Meet The Generator Staff

Tony Padavich came to The Generator the way most good things happen: through community. A Reno entrepreneur and business broker by day, Tony has recently thrown himself into the local fabric, serving on the Urban Roots board, getting active in Rotary, and volunteering his time to financial literacy education in the community.

He has an engineering brain, a builder's instincts, and a deep belief that creative communities change cities. Tony spent years in the tech industry before pivoting to entrepreneurship, and he brings that same systems-thinking to everything he touches, whether it's a business transition or making sure the Generator runs like a well-oiled machine.

He joined the Generator because he saw a space where makers, artists, and builders were doing something genuinely rare: turning big ideas into real things. That's a mission worth showing up for.

Ant first got involved at the Generator in 2015 while building the Mazu temple. It was during that build when Ant was inspired by the spirit of collaborative art that the Generator has curated and maintained. Now Ant brings more than 20 years of design and fabrication experience to the space, building anything from large steel sculptures to fine wood furniture.

Kylie has worked as The Generator’s accounting guru since 2016 & is also the co-founder of The Generator’s resident aerialist group, The Reno Aerial Co-Op. Recently, Kylie stepped into a larger role within the space and is now also leading our new and improved Human Resources program.

Have a concern you need to voice? Need a mediator? Unsure if something is eligible for reimbursement? Email Kylie at Kylie@therenogenerator.com.

As a proud member of The Generator family since its creation in 2013, you’ve probably seen Ski working on one of many large scale art-installations; most recently, Dancing Bees, Bebot & The Space Whale. Ski is also the co-founder of The Generator’s resident, non-profit aerial group, The Reno Aerial Co-Op; where he’s been teaching workshops since its founding in 2016. As Co-Director of Facilities, you can reach out to Ski for any and all shop and space need at Ski@therenogenerator.com

Paula has just left her five-year teaching career to join The Generator as the new Youth and Programs Coordinator. She primarily taught theater and cosmetology, but with her background in theater and stagecraft, she is also proficient in OSHA 10 safety. Before teaching, Paula earned her cosmetology license and then went to work for The Walt Disney Company, doing hair and makeup for Broadway-level productions. And way before that? She’s been doing theater—on and off stage—since she was nine years old. Building sets, sewing costumes, styling wigs… she’s pretty much got you covered.

At The Generator, Paula is your go-to—whether you need to sign your children up for summer camp, find a class that suits you, or even teach! There’s so much they can make happen. Let’s do this!

Systems and Processes Engineer - Mike is a ten year veteran of the film industry. He has either set designed, decorated, headed the Prop department, or built robots on countless music videos and commercials for names like Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Miley Cyrus, Travis Scott, Katy Perry, David Bowie, Skrillex, Cartoon Network, The Jim Henson Company, Netflix, Pepsi Co, Coca-Cola, Hyundai, Exxon, and the NFL.
You can currently catch his animatronic and puppeteering work on the show “Dream Corp LLC”, originally airing on Cartoon Network’s “Adult Swim” you can now find it streaming on HULU (If it isn't human, you know Mike’s skills are behind it) or catch his animatronic prototyping work in the final renditions of the puppets “Deet” and “Butler” on Netflix's “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance ''.
Mike brings his long list of unique skills and experience to the generator with an ongoing mission to continuously improve the shop spaces capabilities, organizational flow and ease of use for all of our amazing members. Michael@TheRenoGenerator.com

Lain is a sixth generation Northern Nevadan with strong ties to The Generator since its inception in 2013. At age 3, Burning Man became the first family vacation she could remember. Eight years later she volunteered for her first build project, the Ichthyosaur Puppet Project in 2013 and has continued to volunteer her time to local projects and organizations. They reside on the Arts and Culture Advisory Board in order to advocate for local artists and makers. Since she is addicted to making art, thinking about art, and supporting artists, she is currently attending the University of Nevada, Reno for her BA in Art History and Printmaking.

They have been in love with The Generator since the beginning.

Reach out to Lain for any questions regarding membership, events, vending, tours, scheduling, or workshops. Or just like, if you need to vent.

Lain@therenogenerator.com