MEET

Our

Team

CULLEN POWERS

Owner

  • First Car? 1986 Toyota Celica

  • Favorite Build? Powers 4x4 1993 JDM LJ78 Prado 

  • Currently Wheeling? 2024 Ineos Grenadier

  • Favorite Off-Road Adventure? I've done a handful of trips to Moab, but the most memorable was probably with the guys at New Legend/Anything Scout and their personal Scout builds lovingly called, “The Terrables.” Wheeling with vintage trucks is just more fun.

  • Waffle House Order? Sausage, Egg & Cheese Hashbrown Bowl (Double eggs, double cheese)

The details of my life are really quite inconsequential... My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. Sorry, that's from Austin Powers, not Cullen Powers.

Anyways, for over a decade Cullen worked as a freelance photographer and began traveling as a way to find unique landscapes and locations to shoot. This desire to explore deeper into the wilderness drove him down the rabbit hole of 4x4 builds, overlanding and extended vehicle travels.

Cullen’s passion for off-roading grew quickly, and so did the number of miles he drove. What started in a Ford Explorer, turned toward Toyota trucks, both new and old. Cullen and Steve met via the off-road community in Iowa– their shared passion formed the foundation of Powers 4x4.

Years of dreaming about having a shop, months of serious discussions about the reality of these dreams and the perfect timing of life events falling into place led to the birth of Powers 4x4. Steve's decades of experience in the auto industry, combined with Cullen's business and financial means, were the catalyst elements they needed to build Des Moines' only dedicated off-road shop. 

Steve Phalen

Shop Manager

  • First Car? ‘85 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe

  • Favorite Build? Powers 4x4 Tacoma 

  • Currently Wheeling? 2018 Toyota Tundra

  • Favorite Off-Road Adventure? Ozark National Forest Trip

  • Waffle House Order? Five orders of hashbrowns, covered.

Steve was born and raised in Des Moines, IA. He developed a strong work ethic and passion for hands-on work early in life. He began his career in the automotive industry at just 18 years old, building a solid foundation of experience that continues to shape his expertise today.

Over the years, his interest in vehicles evolved into a deep appreciation for 4WD builds, off-road performance and overland capability. He has always been drawn to the freedom that comes with exploring off the beaten path—whether tackling rugged trails or spending time camping in remote locations.

Outside of work, he shares his passion for overlanding and adventure with his wife and two sons, creating lasting memories through time spent exploring together.

Steve’s work is driven by a genuine passion for the automotive world, especially when it comes to creating capable, reliable off-road vehicles that are built for both adventure and everyday use.

JOHN CORNISH

Office Manager

  • First Car? 1979 Z28

  • Favorite Build? Powers 4x4 Iron Pig

  • Currently Wheeling? My ‘95 Range Rover

  • Favorite Off-Road Adventure? Breckinridge Mountain, CO 

  • Waffle House Order? Never been (We’ll fix that.)

Combining John's love of the outdoors with his passion for classic 4x4s makes him a natural fit for his role as Office Manager at Powers 4x4. Born just on the outskirts of Detroit, he was immersed in car culture from an early age - his grandfather owned a Chevrolet dealership, and he spent much of his childhood repairing and rebuilding cars and motorcycles alongside his Dad.

That early hands-on experience grew into a genuine enthusiasm for off-road adventure and the trucks that get you there. Over the years, John has owned several Land Rover vehicles, a Toyota or two and a vintage Jeep Wagoneer, enjoying both the build and upgrade process while gaining first-hand knowledge of what it takes to push them beyond the pavement.

John’s professional experience includes roles in executive management, project and marketing strategy, and small business ownership. He brings creative, customer-focused insight and strong organizational leadership skills to the Powers 4x4 team.