Nathan Clark Director & Curator
Nathan Clark is the passionate force behind a living museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating Toyota's rich automotive heritage. As the founder, director, and curator, he has transformed his lifelong devotion to Toyota into an unparalleled collection that showcases the brand's impact on automotive culture.
With a personal collection exceeding 100 Toyota vehicles—over 30 of which he currently owns—Nathan has amassed an impressive array of artifacts and automobiles ranging from the 1940s to the present day, many sourced directly from Japan. His dedication to preserving Toyota history was featured in a four-page spread in TCT Magazine when his collection numbered just 50 vehicles.
Nathan's journey began with a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, where his problem-solving skills and commitment earned him multiple commendation medals. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Wilmington International in Delaware and an AS in Business Management from Arizona State in Phoenix, providing a strong foundation for his multifaceted roles in engineering, operations, and museum curation.
Currently serving as the Director of Operations and Head Engineer/Designer at Nanook Labs, Nathan developed a patent-pending tidal energy passive generation system—a groundbreaking project that recently passed peer review in Alaska and is under consideration by the Department of the Navy. His work reflects his commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Before founding the museum, Nathan served as the Vice President of Marketing & Design at National Auto Tools, where he led advancements in product quality and customer satisfaction through innovative design and sustainable practices.
Living a truly Toyota-centric life, Nathan's work, hobbies, and personal interests are all intertwined with the brand. His unwavering dedication to Toyota, combined with his professional expertise and passion for sustainability, positions him as a humble steward of automotive history and a visionary leader. Through his efforts, he hopes to inspire others to appreciate the legacy of Toyota and its impact on the world.
Phil Stetson Director of Operations
For over 35 years, Phil Stetson has been a driving force in the Toyota world, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive and off-road communities. As the Director at Toyotas Inc, Phil brings a wealth of experience and a passion that resonates throughout the museum's halls.
Phil's journey with Toyota began decades ago, immersing himself in every facet of the industry—from parts operations and service management to custom accessory design and installation. His innovative spirit led him to revolutionize retail marketing, creating captivating displays that have enhanced both in-store experiences and online engagement for Toyota enthusiasts everywhere.
But Phil's influence extends far beyond operations and marketing. He is a true pioneer who has fostered the growth of the Toyota off-road community, turning it into a vibrant and dynamic culture. During his impactful tenure at TRD Parts4U, Phil dedicated himself to bringing the Toyota lifestyle to the forefront at every opportunity. His unwavering commitment and boundless energy have been instrumental in developing numerous sanctioned Toyota events that have become staples in the off-road world.
Phil played a pivotal role in the inception and growth of legendary events such as the FJ Summit, Toyota Jamboree, and Toyota Roundup. These gatherings have not only brought together thousands of Toyota fans but have also cultivated a sense of community and shared passion that continues to inspire new generations of enthusiasts. His efforts have turned these events into must-attend destinations for those looking to celebrate the thrill of off-roading in their beloved Toyota vehicles.
Known for his "outside the box" thinking, Phil has always pushed the boundaries of what's possible. His creative vision and leadership have not only advanced Toyota's presence in the automotive world but have also enriched the lives of countless individuals who share his love for adventure and innovation.
At Toyotas Inc, Phil's legacy is celebrated and cherished. His contributions have helped shape the museum into a haven for Toyota history, culture, and camaraderie. Visitors can witness firsthand the impact of his work through the exhibits that showcase not just the vehicles but the stories and people behind them.
Phil Stetson embodies the spirit of Toyota—reliability, innovation, and a relentless drive forward. His lifelong dedication to the brand and the community continues to pave the way for future enthusiasts and ensures that the Toyota legacy thrives for years to come.
Jisoo Kim Registrar
Jisoo is an enthusiastic 21-year-old Korean immigrant who started life in the bustling city of Incheon, South Korea. At the ripe age of 8, I took a detour to the Philippines to learn conversational English—because why not add some island vibes to my life? Japan was my next stop for schooling, adding sushi and anime to my list of loves.
At 14, I hopped across the pond to the USA and was adopted into a family that believes "the world is your oyster" is a lifestyle, not just a saying. High school was a whirlwind: graduated with honors, twirled rifles on the JROTC traveling drill team, and snagged the Navy Academic Medal along with a few other shiny accolades. Oh, and did I mention I can weld? Yes, I graduated with legit welding certificates. Sparks fly around me—literally!
When I'm not making metal masterpieces, I'm diving into the digital realm. I'm studying computer science through Harvard Online and proudly hold a Python III coding certification. I've also self-taught basic CAD design and 3D printing to team up with my adopted dad—we're like the dynamic duo of DIY!
I co-own a small chain of local Airbnbs where I wear all the hats—from guest relations to, yes, scrubbing toilets. Glamorous? Maybe not. Rewarding? Absolutely! I finally conquered my fear of driving at 20, and now I dream of the open road. Good thing, too, because I've visited all but four U.S. states, thanks to my travel-enthusiast dad. Travel more than breathing? Check!
Oh, and I'm on the board of directors for Toyotas Inc.—a nonprofit 501(c)(3) museum of Toyota artifacts in Idaho. I'm a bit of a Toyota fan, but who wouldn't be when surrounded by automotive history? My role mainly involves inventory management and logistics, but let's just say I can tell a Tundra from a Tacoma in my sleep.
Food is my love language. Korean, American, Italian, Greek, Indian—you name it, I'll eat it. If I had to choose between food or my dogs... well, let's just say we'd all end up sharing the same plate. Speaking of dogs, they turn me into a puddle faster than you can say "Who's a good boy?" I go full-on 40-year-old white chick seeing a baby for the first time whenever I see one.
I'm not your typical girly girl. Makeup? Rarely. Dresses? Only if jeans and tees are outlawed. I'd rather be in the shop, covered in grease, than shopping for clothes. I'm so shy I don't even talk to myself in the mirror—working on that! But hey, I got lucky in the gene pool and turned out pretty okay-looking. Since I'm too shy to capitalize on that, I'm honing my sense of humor instead. So if you catch me cracking punny jokes, just know it's all part of the master plan.
Life's been an incredible adventure so far, filled with welding sparks, coding bugs, and miles of open road. I can't wait to see where the next chapter takes me—preferably somewhere with good food and dogs!