds or by the sea, or mixing it up in the backyard with their children, grandchildren, or a host of friends. 

Alex B. is Nirvana Upfitters’ Social Media Manager, and assists with the job recruitment process and whatever help is needed in the shop. Alex is also Jude’s girlfriend and has been a part of the Nirvana team since the very beginning, assisting Jude with his first custom van build and embarking on its cross-country maiden voyage in 2016. Alex also has a Masters in Social Work from Boston College and works with children and families, specializing in mental health and trauma informed care. Alex kindles her passions through rock climbing, hiking, running, cycling, gardening, reading, baking, surfing, being a dog mom to shop dogs Lucy and Rocky, and traveling—having visited, studied, and worked in 28 different countries.