Say Hi to Our Staff & Drivers

Chris Finn

Tours, Experiences, and Sales Director for Chippewa River Trolley and Volume One Events

Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Chris is a long-time native of Eau Claire and earned a BA in Theatre from UW-Eau Claire. She spent many years as a working actor in the Twin Cities and at the beloved Fanny Hill Dinner Theatre before launching a theatre company, Two Griffins Theatre, with her husband James.

After over a decade in government service, she mashed her myriad of job experiences—from packing dentures and painting buildings to project management and producing renowned theatre productions—into her new role as trolley director.

Her roots run deep in this community—with far less than six degrees of separation—as proven by the fact that she pronounces Fall Creek and Chippewa Falls correctly and knows exactly when to put the ice scraper back into her car. You’d definitely catch a glimpse of her at the Farmer’s Market with armfuls of amazing produce to can homemade salsa with her BFF, or walking around the South Side with her two dogs, Sunset & Theo. Or just peacefully hanging out in her hammock.

If she had to describe her mantra, it would definitely be connection. Whether it’s theatre, food, pets, or just trying to find that common thread with a stranger, she believes that connection is what causes us to create the shared experiences that tangibly produce empathy, and hope, and joy. And she believes that’s in all of us. Here. Now. In EC.

George House

George enjoyed a 40-year radio broadcasting career in Eau Claire — including long-running morning shows on WAXX and I-94 — and was a four-time National Broadcaster of the Year honoree.

Born and raised in Eau Claire (attending North High School), George has been active in community theater and was even an actor at the former Fanny Hill Dinner Theater. As an avid fisherman, vinyl record collector, baseball lover, and history buff, George fell in love with the Trolley from day one.

He lives with his wife Diane, and together they have two grown daughters and three grandchildren.

Aaron Ellringer

Aaron moved to Eau Claire in 1991 to study Environmental Science at UWEC. Since arriving, he’s racked up well over a million miles as a professional driver, including transit operation for the City of Eau Claire. He is an active Kubb ambassador having taught thousands how to enjoy and play the game over the past two decades. He won the US National Kubb Championship in 2010 with his father, and won the silver medal in the World Kubb Champoionship in 2014 with a team of 6.

Passionate about local food, he co-founded Just Local Food Cooperative in 2004 and is currently active in the Wisconsin Farmers Union. He’s a lifelong cyclist, often commuting into town via homebuilt cargo bike and shredding local trails on vintage bikes. He lives on a small farm south of Eau Claire with his wife, four children and beloved dog.

Doug Lucas

Doug loves so much about the Chippewa Valley and has called Eau Claire home since 1978. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, as a youngster he enjoyed riding the famous trolleys that traverse the streets of that historic city. So today, having the opportunity to drive trolley for the Chippewa River Trolley Company is a dream come true. Doug’s first trip on our trolley was the memorable Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley tour with his wife and two adult daughters - and ever since, then he was hooked. He’s looking forward to sharing some unique places and stories on the trolley for locals and visitors alike!

Kayla Peak

Kayla is proud to be a driver with Chippewa Valley Trolley. She moved to the Eau Claire area 18 years ago and has loved everything the community has to offer ever since. Her interest in unique transportation began with her dad, who introduced her to that world at an early age. She enjoys connecting with people and serving the community she calls home. When she's not behind the wheel, Kayla loves spending time with her three children and making memories with family and friends.

Charlie Rohlik

Charlie was born and raised in Eau Claire, and upon graduating from Memorial High School he attended UW-Eau Claire where he earned a degree in education. Aside from spending seven years in Northern Wisconsin, he has called the Chippewa Valley home his entire life.

History has always been a passion of his, and driving the trolley allows him to help share the story of Eau Claire's vibrant past while also celebrating the incredible transformation of the downtown area. He loves being a part of connecting passengers to the roots of this wonderful community.

Charlie also enjoys spending time in nature with his wife, two awesome teenage kids, and family dog, Ember.

Matt Novacek

Matt is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades at Volume One, serving full-time as the Distribution Manager, Facilities Manager, and the Local Store’s Assistant Manager. Now he’s added “Trained, Professional Trolley Driver” to his repertoire too.

Having grown up in Eau Claire and graduating from UWEC in 2014, Matt has witnessed firsthand the renaissance of this community, and his hometown pride has given him the desire to be engaged in helping Eau Claire thrive.

Matt lives with wife Briana and three sons, Joseph, Xavier, and Otto. He likes to play kubb and cheer for the Green and Gold.