Our Team |

Get to Know…Jackie Hooper!

May 1, 2013/in Our Team/by Industrial Degreasers

What’s your position at Ecolink? Marketing Coordinator

How long have you worked here? I started last May, so just shy of 1 year!

How long have you been doing what you’re doing (before Ecolink!)? Before Ecolink I was at Georgia College & State University (yes, it’s a mouthful—I bet you can’t say it 5 times fast!) where I was studying marketing and management and graduated in May with my BBA!

How did you get involved in this industry? I found Ecolink at the AMA Atlanta Collegiate Conference and was chosen to be one of the social media marketing interns! And I guess you could say the rest is history.

You just accepted an award on behalf of Ecolink. Tell us about it! We just won an AMY Award in the SEO (search engine optimization) category in March! It was an amazing experience and even more rewarding to have been a part of what got us the award in the first place!

Has Georgia always been home for you? Basically! I’ve lived here for over a decade although I’ve been to Florida enough visiting family that I might as well call it a second residence.

When you aren’t at work, what are you doing? What every normal, rational girl does—shop. Kidding (not really). I’m usually at the park with my dog, trying a new restaurant with my friends, or going to see a movie that has just been released (I’m a HUGE movie person).

What would be the first thing you’d do (or buy) if you won the lottery? Pay off my student loans! (Kidding…but not really)

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Dog person, most definitely. Cat people are a completely different breed of humans.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! I have a Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix (or Cockapoo) who is pretty much the cutest thing on Earth. No joke. He’s basically my first child.

What’s your favorite time of year? Fall! October is my favorite month for a few reasons—there’s always a lot of fun stuff going on (festivals, College football, etc) and the weather is perfect!

Favorite iPhone/Driod app? I’m not sure I can limit it to just one app…but I guess I’d have to say Pinterest (my virtual closet at my finger tips, duh!) or Instagram (it makes anyone, including me, look like an awesome photographer).

What super hero power would you want to have and why? Teleportation, hands down. Sit in Atlanta traffic ONCE and you’ll wish it was your super power too.

What TV shows do you watch religiously? Glee (I’m a newly pronounced “Gleek”), New Girl, Vampire Diaries, and How I Met Your Mother just to name a few!

What was your first car? What happened to it? A 2002 Honda Accord coupe…and I totaled it when I was a freshman in college. Oops.

If you could travel in a time machine, would you go to the past or the future? The future!

Best piece of advice you were ever given? Accept that some days you are the pigeon, and some days you are the statue.

Favorite holiday? Christmas (so cliché, I know) but there’s something about making a fire, decorating the tree and the house, and smelling the delicious pies/cookies that are baking (or in my case, just lighting a candle that smells like said pies/cookies) that make you feel so cozy!

College football or pro? College, for sure. Even though I didn’t go to UGA, if you aren’t rooting for them on game day, we’re going to have a problem–I bleed black and red. GO DAWGS!

Favorite food? I love spicy food—so anything from Mexican to Thai is right up my alley.

What really gives you the creeps? Little kids in horror movies, especially when they do that head tilt to the side and have their hair all in their faces. Ah, I have goose bumps already.

Playlist of your current top 5 favorite songs?

Anything from the movie Pitch Perfect
Muse—”Madness”
Fall Out Boy—”Light Em Up”
JT—”Mirrors”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis—”Can’t Hold Us”

Most importantly: what’s your favorite part of your job? I’m a problem solver, so I love helping customers find a solution for their problems. Also I love all aspects of marketing so I’m incredibly thankful to be able to dabble in all of them with my job!

Get to Know…Brandon Pelissero!

April 2, 2013/in Our Team/by Industrial Degreasers

Get to know our COO, Brandon Pelissero! When he’s not busy being our road warrior (seriously, he travels A LOT) he’s hanging out with his daughters and wife but always thinking of new ways for us to out smart the bad guys in our industry and winning an award or two along the way. Meet Brandon!

What’s your position at Ecolink? Chief Observation Officer – looking & planning ‘ahead’ for trends and insights affecting chemical industry

How long have you worked here and how did you get involved in this industry? March 1999, thank God for Fast Company magazine! Bill Green, Ecolink co-founder, was co-founder of Fast Company reader group in Atlanta where we met during networking event.

How long have you been doing what you’re doing (before Ecolink!)? Lifetimer find a need and fill it. Since first day one what I do changes with Ecolink’s needs.

You were recently recognized as ACTE’s 2013 Business Leader of the year. What’s that mean to you? I have to tell you, that was a call I wasn’t expecting—I’m truly still reeling. My goal for this award is to promote the career and technical education (CTE) program we have in Georgia in other states. And if we can do that successfully, then I feel that this award is not only a testimony to whatever contributions I’ve made, but it’s also a tribute to all the students, teachers, and administrators I’ve met along the way.

Has Georgia always been home for you? Originally from Pittsburgh, PA (18 years) and spent 2 years in Boston, MA for graduate school and getting married with other 22 years in and around Atlanta, GA.

When you aren’t at work, what are you doing? I read and write a lot; love movies (independent, off-beat, documentaries); listen to music (most types); play with 2 daughters and serve as study buddy for wife in her PhD program at Georgia State University.

Where are we likely to find you on a Friday night after work? Eating Burritos with family and often friends in Decatur followed by movie night at home or cards with neighbors.

What would be the first thing you’d do (or buy) if you won the lottery? A fake ID on Buford Hwy and go through life anonymously, Latino as I’d be tan year round

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Leonardo da Vinci

Are you a cat person or a dog person? I’m a people person. Having had both, I prefer cats – lower cost & maintenance and smaller poop to scoop.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! My 2 daughters qualify as pets/animals after eating cotton candy. Yikes!!

What’s your favorite time of year? daughters & wife birthdays + wedding anniversary

Favorite iPhone/smartphone app? Camera+ for photography (who needs a camera?) & Google maps – lifesaver for the road warrior

You’re stranded on a desert island. What are the 3 things you couldn’t live without? Tofu, Q Tips & notebook paper

Favorite movie? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

What super power would you want to have and why? Hypnosis and ‘brainstorm’ with politicians – bye, bye bi-partisanship

Something interesting about you? Love $2 bills and break larger bills for as many $2 bills available at the bank. Have ordered $400 worth and paid cash for reaction.

What was your first car? What happened to it? 1980 Mazda RX-7 bought in July 1990. Engine blew up 5 days later on Friday the 13^th. Lost sun roof on Hwy 400 and was later under siege by hailstorm in the summer! Finally, traded in June 1992 after college graduation for 1992 Mazda MX-3 (best car ever).

If you could travel in a time machine, would you go to the past or the future? To the past and apprentice with Leonardo da Vinci

Best piece of advice you were ever given? Earn the most $ in least amount of time (mostly single mother); Never pass up a sure thing for a maybe (dad)

Any little ones at home? Maddy Claire, 9.99 almost 10 years old, Betsy 7 ¾

Favorite holiday? Chinese New Year – start of my family (Chinese adopted daughters) and sucker for zodiac with everyone getting a turn to have a lucky, prosperous year

Favorite food? Most Asian, especially Sushi/Japanese

What did you get in trouble for the most when you were a kid? Too long a list to submit. One of my finer moments was mimicking stunt on movie 1941 (John Belushi, WWII spoof) where a guy runs up a wall and does a back flip. My brother and I (double the fun) attempted via backdoor and caved it in to where we had to replace the entire door. Never did land a backflip but got the butt whoopin’ of a lifetime.

What really gives you the creeps? Blood & needles

Playlist of your current top 5 favorite songs?

Alabama Shakes “I Found You”
Foster the People “Call it What you Want”
Of Monsters & Men “Mountain Sound”
Nora Jones
The Black Keys “Sister”

Most importantly: what’s your favorite part of your job? Reducing pollution & waste by beating the Goliaths in our industry.

Get to Know…Beth Johnson!

March 11, 2013/in Our Team/by Industrial Degreasers

Get to know our accountant, Beth Johnson! Read about her hobbies, her puggle Jake, and her love of Alabama football–yes, she bleeds crimson red.

beth ecolink accountant

What’s your position at Ecolink? Accountant

How long have you worked here and how did you get involved in this industry? 1 year – I got involved through my aunt who is also an accountant

How long have you been doing what you’re doing (before Ecolink!)? 3 years

Has Georgia always been home for you? no—Grew up in Opp, AL, attended the University of Alabama, then moved to Atlanta for graduate school at Georgia State

When you aren’t at work, what are you doing? helping my husband with youth group, crafting, or relaxing

Where are we likely to find you on a Friday night after work? a football game or out to dinner with my husband

What would be the first thing you’d do (or buy) if you won the lottery? pay off everything I, my parents, and in-laws owe, give a lot away, then build a new bigger house

Are you a cat person or a dog person? dogs for life

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! yes- Jake, a 3 year old puggle (pug/beagle mix) . He thinks he’s human, his favorite treat is Ritz crackers, and he barks uncontrollably when he sees animals on the tv screen.

What’s your favorite time of year? Christmas!

Favorite iPhone/smartphone app? Words With Friends

You’re stranded on a desert island. What are the 3 things you couldn’t live without? I probably couldn’t live! But– chap stick, a toilet, and a toothbrush

Favorite movie? How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days

If you were a super hero, what would your name be? Superwoman, of course

What super power would you want to have and why? Flying—I could get everywhere so much faster and not have to drive

Something interesting about you? How about un-interesting. I am SUCH a homebody. I would much rather stay in and watch a movie or do a project than get all dressed up and go out.

What TV shows do you watch religiously? American Idol, New Girl, Covert Affairs, Flipping Out

What was your first car? What happened to it? my parents bought me a brand new Honda Accord when I turned 16. Some jerk hit me in the school parking lot one day so we had to replace it

If you could travel in a time machine, would you go to the past or the future? Definitely the future!

Best piece of advice you were ever given? Never go to bed angry.

Any little ones at home? One on the way!

College football or pro? Is that even a question?! College—Roll Tide!

Favorite food? Pizza

What did you get in trouble for the most when you were a kid? Sassy mouth

What really gives you the creeps? This is weird—but blow up animals or things with big heads, or those air tubes used to get your attention outside grand openings or things like that

Playlist of your current top 5 favorite songs?

Anything by Dave Barnes
I don’t have any other favorites! Boring…

Most importantly: what’s your favorite part of your job? Being able to solve a problem

Get to Know…Paul Effler!

February 5, 2013/in Our Team/by Industrial Degreasers

Get to know our Regional Manager, Paul Effler! Learn about his alter ego, Nacho, and what his favorite part of his job here at Ecolink is!

What’s your position at Ecolink? Regional Manager

How long have you worked here and how did you get involved in this industry? 9 years, came from hazardous waste industry seemed like a natural fit.

How long have you been doing what you’re doing (before Ecolink!)? 6-7 years

Has Georgia always been home for you? No, relocated from Southern CA 9 years ago

When you aren’t at work, what are you doing? Kids sporting events, at the lake or doing yard work

Where are we likely to find you on a Friday night after work? Home with the family grillin & chillin

What would be the first thing you’d do (or buy) if you won the lottery? Make a donation to a children’s charity

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Tony Dow

Are you a cat person or a dog person? Dog

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Yes, Macie is a female Lab/Hound mix rescue dog from N. GA woods

What’s your favorite time of year? Fall

Favorite iPhone/smartphone app? Weather Channel

You’re stranded on a desert island. What are the 3 things you couldn’t live without? Food, Water & Wilson

Favorite movie? Too many to list

If you were a super hero, what would your name be? Nacho (see the picture below)

What super power would you want to have and why? The power to eat & drink anything and never gain a pound or have health issues, because I love good food.

Something interesting about you? Use to play the bass guitar in a garage band

What TV shows do you watch religiously? Sons of Anarchy

What was your first car? What happened to it? Chevy – Malibu

If you could travel in a time machine, would you go to the past or the future? Past

Best piece of advice you were ever given? Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something

Any little ones at home? Yes, 2 boys 10 year old & 13 year old

Favorite holiday? Christmas – time to give

College football or pro? College

Favorite food? Italian

What did you get in trouble for the most when you were a kid? Clowning around in school

What really gives you the creeps? Snakes

Playlist of your current top 5 favorite songs?

The Walk – Mayor Hawthorne
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
Everything Will Be Alright – Bob Marley
Cut the Cake – Average White Band

Most importantly: what’s your favorite part of your job? Helping people use less and safer chemicals and providing process improvements that significantly improve over all health & safety while shrinking the environmental footprint.

Get to Know…John Roudebush!

December 17, 2012/in Our Team/by Industrial Degreasers

As our President/CEO/Chemist/Technical Director (whew, that’s a lot of titles!), John wears his fair share of hats. He’s got his titles outside of work too–he is a busy guy both at the office and at home. Get to know John Roudebush!

What’s your position at Ecolink? President/CEO

How long have you worked here and how did you get involved in this industry? Began at Ecolink in January 2004. I have been involved in chemical maintenance products since May of 1976.

How long have you been doing what you’re doing (before Ecolink!)? 1 year spent in quality control; 7 years spent in new product development; 15 years spent in R&D Director roles; 2 years spent in mergers and acquisitions; 10 years spent in general management roles.

Has Georgia always been home for you? Indiana my first 36 years; Georgia for 11 years; New York for 3 years; Georgia (for a second time) for 8 years.

When you aren’t at work, what are you doing? Reading; Cooking (particularly BBQ on my Big Green Egg); Homebrewing; Tennis

What would be the first thing you’d do (or buy) if you won the lottery? I only buy a ticket when the prize is nine figures. If I won, the first thing I’d do is create a Foundation to benefit causes (environment/education) that I’d like to support.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Thomas Jefferson. I love the comment made by John Kennedy when he hosted 13 Nobel Peace Prize winners for dinner:
“I want to tell you how welcome you are to the White House. I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”

Are you a cat person or a dog person? DOG! Cats have no discernible value.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Frankie – a Boston terrier puppy (8 months old) He’s a smart, high energy dog who fetches better than our former dog (Labrador Retriever) ever did.

What’s your favorite time of year? October! Warm days, cool nights, beautiful coloration.

Favorite iPhone/smartphone app? Either my Kindle reader or Waze – a GPS with good turn by turn directions, but also some fun built in.

You’re stranded on a desert island. What are the 3 things you couldn’t live without? I’m assuming that power is non-existent, so electronics are out. The complete works of Alexander Solzhenitsyn; an unlimited supply of Pliny the Elder (an Imperial India Pale Ale); a basketball (I’d have to figure out how to fashion a basketball goal).

Favorite movie?
Comedy: Used Cars Action: Indiana Jones (the original)
Crime: Fargo Drama: To Kill a Mockingbird

If you were a super hero, what would your name be? Big Green Eggman!!

What super power would you want to have and why? Flying of course. What freedom that would afford.

Something interesting about you? I threw a football with OJ Simpson in the summer of 1969 before he signed his contract with the Buffalo Bills. He was visiting someone in a neighborhood near my house, and we drove over to play catch with him and a bunch of other kids. I have two autographs and a memory of him being scary fast.

What TV shows do you watch religiously? For the most part I find sitcoms to be not worthy of my attention; however, for the past thirty years or so there’s one sitcom so well written that I’ll watch religiously (never more than one at a time) Currently it’s Modern Family. Prior to that it was Seinfeld. Prior to that Cheers. Prior to that MASH.

What was your first car? What happened to it? 1976 Silver Camaro – bought it new: 6 cylinder, standard transmission, no air conditioning. Drove it for 70K and traded for another Camaro with automatic transmission and air conditioning.

If you could travel in a time machine, would you go to the past or the future? Past. I’m intrigued by two time periods – the Civil War and the American Revolution. Wouldn’t want to stay too long in case I required medical care :-)

Best piece of advice you were ever given? Pursue a graduate degree. I had no immediate plans to get a Masters degree until a meeting with my boss when I was 25 years old.

Any little ones at home? No little ones. 19 and 17 year old daughters

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. Family gatherings and THE FOOD!

College football or pro? Pro now. College when I was younger.

Favorite food? Where do I start? Something off my Big Green Egg – cooked on lump hardwood charcoal.

What did you get in trouble for the most when you were a kid? Not much. I had an older brother and learned to not do the things that got him in trouble. Probably having a messy room was my worst vice.

What really gives you the creeps? Love snakes, hate cockroaches.

Playlist of your current top 5 favorite songs?

On a Bus to St. Cloud – Gretchen Peters
Haven’t Learned a Thing – Amy Speace
Morning Dance – Spyro Gyra
Overkill – Colin Hay
Les Miserables – the entire musical

Most importantly: what’s your favorite part of your job? Solving a customer’s problem when all else has failed him. Our willingness to customize solutions has gathered great respect and loyalty for Ecolink.

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