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?

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

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