Meet the Team
John Flaacke IV
Team Captain, Driver, and Builder
John started in the field of combat robotics at the age of 11 where he built a heavyweight named extinguisher (engine 1.0). That robot placed 3rd at maker fair Orlando in 2017 and established the team name. Over the last 6 years he has been improving the designs of the robots and has something new to bring to the table. Currently John owns a business that recycles, reconditions, and resells lithium ion batterys that have been used to create electric cars, homes, schools, and emergency power for disasters (Porto Ricco). Currently he is a freshman at the University of Florida with a major in Mechanical engineering and Construction Managment.
John Flaacke III
Special Effects Operator, Strongman, and Logistics
John is the captains father and has been the adult on the team since the first version of Extinguisher. He helps the team with the lifting and moving of the robot since the other members cant completely lift it. Last year he drove his f150 across the country with a 20ft trailer that contained the s4 extinguisher, gruff, and captain shrederator.
Currently John is the CEO and cofounder of an electronics recycling company called Quicksilver Recycling which is one of the oldest electronics recyclers in Florida. In his free time he restores vintage cars and anything vintage.
Brian Boatright
Weapon Operator, Builder, and Marketing
Brian joined team Extinguisher for the 2020 season and has already made his mark by creating our website and helps make the robot awesome! He is also helping to build relationships with sponsors and fans. Brian works with The Maker Effect Foundation and dedicated 3 months to work full time as a producer for MakerFaire Orlando and Robot Ruckus in 2019.
Beyond his love for making things and for as long as he can remember, Brian considered himself a "maker" possessing the ability to visualize and express his creativity. Through the creation of unique and successful solutions, he works to turn his ideas into reality. Brian is the CEO and co-founder of a successful creative services company, Eyespike Corporation, in Lake City, Florida.
learn more about Brian and his projects at https://briankb.com/about
Jack Sopotnick
Weapon Operator and Builder
Jack is a senior studying mechanical engineering at UF. He is the president of the Gator Robotics Battlebots team and the design and manufacturing lead on the GATR Vex Robotics team at the University of Florida. Jack is the builder and driver of Vibe Check, Instigator, Goodie Bag, and many other Florida bots. His current goal is to continue growing the UF Battlebots team until they are at a level where they can build and compete with a heavyweight on Battlebots.
learn more about Jack and his projects at https://www.youtube.com/c/JackSopotnick
Michael Heston
Graphic Designer and Photographer
Mike helps with branding and marketing for team Extinguisher. He is an award winning graphic designer and photographer with 25 years of experience. He is married with 4 children and as co-founder of Build Fight Fun he is interested in helping to make combat robotics more accessible to a broader audience. He is also the COO and co-founder of the creative services company Eyespike Corporation.
learn more about Mike and his projects at https://www.mheston.com