AFV International is a small, family-owned business dedicated to providing success through training.

AFV International was originally established in 2002 by founder William 'Bill' McGlinchey under the name AFV Consulting LLC. After an extensive career in the alternative fuel vehicle industry, McGlinchey's passion for sharing his knowledge led him to form his own company, offering technical assistance in gaseous fuels training, education, curriculum development, vehicle conversions and systems integration. McGlinchey's services quickly reached an international level, with successful projects in France, the Philippines and Bangladesh, and in wanting to emphasize the international aspect of his work, the name AFV International LLC was born.

While the company's core business remained focused on alternative fuel vehicle training, McGlinchey expanded the business's services to include codes and standards development, as well as project management, offering certified compressed natural gas cylinder inspection training. 

Over the years, due to increased demand, AFV International's focus shifted primarily towards compressed natural gas cylinder inspection training, and by 2018 AFV International had successfully trained well over 1000 technicians. 

In 2019, in order to continue meeting the market demand for certified inspectors, McGlinchey sought out the assistance of an additional trainer, Jim Rike. Through continued collaboration with Rike, a partnership quickly formed and McGlinchey appointed Rike as the Director of Business Development. 

Rike brought new innovative ideas to the training program, and in 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, Rike developed an instructor-led, virtual course, providing a continued commitment to AFV International customers through challenging circumstances. 

Sadly, in June of 2021, McGlinchey lost his long battle with cancer. Through McGlinchey's wishes, Rike made a commitment to continue serving AFV International's customer base and vowed to carry out McGlinchey's legacy of providing quality training with a strong emphasis on safety and success and in July of 2021 AFV International LLC became a DBA of Rike's company, Rikeology LLC. 

Our Team

William H "Bill" McGlinchey

Founder

AFV International founder Bill McGlinchey dedicated over 30 years to the alternative fuel industry. His efforts were primarily focused on education and training surrounding alternative fuels. McGlinchey played an intricate role in curriculum development and project management throughout. Having worked alongside West Virginia University, NGV-2 & NGV-3 Taskforce as well as CSA Group, McGlinchey’s influence and contributions in the natural gas vehicle industry were vast and wide-reaching. His passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. “It is rare to have an opportunity to work on a relevant and exciting project such as this. Contemporary energy, environmental, and technological literacy issues cut to the essence of a dynamic and mobile society. The importance of this effort to address critical issues associated with the quality and safety of our environment has been at the forefront of my vision. But a slightly dif­ferent, perhaps more profound, spirit emerged as I began my work in the early nineties. I soon came to rec­ognize a ‘movement’, in the traditional sense, to make the world a better place. This move­ment comprised of individuals and companies, loosely organized advocates, officials, gurus, and practitioners – each contributing a positive energy to help place alternative fuels high­er on America’s agenda. To all of those who contributed to this ideal, thank you for your efforts…” “It has been a gas!” William “Bill” McGlinchey May 08, 1942 – June 25, 2021

Jim Rike

Owner/Instructor

Jim Rike is known throughout the industry for his vast knowledge and understanding of natural gas. Having spent his entire career in the heavy-duty trucking industry, Rike’s interest in natural gas peaked in 2010, when becoming involved in a large CNG snow and ice project. Recognizing an opportunity for improvement within the industry, Rike directed his focus to natural gas and aided in the development of Trilogy Engineer Systems. Rike went on to serve several years with Worthington Industries, and in 2019 formed his own consulting company, Rikeology LLC. During this time, Rike also became an official partner of AFV International, and was appointed the title of Director of Business Development.

Natalie Rike-Blomberg

Business Director

Natalie is responsible for providing training support, overseeing customer communications and providing marketing strategies. Her career began in 2003 as an administrator in a heavy duty truck equipment installation facility, Palmer Power and Truck Equipment. Throughout her 18 years with Palmer, she played an intricate roll in the management of the equipment installation process, including Palmer’s endeavors into Natural Gas. Natalie brings a vast knowledge of business management and support.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

AFV International is comprised of fundamental values that guide our business approach from day to day. Honesty, integrity, pride and equality are just a few of our core ethical principles. AFV International strives to provide our customers with the utmost quality and service, and as a small, family-owned business, we aim to build long standing relationships. We understand the value of meeting our customer’s needs and therefore we structure our business to ensure the success and satisfaction of our customers. In addition, we adhere to the principal that an economic return on investment is imperative to both our customers and our own sustainability. AFV International holds in high regard the sensitive information of our customers, suppliers and employees, and we do not take lightly our responsibility to protect such information. We vow to protect our intellectual property, technology and trade secrets, as well as those of our partners, as they are vital to our company and its partnerships. AFV International adheres to the principles of justice and respects the laws of the United States. We do not tolerate favoritism or discrimination within our organization. We recognize the uniqueness inherent in everyone and embrace diversity. AFV International is a family-owned business, and we treat all of our employees as family members. In addition, we are committed to offering reasonable and equitable wages, a flexible and humane work schedule and structure, as well as a clear delineation of duties and responsibilities. The balance between economic development and the preservation and protection of the environment is imperative to AFV International’s beliefs. We strive to ensure that every process and action we take does not result in harm to the environment.