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Meet Jarrod Roussell: PB Product/Customer Service Manager

Team Member Spotlight: Jarrod Roussell – Customer Service and Polybutene Product Manager 

Jarrod, our Customer Service and PB Product Manager, brings not only deep expertise to his role, but also a genuine heart, something we deeply value at Soltex. With nearly a decade of dedicated service, he’s known for his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Jarrod’s journey into the chemical industry wasn’t conventional, but it was purposeful. “A longtime friend who I worked with in the retail industry suggested the chemical industry had much better opportunities,” he recalls. That suggestion would open the door to a fulfilling career at Soltex, where he has spent the last nine years growing alongside the company. 

In his current position, Jarrod wears two important hats. First, he manages the Customer Service Department, ensuring that every client interaction reflects the exceptional care Soltex is known for. Second, he oversees the forecasting, procurement, and inventory management of our polybutene product line, a role that requires a balance of precision and agility.  

“The biggest challenge in my role is navigating the ebbs and flows of the global supply chain,” Jarrod admits. “But it’s also where communication and attention to detail become critical. Soltex is a big company with many moving parts, and things can grind to a halt if the right details are missed.” 

For Jarrod, success isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people. “Success to me is whether our employees enjoy coming to work every day and are excited about growing Soltex,” he says. That perspective has helped create a positive and productive environment for his team, something he considers a key accomplishment. 

Life Outside of Soltex 

When he’s not managing product lines or leading his team, Jarrod enjoys winding down with basketball and movies. His favorite meal is his mom’s homemade red beans and rice, a dish he never gets tired of. His ideal getaway is anywhere with sand and sea, where he can relax and recharge. 

Jarrod is a great example of what makes Soltex strong, a deep commitment to both people and performance. We’re lucky to have him on our team, and we look forward to many more years of his leadership and insight. 

New Employee: Carla Alexander

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Carla Alexander – Customer Service Representative 

Carla, one of our new Customer Service Representatives, is a great example of what multitasking and organization look like in action. Just three months into her role, she is already making a difference through her diligence, communication, and eagerness to learn. 

Carla entered the chemical industry with clear intention, guided by her interest in Supply Chain Management. After exploring career paths in business, she discovered her passion for logistics and operations, a decision that eventually opened the door for her position at Soltex. 

As a Customer Service Representative, Carla handles a range of responsibilities to keep things moving at Soltex. She communicates with customers, runs daily reports, updates production tracking systems, schedules shipments, and tracks customer orders. She found it especially rewarding to see how multiple departments come together to fulfill a single purchase order, each step revealing the complexity behind every product delivered. 

Carla credits her effectiveness to being highly organized and capable of managing multiple tasks at once. But beyond technical skills, she emphasizes the importance of being open to growth. “Success,” she says, “means being a sponge, ready to learn, adapt, and absorb everything this field has to offer.” 

For Carla, what makes Soltex stand out is the commitment to work-life balance and the way Soltex recognizes employee contributions. That culture of respect and encouragement fuels a positive work environment, one where team members feel appreciated and empowered. 

Outside of Work 

When she is not at work, Carla stays active and creative. She enjoys running, tennis, dancing, painting, and exploring new cafes across Houston. Life at home is lively too, she shares it with her three dogs: Buster, Sasha, and Chip.  

Carla always brings a sense of enthusiasm and balance to everything she does. It’s that same energy she brings to her work at Soltex, where her reliability and focus continue to make a meaningful impact. 

New Employee: Shantrise Charles

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Shantrise Charles – Customer Service Representative 

Here at Soltex, we value quality, growth, and the ability to stay composed in challenging environments. Shantrise is a perfect example of these values in action. As a skilled Customer Service Representative, she brings mindfulness, precision, and an eye for detail to every task. Whether managing complex orders or juggling multiple duties, she ensures that each part of the process is handled efficiently. 

With a strong background in logistics and customer support, Shantrise was ready for a role where she could apply her talents in a more impactful way. She found that opportunity at Soltex, where her strengths in multitasking and attention to detail are essential to her daily success. Her transition into the chemical industry was driven by her desire to provide outstanding service in a more fulfilling environment. 

In her role as a Customer Service Representative, Shantrise manages purchase orders, coordinates freight quotes, and schedules shipments with both warehouses and carriers. She is always conscious of the details and deadlines that keep operations running. Managing multiple tasks is part of the job, and she does it with confidence. 

When asked what makes Soltex a standout workplace, Shantrise points out the company’s commitment to customer service. It’s not just a goal, it’s a culture. Being part of a team that genuinely prioritizes customer satisfaction makes her role more rewarding and meaningful. 

The World Beyond Work 

Outside of her professional life, Shantrise enjoys reading, learning, working out, and shopping. She earned her bachelor’s degree in applied administration from the University of Houston–Downtown and takes pride in her role as a mother to her 14-year-old son. She is also a devoted aunt and great-aunt, with a deeply connected family that brings joy and balance to her life. 

Whether she’s on the clock, trying new things, or planning her next trip to the Bahamas, Shantrise brings the same energy and attention to everything she does, in and out of the workplace. 

Soltex Reactions 2025 Issue One

Stay informed with our most recent activities and service offerings.

VIEW OUR 2025 – ONE ISSUE

The Future of Electronic Cooling – Soltex Electronic Thermal Fluids

Enhance Data Center Performance with Soltex Thermal Fluids 

In today’s high-density computing environments, effective thermal management is critical to maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring equipment longevity, and optimizing energy use. Soltex delivers a specialized line of Thermal Fluids designed for high-performance data center applications. 

Advanced Thermal Management Solutions 

Soltex’s Alpha, Beta, and OptiCool™ fluid lines are formulated to deliver exceptional thermal stability, high heat transfer efficiency, and reliable performance across a broad range of cooling applications. These fluids are particularly well-suited for direct-to-chip (DTC), battery thermal management, immersion cooling systems, and other applications that demand precise temperature control and reliable electrical insulation. 

Technical Advantages of Soltex Thermal Fluids 

  • Exceptional Heat Transfer: Designed for efficient thermal conductivity, ensuring rapid and uniform heat dissipation across components. 
  • Oxidation Resistance: High resistance to oxidative degradation enables extended fluid life and reduced maintenance intervals. 
  • Electrical Insulation: Dielectric properties allow safe direct contact with energized components, minimizing the risk of electrical failure. 
  • Safety & Certified Fire Resistance: UL- and Factory Mutual-approved Beta fluids provide an additional layer of safety with proven fire-resistant performance. 

Expertise in Dielectric Fluid Technology 

With over 35 years of experience in the development of dielectric fluids, Soltex is a trusted provider of high-performance thermal management solutions. Optimize your data center’s cooling infrastructure with Soltex’s advanced Thermal Fluids and discover how our expertise can support your cooling and operational efficiency. 

Website: www.soltexinc.com/contactus
Email: orderentry@soltexinc.com
Phone:(281) 587-0900

 

Expanding Excellence: Soltex Partners with Puretecs GmbH in Germany

We are excited to announce that Soltex has partnered with Puretecs GmbH as our new distributor in Germany, marking a significant step forward in expanding our footprint in Europe. The agreement paves the way for enhanced accessibility to Soltex’s innovative cooling solutions, including our renowned OptiCool™ line of dielectric cooling fluids. 

Puretecs GmbH has established itself as a leader in protective coatings and materials for electronics, ensuring durability and resilience in the face of harsh environmental conditions. Their commitment to providing outstanding materials aligns seamlessly with Soltex’s dedication to delivering high-performance solutions for thermal management and electronic reliability. 

Through this partnership, customers across Germany will benefit from Puretecs’ expertise and local support, as well as their deep understanding of the applications and industries Soltex serves. Together, we aim to address critical challenges in high-demand electronics, including battery systems, server cooling, and power electronics, with advanced thermal management technologies. 

OptiCool™ dielectric cooling oils, which have been expertly tailored to applications such as battery immersion cooling and high-performance server systems, represent a revolutionary approach to heat management. By enabling direct contact with heat sources, these fluids enhance thermal efficiency, reduce system weight and size, and ensure uninterrupted long-term performance. 

Puretecs has already highlighted the transformative potential of OptiCool™ on their platforms, emphasizing its role in reducing battery charging times and preventing thermal runaway in high-demand systems. For instance, with OptiCool™, battery cells can achieve rapid charging times—as low as 11 minutes (from 10% to 80%)—while maintaining safe and efficient cooling, even in the event of pump failures. 

This partnership emphasizes our shared commitment to advancing technology and providing exceptional solutions to customers. We look forward to a successful collaboration with Puretecs as we continue to bring cutting-edge thermal management solutions to the German market and beyond. 

Acetylene Black Versatility

The Versatility of Soltex Acetylene Black: Key Applications Across Multiple Industries 

High-performance materials are crucial for driving innovation and optimizing efficiency across various sectors. Soltex Acetylene Black is a high-performance specialty carbon renowned for its exceptional conductivity, purity, and structural integrity. Manufactured through the controlled thermal decomposition of acetylene gas, this ultra-pure carbon black has found widespread application in energy storage, coatings, polymers, and more. 

With its exceptional electrical and thermal properties, Soltex Acetylene Black is integral to advancements in energy storage technologies, as well as in a wide range of industrial applications. It serves as a critical component in lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, and supercapacitors, where it improves energy transfer efficiency and extends the operational life of energy storage systems. Moreover, it is commonly utilized in electrically conductive coatings, high-performance adhesives, and polymer composites to enhance mechanical strength and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.  

Given its broad range of applications, Soltex Acetylene Black is an essential material across multiple industries. Let’s explore how this innovative product is driving advancements in energy storage, materials science, and more. 

  1. Energy Storage & Conductive Applications

The demand for efficient, high-performance energy storage solutions is growing rapidly, and Soltex Acetylene Black plays a pivotal role in improving their performance. 

    • Lithium-Ion Batteries: As a conductive additive, acetylene black reduces internal resistance, enhances charge/discharge cycles, and extends battery lifespan. 
    • Lead-Acid Batteries: It helps mitigate sulfation, a primary cause of battery degradation, ensuring longer operational life. 
    • Supercapacitors: Acetylene black offers superior conductivity and a high surface area, which enhances energy density and cycling stability in high-power applications. 

As the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and portable electronics accelerates, Soltex Acetylene Black remains a key component in next-generation battery technologies. 

  1. Coatings & Adhesives

In industries requiring conductive and anti-static properties, Soltex Acetylene Black serves as a powerful enhancement in coatings and adhesives. 

    • Electrically Conductive Coatings: It is utilized in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, anti-static protection, and industrial electronics, ensuring robust performance under challenging conditions. 
    • High-Performance Adhesives & Sealants: Acetylene black provides durability and conductivity, making it essential in aerospace, telecommunications, and automotive applications. 

From shielding sensitive electronics to reinforcing adhesives in mission-critical applications, acetylene black enhances both reliability and performance. 

  1. Polymers & Plastics

Modern polymer and plastic require advanced materials to meet the demands of growing industries. Soltex Acetylene Black significantly enhances their electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. 

    • Conductive Polymers: It improves electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, safeguarding semiconductors, electronic devices, and automotive systems. 
    • ESD Packaging & Housings: Acetylene black is used in anti-static flooring, containers, and enclosures, ensuring safety in high-tech environments. 
    • Enhanced Durability: It boosts UV resistance, mechanical strength, and flexibility, making polymers more resilient under extreme conditions. 

With applications across automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics, Soltex Acetylene Black is revolutionizing advanced polymer engineering. 

  1.  Rubber & Elastomers

In the rubber and elastomer sectors, acetylene black is essential for improving material performance. 

    • Tires & Industrial Rubber: It enhances wear resistance, tensile strength, and thermal stability, contributing to the longevity and performance of rubber products. 
    • Seals & Gaskets: Acetylene black improves conductivity and durability, making it ideal for automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery applications. 
    • Anti-Static Rubber Components: It is incorporated into specialized rubber products that require electrostatic dissipation, preventing damage in sensitive environments. 

Soltex Acetylene Black’s ability to improve the strength, conductivity, and lifespan of rubber materials makes it indispensable in high-performance elastomer applications. 

  1.  Greases

Soltex Acetylene Black’s capacity to manage electrostatic discharge and perform under extreme conditions makes it a valuable additive in greases. 

    • Conductive Greases: It helps prevent electrostatic buildup in high-speed machinery, automotive systems, and electrical contacts, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of components. 

These advanced greases reduce downtime, minimize wear, and optimize energy consumption, making them essential for modern industrial maintenance. 

Conclusion 

From energy storage to coatings, and greases, Soltex Acetylene Black consistently demonstrates its versatility and reliability across a wide range of high-performance applications. Its high conductivity, purity, and structural benefits make it an indispensable material in industries that require cutting-edge solutions. 

Meet Mia Traugott: Marketing Intern

At Soltex, we’re proud to introduce Mia Traugott, our Marketing Intern, who has already made a remarkable impact during her time with the company. Mia plays a vital role in our marketing efforts, working on social media, website development, content design, analytical reporting and more. Her diverse skill set is evident in her work, as she consistently brings fresh, creative ideas to the table while maintaining a keen attention to detail.

Mia’s transition from academic theories to practical, real-world applications is a journey she describes as both challenging and rewarding. “Navigating new platforms and new systems requires adapting my book knowledge into hands-on experience,” she explains. Her ability to learn quickly, combined with her natural adaptability, has been key to her success. At Soltex, where teamwork and a supportive environment are at the core of our culture, Mia finds that the kindness and willingness to help among colleagues set us apart from others in the industry. 

Outside of work, Mia is just as dynamic. When she’s not enhancing our digital presence, she enjoys playing pickleball, going to the gym, swimming, watching TV shows, and reading. A proud student at Texas A&M University, obtaining a BBA – Marketing, Mia balances her academic pursuits with her professional ambitions. Whether she’s contributing to innovative marketing strategies or spending quality time with her family and her cat, Blue, Mia embodies the passion and drive that make Soltex a great place to work. 

Introducing Samantha Moreno: Human Resources Generalist

We are excited to welcome Samantha Moreno as our new Human Resources Generalist at Soltex. Joining the team in January 2025, Samantha brings extensive experience in staffing and recruiting, employee retention and engagement, training and development, and process improvement. Her role is instrumental in shaping a workplace culture that is both enriching and forward-thinking. 

Samantha’s journey into the chemical industry began with a recruiter who recognized her potential, and after meeting with our leadership team, she knew Soltex was the perfect fit. With a background in the manufacturing industry and a solid educational foundation from the University of Houston—where she earned her bachelor’s degree in human resources management with a minor in communication—Samantha combines her academic insights with practical expertise. Her work on updating processes, succession planning, and developing leadership training highlights her commitment to enhancing our organizational culture and employee satisfaction. 

At Soltex, Samantha believes that culture is the cornerstone of job satisfaction and overall employee performance. “A culture that truly cares about its people creates a ripple effect that extends to our customers,” she states. Her leadership, passion for HR, and dedication to professional development (including her studies for the SHRM-CP certification) position her as a driving force in building lasting relationships with our employees. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Samantha leads an active lifestyle. Her interests include CrossFit, cycling, horseback riding, and golf, as well as enjoying time outdoors camping, hiking, and biking. Samantha’s enthusiasm for volunteering and creating opportunities for community engagement further exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact both within and outside the workplace. 

Soltex Employees Give Back: Supporting Causes That Matter

At Soltex, we believe in the power of giving back to the communities we serve. Our employees are not only dedicated professionals but also compassionate individuals who support causes close to their hearts. As part of our ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, we are proud to highlight the recent charitable contributions made by three of our team members through our Charity of Choice program.

Making an Impact Through Giving

Each year, Soltex provides employees the opportunity to direct donations to charitable organizations that align with their values. This initiative allows us to support a diverse range of causes, strengthening the communities where we live and work. This year, three of our employees selected organizations that are making a real difference:

  • Janice Melhorn directed her $1,000 donation to Angel Reach and God’s Garage, splitting her contribution equally between these two impactful organizations. Angel Reach provides support and resources to young adults aging out of the foster care system, while God’s Garage repairs vehicles for miliary single mothers, widows, and others in need—helping them regain independence and mobility.
  • Ryan Davies chose to donate $1,000 to Second Servings Houston, an organization dedicated to fighting food waste and hunger by rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to those in need. Their efforts ensure that nutritious meals reach individuals and families who might otherwise go without.
  • Bryan De La Rosa designated his $1,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Charity, which provides housing, support, and essential services for families with children undergoing medical treatment. His contribution helps ease the burden on families facing serious health challenges.

A Culture of Compassion

At Soltex, we take pride in fostering a workplace culture that encourages generosity and social responsibility. By empowering employees to support organizations they are passionate about, we strengthen our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our business operations.

We commend Janice, Ryan, and Bryan for their generosity and for embodying the values that make Soltex more than just a company—we are a community that cares.