Meet the Team: Marla Chahda & Mia Traugott
Meet Marla Chahda, who joined Soltex in January 2026, as a Customer Service Representative. She was drawn to Soltex by the strong reputation in the chemical industry and the commitment to quality. Marla saw the opportunity as a great fit for her background in customer service and international logistics. She brings experience coordinating orders across multiple transportation methods, including truck, rail, ocean, and air, and is ready to contribute to the team while continuing to grow her skills.
Marla maintains a strong customer-service mindset and ensuring communication and coordination throughout the order process. She describes herself as focused, determined, and team-oriented, qualities that help her anticipate challenges and keep operations running efficiently. Outside of work, Marla enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, having already visited 28 countries and setting her sights on reaching 40 in the coming years, with Vietnam and Thailand high on her list.
Mia Traugott joined Soltex in December 2024 as a Marketing Intern and quickly made a strong impression with her enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication. In recognition of her contributions, Mia recently transitioned into the role of Marketing Coordinator on January 5, 2026. In her new position, she is focused on helping grow Soltex’s marketing initiatives and supporting the company’s broader goals for continued expansion and industry presence.
Mia brings a strong educational background in marketing from Texas A&M University, along with a drive to keep learning and developing her skills. She says one of the things that stands out most about Soltex is its welcoming environment that encourages growth and learning, making it an exciting place to build her career. Outside of the office, Mia enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, and following sports, especially softball and baseball. She describes herself as optimistic, hardworking, and kind, qualities that she brings to her work every day as she continues to grow within the Soltex team.
Mike Bonn Promoted to General Manager – Soltex Canada
Soltex is excited to announce that Mike Bonn has been promoted to General Manager of our Canada facility, marking a new chapter for Mike and the team he will help lead. Since joining Soltex as a Technical Sales Executive in 2018, Mike has played an important role in strengthening customer relationships and supporting business growth across the region. His promotion reflects the experience and dedication he has demonstrated throughout his time with the company.
For Mike, the highlight of working at Soltex has been the people. He describes the team as professional and enjoyable to work with, saying this is the best group he’s worked with in his career. During his time at Soltex, he has learned that strong customer relationships begin with responsiveness and a genuine willingness to work together to solve challenges. As General Manager, Mike is excited to work closely with the team to continue growing the business.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time in the workshop or at the hockey rink. For the past 12 years, he has hosted the ScuttlePuck podcast, where he shares commentary and insights on the world of hockey. Mike’s approach to leadership is captured in a message he often shares: “Use your best judgement and act with good intentions. We’ll figure it out from there.”
Soltex’s Charity of Choice Program
Each year, Soltex selects employees to participate in the Charity of Choice Program. This allows our team to support organizations that make a difference in their communities. During our annual Christmas Party, two employees, Crystal Vernon and Liz Thompson, were selected to receive a $1,000 charitable donation from Soltex, which they then direct to an organization of their choice.
Crystal Vernon chose Interfaith of The Woodlands as the recipient of her donation. Crystal chose the organization because of the range of services it provides to individuals and families throughout the community. Interfaith offers assistance through programs that include financial support, meals, services for senior citizens, educational opportunities, school supply assistance, and a food pantry. Crystal shared that the organization’s compassion and dedication to helping others reflect a strong community.
Liz Thompson chose Give Us Paws, an organization committed to helping veterans and individuals with disabilities through professionally trained service dogs. Liz was inspired by the organization’s mission to create independence and improve quality of life for those they serve. By training dogs to meet each recipient’s specific needs, Give Us Paws provides practical support. Importantly, these services are offered at no cost to veterans, removing any financial barriers and ensuring those who have served our country receive the assistance they need.
Through programs like Charity of Choice, Soltex is proud to support organizations that create positive change and strengthen our communities. By giving employees the opportunity to support organizations that matter to them, the program highlights Soltex’s commitment to both our team and the communities we serve.
Soltex Baytown Facility Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification
Soltex is proud to announce that our Baytown facility has officially achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, marking an important milestone in our continued commitment to quality, consistency, and operational excellence.
ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems. Earning this certification means that Soltex has implemented structured processes and quality controls designed to meet customer requirements and improve operational performance. The certification process involved an evaluation of our procedures, documentation, and operational practices to ensure they align with globally recognized quality standards.
Achieving ISO certification reflects the dedication and collaboration of teams across the organization who worked to implement and maintain the systems required to meet these standards. From production and laboratory operations to supply chain and quality assurance, this effort represents a company-wide commitment to continuous improvement.
This certification is a big step forward for the Baytown facility and Soltex’s commitment to reliable products and consistent operations. As we continue to grow, the ISO 9001:2015 framework will help guide our operations and support our goal of providing high-quality solutions to the industries we serve.
A Message from Bryan De La Rosa, VP of Operations
“This achievement reflects the outstanding commitment, precision, and teamwork our team demonstrates every day. Our Quality Management System has now been independently verified to meet rigorous international standards, strengthening customer trust and improving operational efficiency.
A huge thank you to everyone involved—especially our Quality Team and cross-functional group—whose hard work made this possible. This certification is a strong foundation, not the finish line.”
— Bryan De La Rosa, VP of Operations
Revolutionizing Efficiency: The Benefits of Opticool® CM Immersion Cooling
In the rapidly evolving world of high-performance computing, effective thermal management is a necessity. Soltex Inc., a pioneer in specialty chemical solutions, has introduced Opticool® CM, a cutting-edge immersion cooling fluid designed to tackle the heat challenges of modern electronics. This single-phase dielectric coolant is engineered for superior performance, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications where traditional air-cooling falls short.
Opticool® CM stands out with its exceptional properties, including a high flash point for enhanced safety in high-temperature environments, dielectric insulation to prevent electrical shorts, and thermal conductivity for efficient heat dissipation. Its low viscosity ensures smooth circulation, while its chemical stability guarantees long-term reliability without degradation.
This broad applicability highlights Soltex Inc.’s commitment to innovation across diverse fields. One area where Opticool® CM is making significant progress is cryptocurrency mining. As mining operations scale up, the heat generated by ASIC miners becomes a major bottleneck. Traditional air-cooling struggles with dust, noise, and inefficiency, but immersion cooling with Opticool® CM addresses these head-on. Operations using dielectric fluids like Opticool® CM can expect reduced downtime, minimal maintenance, and the ability to repurpose waste heat for additional efficiency gains.
While Opticool® CM excels in immersion cooling, its versatility extends to a wide range of applications. Soltex’s Opticool® line of fluids supports sectors such as data centers, where it optimizes AI and high-performance computing; electronics equipment for reliable operation in extreme conditions; hardware and gaming systems for overclocking without overheating; healthcare technologies for precise, stable device performance; and even electric vehicles, smart-grid systems, aeronautics, military applications, underwater vehicles, and robotics. In military contexts, for instance, Opticool® variants like Opticool® DC meet stringent requirements for low flammability and exceptional cooling, advancing applications in specialized equipment.
As demands for computing power continue to surge—driven by AI, blockchain, and beyond—Opticool® CM represents Soltex Inc.’s forward-thinking approach to thermal management. This immersion cooling solution delivers safety, efficiency, and sustainability for today’s and tomorrow’s needs.
Soltex’s Texas-manufactured Opticool® CM is perfectly positioned to support this shift, offering a reliable, American-made solution for miners worldwide.
For more information on Opticool® CM and how it can support your operations, contact our team at https://soltexinc.com/contact/.
Meet the Team: Brendan Richardson, Hayden Lowery, and Noah Brooks
Meet Brendan Richardson, who joined Soltex as a Laboratory Technician at our Baytown facility. Brendan holds a degree in biochemistry with a minor in molecular biology and has a passion for the natural sciences. Eager to be part of a lab environment, he was drawn to Soltex for the opportunity to contribute to a team where every role makes an impact. His academic foundation, with his international study experience in organic chemistry and chemical manufacturing, positions him well to support the company.
Brendan describes himself as resilient, curious, and driven. He is known for his attention to detail, love of problem-solving, and eagerness to learn and grow. He’s proud to be part of a company that emphasizes quality and values its laboratory team.
Outside of work, Brendan is a powerlifter and avid traveler, he’s explored over a dozen countries. Since joining the team, he has quickly recognized the standards and collaborative environment that make Soltex a great place to grow!
Meet Hayden Lowery, who recently joined Soltex as a Buyer on the Supply Chain team. With prior experience in the industry, Hayden was already familiar with the world of chemical purchasing and had heard great things about Soltex before officially joining in November. He was excited by the opportunity to learn more, contribute his own knowledge, and be part of a company where culture and collaboration are valued.
Hayden brings a strong sense of determination and curiosity to his role, two qualities that drive his approach to continuous learning and making a positive impact. Whether supporting his team or interacting with suppliers, he aims to bring value not just to the business but to the people around him. Originally from New Orleans, Hayden enjoys fishing, watching sports, and traveling in his free time. He describes himself as someone who is “always chasing perfection,” and that mindset has already made him a great addition to the Soltex team.
Meet Noah, who joined Soltex in May 2024 as a Buyer for the Canadian facility who has been recently promoted to a Supply Chain Specialist. With a strong academic foundation and a detail-oriented mindset, Noah brings precision and quick decision-making within the purchasing and supply chain functions. He’s excited about the opportunities within the industry and looks forward to applying his knowledge to improve Soltex processes as he grows professionally.
Noah is a former Division I swimmer and was nationally ranked in Canada across multiple events, a testament to the discipline and drive he brings to every challenge. Outside of work, you’ll often find him on the water, either riding his Seadoo or volunteering with Quinte Search & Rescue. Describing himself as dependable, enthusiastic, and outgoing, Noah values the strong collaboration within the Soltex team and is eager to contribute to Soltex’s continued success.
Josh Stouder – Purchasing Manager
Meet Josh Stouder, Purchasing Manager at Soltex, who has been with the company since July 2022. In his role, Josh oversees supplier relationships, collaborates cross-functionally to develop purchasing strategies, and ensures inventory levels strike the right balance, supporting timely order fulfillment without driving up excess stock. With over three years of service, he’s become a key part of the Supply Chain team, known for his strategic mindset and calm, steady leadership.
One of the most interesting and impactful projects Josh has led involved Soltex’s response to shifting tariff regulations. He played a big role in analyzing risk and building a sourcing strategy. This effort speaks to one of Josh’s biggest ongoing challenges: finding the balance between cost optimization and supply consistency. It’s a tough line to walk, but Josh manages it by staying close to suppliers and making decisions that support both the company’s bottom line and long-term stability.
Josh attributes his success to being reliable, thoughtful, and communicative. He values transparency and support in his interactions, and he’s quick to credit the strength of his team as a key reason those values translate into results. He measures success not only through metrics like on-time deliveries and inventory accuracy, but also in the strength of supplier relationships and internal collaboration.
Outside of work, Josh runs a small fine-jewelry business, balancing precision and creativity in a completely different kind of craft. That combination of practical problem-solving and an eye for detail shows up in his work at Soltex as well, where he continues to bring value, focus, and steady leadership to the Supply Chain team.
Product Spotlight – Naptel
Naptel Flood & Fill Products
From buried telecom lines to high-speed fiber optic networks, Soltex’s Naptel Cable Flood & Fill products are hard at work behind the scenes protecting the cables that keep the world connected.
Formulated with synthetic hydrocarbon fluids and wax/polymer blends, the Naptel product line is designed to block moisture, resist oxidation, and maintain dielectric properties in a variety of cable constructions. These compounds are essential in preventing water ingress, one of the biggest threats to long-term cable performance.
What makes Naptel products so versatile is how they’re used across multiple layers of cable construction. All Naptel grades are made for flooding cable cores, over-armor layers, and the spaces between insulation layers. Whether in underground, aerial, or high-humidity environments, these compounds help preserve both the physical and electrical integrity of the cable over time.
Why Naptel?
Naptel products offer many advantages:
· Moisture protection to block water migration within cable assemblies
· Oxidation resistance for long-term stability in varied conditions
· Dielectric performance for optimal signal transmission
· Compatibility with polymers used in modern cable construction and termination enclosures
· Application across different cable designs and specifications
Where It’s Used
Naptel Cable Flood & Fill materials are used in a wide range of telecom and fiber optic cables, including:
· Core flooding to protect the innermost layers
· Over-armor applications for an added barrier beneath protective metal layers
· Inter-layer fill between insulation and outer jackets
· Outdoor, buried, and high-performance data cable systems where long-term durability is critical
Soltex continues to support the evolving demands of global connectivity with reliable, high-performance materials. With Naptel, cable manufacturers and designers gain a trusted solution to keep infrastructure protected from the inside out.
Christmas at Soltex
Cheers to the Season: Soltex Celebrates the Holidays in Style
To close out 2025, Soltex employees gathered for our Annual Christmas Party at the Hyatt Centric in The Woodlands, Texas. The event brought teams together to reflect on the year, celebrate our accomplishments, and enjoy a memorable evening as one company.
This year’s celebration embraced a Roaring ’20s theme, complete with festive attire, vintage flair, and an atmosphere full of Gatsby-era charm. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, live entertainment, and plenty of time to unwind and reconnect with colleagues from across departments. It was a fun, memorable evening, and a perfect way to celebrate the season together.
We were also honored to hear from Soltex Owner, Tony Massoud, and President, Glenn Bohny, who shared words of appreciation and encouragement while reflecting on the growth and momentum of the past year. Their remarks were a meaningful reminder of the leadership and vision that continue to guide our company forward.
A special highlight of the evening was the announcement of this year’s Charity Donation winners: Crystal Vernon, Dawn Allen, and Elizabeth Thompson. Each winner will select a charity of their choice, and Soltex will donate $1,000 in their name. It’s a tradition that reflects our shared commitment to giving back and supporting the causes our employees care about most.
What makes this annual tradition so meaningful isn’t just the food or the venue; it’s the chance for the entire company to step away from the day-to-day and reflect on the year as a team. For both new hires and longtime team members, it’s a reminder of the supportive, people-first culture that drives what we do.
As we look ahead to 2026, celebrations like this remind us that our greatest strength continues to be our people. Thank you to everyone who helped make the night unforgettable, and cheers to another great year ahead at Soltex.
A Year of Impact from Soltex
Soltex Gives Back: A Year of Impact in 2025
This year, employees across the Soltex team came together to support local communities through a variety of hands-on volunteer efforts and donation drives. Here’s a look at how Soltex gave back this year.
Kids’ Meals & Houston Food Bank
This summer, our team participated in volunteer shifts with Kids’ Meals, helping prepare and pack meals for preschool-aged children. Volunteers served at both Magnolia and Houston locations between July 14–18, making an impact on thousands of young lives.
In November, just in time for Thanksgiving, Soltex also partnered with the Houston Food Bank. Employees volunteered time at the Portwall Street warehouse, helping sort, pack, and distribute food for families in need across 18 counties. This effort reflected Soltex’s commitment to supporting families during a time of year when community and generosity matter most.
School Supply Drive
In June, Soltex hosted a company-wide School Supply Drive. Team members collected essential items including backpacks, notebooks, toiletries, and classroom supplies to help prepare students for the upcoming school year. The donations supported Communities In Schools (CIS), an organization that provides students in the Greater Houston area with the tools and support needed to thrive both academically and personally.
Giving Back for the Holidays
To close out the year, Soltex is also participating in a Toy Drive benefiting Juguetes Para El Barrio, a local organization dedicated to bringing joy to children during the holidays. Throughout December, employees are encouraged to bring toys. This effort helps ensure that families in need have a brighter holiday season and gives Soltex another meaningful way to support our surrounding communities during this special time of year.
Supporting Local Communities in Canada
Our Soltex Canada team also gave back in 2025, carrying out a wide range of outreach efforts to support their local community. During the holiday season, the team organized a Christmas Food Drive, collecting four boxes of non-perishable food along with gift cards and cash for donations to Gleaners Food Bank. The team also awarded two high school graduation scholarships to local students, helping recognize and encourage the next generation of leaders.
In addition to food and education support, the team sponsored a Family Day event at the Belleville Senators AHL arena, offering local families a chance to enjoy a hockey game and snacks together. They also participated in several nationwide initiatives, including Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Days and Dairy Queen Blizzard Days, with proceeds benefiting causes such as Children’s Miracle Network, Kids Camps, and the local United Way. From Earth Day cleanups during Belleville’s Trash Bash to ongoing support for youth sports and arts programs, Soltex Canada continues to demonstrate that community support is at the heart of who we are, across every location we call home.
A Company-Wide Effort
Throughout 2025, Soltex employees showed up with generosity, time, and heart. Whether packing meals, donating supplies, or fulfilling holiday wishes, the collective effort made a real difference in the lives of others.
Thank you to everyone who participated, organized, and gave. Together, we’ve proven that at Soltex, giving back is just part of who we are.