OUR STORY

MICTALKOFFROAD is more than an off-road brand. It is a reflection of the people, experiences, values, and relationships that have shaped the Schoonover family through generations of military service, craftsmanship, creativity, and adventure.

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Founded by Andrew ("AJ") and Jennifer Schoonover, MICTALKOFFROAD was built on a shared belief that some of life's most meaningful moments happen when people step away from their daily routines, spend time together, and create memories that last a lifetime.

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AJ, an Oregon native, developed a passion for the outdoors at an early age. Growing up riding dirt bikes throughout the Pacific Northwest, he learned the value of independence, responsibility, and perseverance. Those childhood experiences eventually carried into the UTV world, where his love for motorsports continued to grow. After relocating from Edwards Air Force Base, California, to Arizona, his off-road interests evolved alongside the landscapes and communities that became part of his family's journey.

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Much of AJ's appreciation for working with his hands came from his grandfather, Leslie Schoonover, who owned and operated an auto body shop in Oregon. Through him, AJ learned the importance of craftsmanship, problem-solving, and taking pride in quality work. Those lessons continue to influence his approach to both life and the projects he undertakes today.

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AJ has also dedicated more than 18 years of service to the United States Air Force as an avionics specialist supporting fifth-generation fighter aircraft. His military career has reinforced values of discipline, accountability, technical excellence, and teamwork—qualities that extend well beyond the flightline and into everyday life.

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Jennifer's story spans Arizona, Hawaii, Guam, and Washington State. She proudly served nine years in the United States Air Force and remains passionate about supporting veterans, particularly disabled veterans and women veterans. She is an advocate for those navigating challenges associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, PCOS, endometriosis, and other conditions that often impact quality of life while remaining largely unseen by others.

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Military service played a defining role in both AJ's and Jennifer's lives. Beyond the uniforms and responsibilities, it was the sense of camaraderie, trust, resilience, and commitment to something greater than oneself that left a lasting impact. Those experiences helped shape not only who they became as individuals, but also the foundation of their marriage, family, and business. The same principles that guide military teams—service, accountability, respect, and looking out for one another—continue to guide MICTALKOFFROAD today.

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At the heart of MICTALKOFFROAD is the legacy of Jennifer's father, John Andrew Bodie.

John was a United States Navy veteran, graphic artist, illustrator, and museum specialist who dedicated years of service to preserving military history at the Sierra Vista Army Museum near Fort Huachuca. Creativity and service were woven throughout his life. His father, John Arthur Bodie III, was an Air Force veteran and local sign artist whose craftsmanship and artistic talents helped inspire future generations of the Bodie family.

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John spent years collecting equipment, tools, materials, and ideas, always envisioning creative projects and opportunities. While he never had the chance to fully pursue every dream he imagined, he encouraged those around him to do so. Many of the tools and materials that helped launch MICTALKOFFROAD came directly from him.

Among those items was a heat press that held special meaning. To many, it may have appeared to be a simple piece of equipment, but to John it represented creativity, possibility, and the dream of building something with his own hands. Although he never had the opportunity to fully realize that vision himself, the heat press became part of the foundation that helped bring MICTALKOFFROAD to life. Today, it stands as a reminder of his generosity, encouragement, and belief in the people he loved.

In 2019, John was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Over the next several years, he faced that challenge with courage, humor, determination, and grace. On August 23, 2024, surrounded by family, he witnessed one final milestone as AJ and Jennifer were married at his bedside by a family member. It was a moment filled with love, gratitude, and togetherness. The following day, August 24, 2024, John passed away.

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This story, and in many ways this business, is dedicated to him.

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His creativity, encouragement, wisdom, and belief in others continue to influence everything MICTALKOFFROAD represents. Every design, every story, and every step forward carries a piece of the legacy he left behind.

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For the Schoonover family, places like Glamis are about much more than recreation. The dunes represent connection, reflection, discovery, and renewal. Life often pulls people in different directions, and sometimes the best way to reconnect is to step away from the noise and spend time with the people who matter most.

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Off-roading has provided that opportunity time and time again. It offers a chance to unplug, explore unfamiliar terrain, overcome challenges, share experiences, and create memories that become part of a family's story. In many ways, the journey through the dunes mirrors life itself: sometimes the path forward is clear, sometimes it isn't, but growth often comes from navigating the unknown and finding the way together.

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At its core, MICTALKOFFROAD is not about vehicles, products, or destinations.

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It is about family.

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It is about community.

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It is about service.

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It is about friendship.

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It is about honoring those who came before us.

 

It is about creating opportunities for future generations to make memories of their own.

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Most importantly, it is a reminder that every day, every adventure, and every moment spent with the people we love is worth making count.

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Dedicated to the memory of John Andrew Bodie
United States Navy Veteran
Graphic Artist • Illustrator • Museum Specialist • Father/Son/Husband/Friend • Mentor

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"The things we build may not last forever, but the people we inspire do."

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— The Schoonover Family