About

Vince Ryckman, National Operations Manager

Vince earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Schoolcraft College in 2016. He began his career with Shadow Investigations in 2017 as a Field Investigator before joining the Michigan Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer in Jackson, MI. He served in that role from 2018 until September 2022, gaining valuable experience in the field. In 2022, Vince returned to Shadow Investigations as a Field Manager and quickly advanced to his current role as National Operations Manager. Outside of work, Vince is an avid hockey player and played for Schoolcraft College’s hockey team during his time there. In the summer, he enjoys spending time on the golf course. In his free time, he loves watching sports, especially Detroit teams, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Andrea Jones, Director of National Accounts

Andrea Jones graduated from Virginia Tech with a BA in Public Relations, as well as a BA in English. She spent time with The American Red Cross in the Public Affairs department before shifting career paths to join a boutique multi-communications firm where she helped create customized communications strategies for large corporations, museums and other organizations. Andrea then moved to Texas where she pursued a career in marketing and branding, working with various local organizations to increase visibility and community impact. From there, Andrea moved to Michigan where she continued working with local agencies before becoming a member of Shadow’s team. In her free time, she is a video game fanatic and fitness enthusiast who holds several national powerlifting records.

Jonathon Younkman, Vice President

Jonathon formally joined the Shadow team in 2016 after spending several years working in both the public and private sectors in a business development, strategy, and management consulting capacity. However, Jonathon’s first involvement with Shadow began back in 2014, when he and company founder, John Harris, began talks and collaborations on a variety of business-related initiatives. Jonathon received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees with honors from the University of Michigan - Dearborn. He is also a graduate of Delta College near his hometown of Bay City, Michigan, as well as is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Jonathon also holds a variety of professional certifications ranging from economic development to finance to leadership from a variety of accrediting institutions. In addition to his professional life and career accomplishments, Jonathon is an avid golfer and would not hesitate to hold business meetings on the links rather than in a conference room.

Amanda Larner, Account Manager

Amanda Larner holds a bachelor's degree in education from Aquinas College. She transitioned into the insurance industry, specializing in workers' compensation claims. Amanda is committed to delivering exceptional results and thorough follow-ups for her clients. Outside of her professional life, she is a dedicated mother to three amazing and competitive boys and enjoys staying active through fitness and sports. Amanda also values spending quality time with family and friends.

Caitlin Darfler, Operations Support Specialist

Caitlin Darfler graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BA in Music Performance. She lived in NYC for several years after graduating, before moving back to Michigan where she worked in the financial services industry, running managed money accounts, researching mutual funds, annuities, and insurance options for doctors. She also worked in the surgical department at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital for several years boarding cases, stocking rooms for surgeries, and as a patient care specialist in Pre-Op, Surgery, and Post-Op. In her free time, Caitlin can be found doing yoga and pilates, Chaos Workouts in Shadow’s private gym, reading, performing, playing with her pitbull rescue Hope, climbing mountains, traveling, and finding something to practice every day. 

James Dempsey, HR Analyst & SIU Investigator

A seasoned professional in human resources, security, and logistics, James Dempsey brings extensive leadership experience from both the private sector and the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Human Resources Analyst and SIU Investigator, he specializes in recruitment, onboarding, benefits management, and employee relations while ensuring smooth company operations. Previously, James worked as a Technical Recruiter, refining his skills in talent acquisition and client relations. During his distinguished Marine Corps tenure, James led security operations at U.S. embassies in Croatia and Nepal, overseeing personnel safety and high-profile events. He earned multiple commendations for leadership, budget management, and training. James holds a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Arizona Global Campus and brings a proven track record of excellence to every role he takes on.

Jorden Mickel, Account Representative

Jorden Mickel earned her Master's Degree in Business Administration from Northwood University. Initially, she gained experience in the Automotive Industry before deciding to pursue her passion for Private Investigating, inspired by her grandfather’s legacy. With a strong sense of ambition and determination, Jorden is committed to delivering the best possible results for her clients. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys horror and mystery genres in movies and books. A former college softball player, Jorden stays active through workouts, hunting, snowmobiling, and wake surfing.

Kyle Durham, Account Manager

Kyle Durham began his career with Shadow Investigations in 2024, bringing a robust background in account management, strategic planning, and relationship building. Kyle now applies his skills to uncover critical insights and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Kyle attended Central Michigan University, where he studied Business Management. Fire Up Chips! Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their daughter. He is also an avid golfer and hockey enthusiast.

Andrew Furie III, Regional Operations Manager

Having joined the company in 2016, Andrew brings perhaps the most diverse and eclectic background of anyone on the Shadow team.  Andrew has found success and recognition in high level import/export management, as an executive chef, sports entertainment writer and performer, corporate resource development and data analyst, and has been certified in a variety of professional disciplines, including the highly regarded Wicklander-Zulawski Interview and Interrogation program. This diverse background allows him to bring a unique perspective to every investigation he oversees and helps keep Shadow a step ahead of the competition.

Alyssa Whorley, Sr. SIU Coordinator

Alyssa graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Criminal Justice, minoring in Psychology and Addiction Studies. After graduation, she joined the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program as a Case Manager/Group Facilitator, supervising probationers/parolees casefiles, monitoring their progression through program requirements. Alyssa later transitioned into the nonprofit sector working with residential and community-based treatment agencies. In 2019, Alyssa joined the Shadow team as a Field Investigator before moving into the office as a Senior SIU Investigator. Always willing to lend a hand, Alyssa has become widely known throughout the company as a “Jack,” or rather, “Jill of all Trades.” In addition to holding certification as a Social Media Intelligence Expert (CSMIE), her company-wide knowledge earned her the promotion to SIU Coordinator in 2022. In her free time, she stays busy with her two younger sons, and enjoys bow-hunting, ATVs, tennis, and movies.

Gabriele “Abby” Freeman, Operations Support Specialist

Gabriele Freeman, or better known simply as Abby, joined the Shadow team in 2018 shortly after graduating from Spring Arbor University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to graduation, she worked in the hospitality industry for several years. At present, Abby holds the position of Operations Support Specialist, which allows her the ability to review video surveillance and complete accurate reports for Shadow clients. Outside of the office, Abby is passionate about fitness, and can be often spotted after work in Shadow’s expansive private gym.  Additionally, Abby is an avid motorcycle enthusiast, archer, reader, billiards player and volunteer at her local American Legion.