Rob Hanold, Founder
I’m Rob, the founder of Brightside Rowing. My goal is to serve the rowing community with a relentless focus on quality and customer service. For me, this business represents the perfect balance of passion and profession.
Engineered for Excellence
My background ensures that every repair is grounded in technical expertise. I hold a degree in Composites Engineering from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson), where I focused specifically on the structures of rowing equipment. It was early during my studies that I was introduced to the sport, eventually rowing for the team for three years. My senior engineering project involved designing and building a full-size, useable double with the goal of creating cost-effective solutions for newer programs.
Before launching Brightside, I honed my craft for over a decade working professionally at a dedicated shell repair shop. That experience provided me with the start-to-finish expertise to handle every level of repair. I cover everything from small, precise fixes to major structural failures, including comprehensive carbon fiber reconstruction. I personally oversee every stage of the repair process, ensuring seamless results and a flawless finish that will last.
Commitment Beyond the Shop
Integrity and service are core values that extend beyond the boathouse. I am proud to be an Eagle Scout, a Second Degree Black Belt, and a dedicated member of the Medford Lakes Lions Club. These roles reflect the precision, discipline, and community focus I bring to every piece of equipment trusted to Brightside Rowing. When you work with us, you are getting a partner who understands both the technology and the demands of the sport, ensuring your team is always ready for the water.
Parth Patel, Chief Technical Officer
I’m Parth, the Chief Technical Officer and partner at Brightside Rowing. Growing up between India, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, my path has always been driven by a deep love for STEM and complex physical systems. My goal is to bring advanced engineering standards to the marine repair industry so every shell that leaves our shop is structurally flawless.
Precision Engineering and Defense Standards
My career actually started in defense contracting, not a boathouse. After earning my Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in Composites from Philadelphia University, I worked as a Hardware and Test Engineer. In the defense sector, material testing and structural integrity are absolute requirements. At Brightside, I apply those exact same rigorous principles to standard boat repairs. We fix more than just cosmetic damage. I ensure the structural math, composite testing, and hardware tolerances meet the highest engineering standards so your equipment performs perfectly under race day stress.
The Capstone Dream and Beyond
My journey into the rowing world began during my senior year at Jefferson when Rob and I partnered for our engineering Capstone project. Together we designed and built a full size double to test new and more affordable manufacturing processes. Years later, when Rob called me out of the blue to revive that dream and start Brightside, it was an immediate yes. The Design, Engineering, and Commerce program at Jefferson gave us the exact business mindset we use to run this company today.
While I originally fell in love with the building side of the sport in the repair shop, the rowing community has completely pulled me in. I even recently stepped out of the workshop to take my first actual rowing strokes on the water with Delaware River Rowing Club.
Henry Davis, Repair Apprentice
I'm Henry, a 4 year Varsity rower at Newport Rowing Club and a rising senior at Salesianum School and have always had a love for rowing. After reading The Boys in the Boat I knew that I wanted to coach and work in every aspect of the sport
Repair Apprentice
After working with my coaches at Newport to gain a baseline understanding of boat repair, I am very excited to have this opportunity to further develop my skills and understanding of the behind the scenes when it comes to working with and repairing equipment.
Outside the Shop
Part of my responsibilities at Newport is that I am the trailer manager, team captain, and "Assistant to the Coaches" (iykyk). I've been rowing at Newport since Middle School and have represented them at Youth Nationals three times and Head of the Charles once. I am also an amateur photographer, getting into the hobby three years ago. I have had a few photos featured on Row2k's Photo of the Day, and have worked with multiple collegiate programs.
Robb Hanold, Facilities
A Foundation in Logistics
As Rob's father, Robb brings decades of business and design experience to the Brightside team. A graduate of Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a degree in Packaging Engineering, he also rowed for the university during his time there. He has spent his career solving packaging challenges for local and national industries. He currently co-owns Bona Packaging, a family based firm specializing in corrugated box design and "just-in-time" delivery services, located at the same facility as Brightside Rowing.
Community & Life on the Water
His expertise in logistics and operations ensures that the technical side of Brightside runs as smoothly as the boats we repair. Robb brings that same level of dedication to his community as an active member of the Medford Lakes Lions Club, where he currently serves as Membership Chair. When he isn’t focused on service or design efficiency, you will find him right where he belongs: out on the water, indulging his lifelong passion for boating and fishing.
Donna Hanold, Finance
A Foundation in Precision
As Rob's mother, Donna brings a sharp eye for detail and numbers to the Brightside team. A graduate of Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a degree in Mathematics, where she first met Robb, she has a diverse professional background. She currently manages bookkeeping for Symphony Pastries and Bona Packaging, and operates her own creative business, DHDesigns.
A Creative Spirit
Her background in mathematics ensures that the financial side of Brightside is handled with the same precision we apply to our boats. When she isn’t balancing the books or designing, you can find her indulging in her love for crafts, celebrating her favorite holiday, Halloween, or planning her next trip to Disney World.