Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence: Soltex Founder and CEO Tony Massoud Receives Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award
At Soltex, we are proud to announce that our Founder and CEO, Tony Massoud, has been honored with the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award from the Stevens Institute of Technology. This prestigious award recognizes Tony’s exceptional leadership, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his longstanding contributions to the industrial chemical marketplace.
Tony, a 1979 graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, founded Soltex in 1990 with a clear vision: to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industrial chemical industry. Over the past three decades, Soltex has expanded its global reach, offering specialty chemical products and services to diverse markets around the world. Tony’s focus on service excellence, product innovation, and fostering strong relationships with business partners has been central to the company’s growth.
The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award is given to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Tony’s work at Soltex exemplifies these qualities, and his contributions have not only advanced the specialty chemicals industry but have also positively impacted the lives of countless customers and partners.
Under Tony’s leadership, Soltex has become known for its commitment to quality and customer service. By assembling a strong team and providing them with the tools to succeed, Tony has built an organization that is both adaptable and resilient in a constantly changing marketplace. His entrepreneurial approach has allowed Soltex to consistently meet market demands while remaining at the forefront of industry advancements.
As we celebrate Tony’s achievement, we also reflect on Soltex’s journey and the values that have guided us from the beginning: innovation, integrity, and a relentless commitment to meeting the needs of our clients. The recognition of Tony’s work through The Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. Entrepreneur Award is a testament to the impact that a dedicated leader can have on both a company and an industry.
Employee Spotlight: Asa Diskin – Driving Innovation in Immersion Cooling at Soltex
Employee Spotlight: Asa Diskin – Driving Innovation in Immersion Cooling at Soltex
At Soltex, we take pride in our team’s diverse talents and unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, we shine the spotlight on Asa Diskin, a seasoned professional who has recently stepped into a new role as Business Development – Immersion Cooling. With four years of dedicated service at Soltex, Asa brings a wealth of experience and a passion for driving innovation in the chemical industry.
Professional Journey at Soltex
Asa’s journey at Soltex began four years ago as a Sales Representative covering the Midwest region. During this time, he spearheaded numerous successful projects, but one that stands out is his involvement in developing cutting-edge dielectric immersion cooling fluids tailored for cryptocurrency mining applications. This project showcases Asa’s keen insights into emerging technologies and his ability to craft solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
A Path into the Chemical Industry
Asa’s entry into the chemical industry is a testament to seizing opportunities and embracing new challenges. While pursuing graduate studies in data analytics, Asa discovered his passion for chemistry at a career fair. This chance encounter led to a pivotal decision to join a chemical company, where Asa’s skills and dedication quickly earned him a full-time role at Soltex.
Key Challenges and Differentiators
One of the most significant challenges Asa faces in his role is tackling the problems of tomorrow. However, it’s Soltex’s unwavering commitment to outstanding service and personalized attention to each customer that sets the company apart in the industry. Asa’s interpersonal skills have been instrumental in fostering collaboration and driving results, highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving success.
Measuring Success and Future Goals
For Asa, success in his new role hinges on obtaining OCP approval for Soltex Immersion Cooling Fluids and expanding our presence in the Data Center and Crypto Mining markets. This ambitious vision reflects Asa’s drive to push boundaries and establish Soltex as a leader in innovative solutions for cooling technologies.
Personal Insights and Interests
Beyond the professional realm, Asa’s interests span a wide spectrum. He enjoys playing guitar and piano, exploring nature through hiking and surfing, and embarking on adventures, with Costa Rica being a favorite vacation spot. Asa’s favorite food, strawberries, and support for the Cincinnati Bengals reveal a vibrant personality dedicated to both work and leisure pursuits.
Asa’s journey at Soltex exemplifies our company’s ethos of continuous growth, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We look forward to seeing Asa’s contributions shape the future of immersion cooling technologies and further propel Soltex towards greater success.
Soltex Supports PTSD Awareness
National PTSD Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 27. It aims to raise awareness of posttraumatic stress disorder, a mental health problem that may develop after a person has been exposed to one or more traumatic events. Traumatic events that may cause PTSD include physical or sexual assault, war-related combat stress, terrorism, natural or man-made disasters, and other threats to a person’s life.
As a strong supporter, we offer the resources below for veterans and citizens in your communities coping with this disorder. We hope to educate and provide ways you can lend a hand toward their victory this coming celebration.
- Wounded Warrior
- NAMI, National Alliance of Mental Illness
- PTSD Peer Support Groups
- PTSD Foundation of America
- Camp Hope, June Urgent Needs List
- K9s for Warriors
- PTSD Veterans Resource Toolkit
- PTSD Support for Children and Adolescence
- PTSD Support for Adults
- PTSD Support for Assault
- PTSD Support for Natural Disasters or Mass Violence
- Crisis Hotlines
Soltex’s Annual ‘Employee Charity of Choice’ Donation: Making a Positive Impact
At Soltex, giving back to the community is valuable. Since 2022, we have initiated an annual tradition during our Christmas party where one lucky employee gets to choose a charity for a $1,000 donation. This year, we are delighted to share the impact of our most recent donations, selected by Rick Jones, who chose to support two incredible charities with $500 each.
Rick’s Choices:
- PTSD Foundation of America – Camp Hope
Camp Hope, operated by the PTSD Foundation of America, is a transformative program dedicated to helping veterans and their families cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related challenges. Through specialized services and a supportive community, Camp Hope provides a beacon of hope for those who have bravely served our country.
- Semper Fi & America’s Fund
The Semper Fi & America’s Fund is committed to providing immediate financial assistance and lifelong support to combat-wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Their comprehensive programs and services ensure that our heroes receive the care and resources they deserve.
Rick Jones, the worthy recipient of this year’s charity selection, shared his heartfelt reasons for choosing these impactful organizations. His decision to support the PTSD Foundation of America – Camp Hope and Semper Fi & America’s Fund was deeply rooted in personal experiences and a heartfelt commitment to supporting our veterans.
Rick recounted how he learned about Camp Hope through a radio program featuring Michael Berry, which led him to reflect on the challenges faced by veterans post-Vietnam and the lack of support systems available. This reflection inspired him to prevent history from repeating itself by supporting Camp Hope’s mission of providing a second chance and a supportive community.
On the other hand, Rick’s connection to Semper Fi & America’s Fund stems from having two sons serve in the Marine Corps post-9/11. His search for an organization that truly supported Marines led him to the Semper Fi Fund. As an accountant, Rick naturally examined their financial transparency and was impressed by their commitment, with over 95% of donations directly benefiting injured Marines and their families.
Beyond the numbers, Rick’s admiration for Semper Fi & America’s Fund stems from the impactful stories he’s encountered. At a recent reception for donors, he heard a touching account of a soldier whose multiple deployments had strained his marriage to the brink of divorce. However, when the soldier was severely injured in combat, Semper Fi Fund stepped in not only to support his recovery but also to reunite his family during his healing process. Some members of the soldier’s family had to travel from Central America, a testament to the Fund’s commitment to ensuring that families can be near their recovering loved ones. Today, thanks to the support provided by Semper Fi & America’s Fund, that soldier is happily married and living a productive life. This transformative impact, providing hope and support in the face of adversity, resonated deeply with Rick.
Rick’s contributions to the Semper Fi Fund’s impactful work extend over two decades, during which he has actively fundraised and supported their cause, including raising over $30,000 through events like the Marine Corp Marathon in 2007.
Capturing Rick’s motivation to support the PTSD Foundation of America – Camp Hope and the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund in his own words, he says, “I hope I never again see our veterans being treated the way they were in the 70’s. Camp Hope and the Semper Fi Fund do a great job of saving the lives of our heroes, and they do it with service to others and love – God’s way! When my name was drawn at the Christmas Party to be the donor, my choice was easy!”
At Soltex, we believe in using our resources to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through initiatives like our annual charity donation, we continue to support causes that align with our values of compassion, support, and community impact.
Soltex Joins the Open Compute Project: A New Chapter in Innovation
Soltex is delighted to announce its official Open Compute Project (OCP) as a Silver Level Tiered Member. With over two years of active involvement and contributions to OCP, this achievement represents a significant milestone in our journey toward fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability for our functional fluids in the technology sector.
A Commitment to Open Innovation
The mission of the OCP, to design, use, and enable the mainstream delivery of the most efficient designs for scalable computing, resonates deeply with Soltex’s core values. By joining OCP Community, we are not just gaining access to a repository of cutting-edge innovations but also contributing to an ecosystem that values open, collaborative development.
Empowering Through Participation
Joining the OCP Community empowers us to play an active role in shaping the future of computing infrastructure. Internally, we are monitoring the direction of OCP’s committees and subcommittees and leveraging this information to enhance our products to align with OCP standards, thereby offering enhanced value to our customers. From engaging in project calls to contributing to the OCP Marketplace, Soltex is committed to not only leveraging but also enriching the resources available within the OCP Community.
Leading Development Standards
Soltex is eager to leverage its expertise and insights within the OCP Community to spearhead the development of industry standards toward more efficient solutions. Our extensive background in sustainable solutions, exemplified by our Thermal Conductive Fluids, PAO, and Immersion Cooling product lines, positions us as a key contributor to the community. Whether through traditional contributions like specs and designs or non-traditional avenues such as case studies and tutorials, we are excited to share our unique perspectives and learn from fellow members.
What sets Soltex apart from other lubricant suppliers is our proactive approach to collaborating with partners to develop sustainable solutions. Our product compositions are meticulously designed to meet stringent thermal and true dielectric requirements, establishing us as an industry leaders in innovation and sustainability.
Soltex’s Participation in Industry Events: Building Connections and Showcasing Innovations
Soltex is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of innovation and industry trends through participation in industry trade shows across the performance chemicals sector. Through active participation, we seize opportunities to build meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and showcase our innovative solutions.
We welcome to meet with our valued customers and peers across the chemical sector, please plan and schedule with Soltex to meet with Soltex at the upcoming trade shows we will be attending,
April:
- ILMA Engage: April 11-13, 2024 at Loews Coronado Bay Resort – Coronado, California
- American Coating Show: April 30-May 2, 2024 at the Indiana Convention Center – Indianapolis, Indiana
May:
- IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition: May 6-9, 2024 at the Anaheim Convention Center – Anaheim, California
- STLE 78th Annual Meeting & Exhibition: May 19-23, 2024 at the Minneapolis Convention Center – Minneapolis, Minnesota
June:
- NLGI 91st Annual Meeting: June 10-13, 2024 at the La Cantera Resort & Spa – San Antonio, Texas
Soltex’s active participation in these events underscores our dedication to innovation, collaboration, and staying in stride with industry developments.
Susan Kovac’s Remarkable Journey: A Retrospective on Her Retirement from Soltex
In the business world, some individuals leave an indelible mark on their organizations as well as the overall marketplace in which they served. Susan Kovacs is undoubtedly one of them. After dedicating 33 years to the company, Susan is now embarking on a well-deserved retirement. In this blog post, we’ll delve into her incredible journey, her contributions, and her thoughts on retirement.
A Journey Spanning Over Three Decades
Susan’s story at Soltex began when the company opened its doors in September 1990. From day one, she was a key part of the team, and her role in sales was her passion and strong suit. Her unwavering commitment to Soltex and its customers is evident in her impressive tenure, spanning over three decades. Susan had previously worked with Tony Massoud, Founder and CEO, and later met his business partner, Dave Brandt. These relationships were instrumental in Soltex’s early success. Susan’s admiration for her colleagues and their shared vision kept her rooted at Soltex throughout her career.
Memorable Moments and Milestones
Over the years, Susan witnessed numerous milestones and memorable moments at Soltex. She vividly remembers the excitement of their first order and the subsequent growth of the company. Polybutene became a cornerstone product for Soltex, and Susan played a pivotal role in managing our largest Polybutene accounts. She excelled at solidifying long-term trust with our valued customers.
Soltex’s growth journey was not without challenges. Susan and the team recognized the importance of expanding its product offerings beyond Polybutene to ensure long-term success. They focused on performance additives and the dielectric fluids business, adapting to the evolving industry landscape.
Among her many accomplishments, Susan took pride in developing and growing the cable oil/dielectric fluids business. Soltex has become the premier supplier in this field, known for high-quality products, exceptional customer service, reliability, and fair market-based pricing.
Valuable Lessons from Susan’s Career
Susan’s career at Soltex taught her the value of hard work, persistence, and always treating people with respect and kindness. These principles have shaped the culture at Soltex, emphasizing the importance of every team member’s contribution.
Susan witnessed significant changes in technology throughout her career, from the absence of computers and cell phones to the prevalence of emails and Zoom meetings. This has driven home to her and the rest of the Soltex organization the enduring importance of personal contact and face-to-face meetings for maintaining relationships and successful partnerships.
To new employees starting their careers at Soltex, Susan offers valuable advice: listen, find your own style, work hard, be responsive, and always be honest. She highlights the importance of learning from mistakes and understanding that everyone is unique.
The Road to Retirement
As Susan embarks on retirement, she looks forward to spending quality time with her family, traveling, and continuing her work with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Additionally, she will remain involved with Soltex as a Board of Advisors member.
Conclusion
Susan’s retirement marks the end of an era at Soltex, but her legacy of dedication, hard work, and kindness will continue to inspire current and future employees. She leaves behind a company that has grown and thrived during her career, and her story serves as a testament to the power of passion and commitment in the workplace. Soltex and its employees will undoubtedly miss Susan, but her influence will continue to shape the company’s culture for years to come. We wish Susan a joyful and fulfilling retirement, knowing that her next adventure will be just as remarkable as her career at Soltex.
Soltex Employees Continue to Make a Difference in Suicide Prevention
In a recent demonstration of Soltex’s commitment to making a difference in its community, on November 4, 2023, members of the Soltex team participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) annual fundraiser, the “Out of the Darkness Walk” in Morris County, New Jersey. This inspiring event raised a remarkable $100,000 for suicide prevention.
The AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states and organizes walks across those chapters to raise awareness and help change the conversation about mental health, striving to put a stop to this tragic loss of life. Susan Kovacs, a dedicated member of the Soltex team, expressed the importance of suicide prevention and awareness, saying, “We must remember that suicide is a public health crisis that affects people from all walks of life. Our participation in the Out of the Darkness Walk and our support for the AFSP is a tangible way to contribute to the vital work of raising awareness and providing resources to those in need.”
The AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in core strategies. The AFSP stresses the importance of funding scientific research, educating the public about mental health and suicide, advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention, and supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide.
This year, the Morris County Walk raised an impressive $100,000, and the entire New Jersey chapter of AFSP has raised $1 million to date for this important cause. Soltex looks forward to once again participating in the 2023 walk in Morris County, continuing its mission to make a positive impact on suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
Soltex: Leading the Way at EDIST 2024
We’re thrilled to announce that Soltex will exhibit at EDIST 2024, making this conference even more inspiring and informative! Soltex, a renowned name in the dielectric fluids industry, is a trusted partner for delivering innovative solutions to utilities, OEMs, and Service companies. Our presence at EDIST 2024 underscores our commitment to shaping the industry’s future.
Soltex’s participation promises a wealth of opportunities for attendees:
1. Cutting-Edge Solutions: Explore the Soltex booth to discover the latest liquid innovations that provide our clients with the right solution to help them thrive in the constantly changing energy landscape. For generation, transmission, and distribution level equipment, Soltex has a track record of providing the best liquid for the job and backing it up with service that is second to none.
2. Expert Insights: Engage with the Soltex team of experts, who are well-versed in the challenges and opportunities facing the organizations who share the responsibility of building and maintaining a reliable grid. Their insights and expertise can provide valuable perspectives on navigating the energy transition.
3. Networking: Connect with Soltex representatives and fellow attendees at their booth. Networking with industry leaders and innovators like Soltex can lead to collaborations and partnerships that drive progress in the electric utility sector.
Soltex’s presence at EDIST 2024 reinforces the conference’s mission to explore the latest advancements that will enable electric utilities to lead the energy transition. Make sure to visit the Soltex booth, and don’t miss the chance to learn from and collaborate with one of the industry’s leading forces. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
ORG CHEM GROUP AND SOLTEX: A Partnership Encompassing Sustainable Reclamation of Chemistries
Dedicated to sustainability and innovation into emerging markets, Soltex and ORG CHEM Group have agreed to form a partnership encompassing reclamation of products in markets to include immersion cooling, dielectric fluids, e-fluids, and battery storage. Soltex, given their breadth of chemistries and applications in these specialty fluid markets, looks forward to a long-lasting partnership with a sustainable toll processor such as ORG CHEM Group. ORG CHEM Group has long been the standard bearer for chemical reclamations in the industry, and they look forward to assisting a major producer such as Soltex improve sustainability now and into the future.
“The synergies between our two companies are apparent, with Soltex taking into consideration the sustainability of their existing and new products. As a toll processor specializing in chemical reclamation and molecule management, ORG CHEM Group looks forward to providing additional value to Soltex and their existing and growing customer base” per Matt Loebbaka, Business Development Manager for ORG CHEM Group.