OUR TRIBE
Mitchael Bogden
Mitch is the 68 year old patriarch of Red Tractor Project. As a former Navy helicopter pilot he participated in special operations and search and rescue.
As a child he grew up on a rural acreage where his father owned a heavy equipment business. Equipment must have been in his blood as he created TractorCo.com in 1994 following his Navy career.
Although the full vision for RTP did not come into focus until recent years, Mitchael has always been pursuing the similar rural lifestyle of his tractor customers. In his spare time, Mitchael is a tandem paragliding instructor and loves to take people for their first flight.
Graham Hanson
Originally from Washington, Graham grew up learning the value of hands-on work on his family’s stables. With his first venture at 16, remodeling houses with his dad on the Eastside, he planted roots in design.
He spent three years at MSU Bozeman, studying Environment Design and working in Montana’s outdoor industry. Building experience with Bozeman Parks & Recreation, Yellowstone Club. But his desire for worldly experience and modern pedagogy took him to Berlin, where he gained a startup edge.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design in Berlin, he spent a year living and volunteering across Europe. His journey led him through farms in Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany, including time as a wrangler at Brücklocherhof, an Icelandic horse school in the Black Forest. As an intern with Red Tractor Project, Graham brings a grounded perspective shaped by rural life, design thinking, and a willingness to learn wherever he goes.
Susann Hussels
Susann was born and raised in Germany. Even more interesting. Susann’s homeland was called the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) during the “Cold War.” Behind a wall that was part of a physical and political boundary called the “Iron Curtain.”
Earning a master’s degree in economics and applied social science, Susann migrated to New Jersey to join the corporate world as a director of global panel database management.
In 2014 Susann would favor the raising of daughters Sophie and Sarah over the corporate career. Eventually landing in a rural ranch/farm property in Cle Elum WA where she pursues a sustainable lifestyle. Chickens and rabbits live an incredible life until it is time for the table.
Susann’s skill set of German influenced structure and organization are a welcome contrast to the founders outsized creative streak. Susann’s passion is expressed in her relationship to the equine world finding fulfillment helping humans and horses become better partners.
Dr Charles (Chuck) Henry
Is our resident expert in sustainable living. Possessing a resume filled of titles and acronyms only a select few can truly appreciate, Chuck is recognized for his work as an international environmental consultant in third world countries. As a soil scientist, a notable achievement was the development of an affordable composting toilet as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenge Program.
Although international contributions of consequence are fulfilling, Chuck seeks to actually live the sustainable experience. While making efforts on his rural property with fellow Phd and wife Sally, he seeks the collaboration envisioned at Red Tractor Project.
Never shy and always curious, Chuck and Sally make it a point to experience outdoor adventure. An avid distance runner, Chuck is also notorious for his fresh baked bread made from garden ingredients. A must have at any gathering.
Laurie and Mike Lind
Are founding residents of Red Tractor Project. They love their home over looking the Yakima River Canyon and distant Stuart Mountain Range. As long time residents of Kittitas County, the couple represent our “local” contingent.
As a respected long time realtor, Laurie is the go to source of information on anyone or anything thing in the valley. An avid hiker, mountain trails are her element. Yoga is her “fountain of youth.” A secret she shares as an instructor.
As a teen, Mike found his passion and livelihood in the forest. Timber Tech is the family business specializing in hazard tree mitigation. With the confidence and ease of a trapeze artist, Mike performs his arboreal ballet. Slowing some with the years, their son is an agile accomplice in the art. A former member of a local country band, Mike is no stranger to a piano or guitar.
Trent Franke
Is TractorCo’s secret weapon. If nobody can figure it out we send in Trent. From an early age Trent learned from his father who is a master at his craft. For a time Trent thought he would become a railroad engineer and pursued the career only to discover he did not like being “on the rail” all the time. Don’t let his calm, cool, “Clint
Eastwood” demeanor fool you. Deep down inside there is a party going on.
Come hunting season Trent if off in the woods.