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.
Using Acetone as a Degreaser
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersDegreasing is a process used in many industries to remove unwanted dirt, grime, grease, or oil from a piece of machinery or to prepare a part for finishing. A variety of products are applicable to accomplish this task; however, many companies are turning to acetone to meet their degreasing needs. Acetone is a colorless, flammable organic compound that can be mixed with water and serves as an important solvent in several industries. Approximately one-third of the Acetone found throughout the world is applied as a solvent or cleaning agent. It is a dependable choice for these among other items:
• Plastics
• Synthetic Fibers
• Thinning of Polyester Resin
• Tool Cleaning
• Metal Preparation
• Soldering Applications
While extremely flammable, this particular cleaning agent meets a number of needs and is becoming a preferred choice because it is not considered to be a dangerous volatile organic compound or hazardous air pollutant. Acetone is one of the most commonly available solvents next to water and its use is not heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Understanding the Pros of Acetone
A volatile organic compound or VOC is a substance capable of polluting the environment. The EPA regulates these items to make certain they are used, stored, and disposed of correctly in order to prevent environmental harm. Hazardous air pollutants or HAP’s are chemicals capable of causing health related problems in the event of being inhaled. Acetone does have an intense odor, but is nonthreatening as a vapor when exposure remains limited or low. Companies choose to use acetone because there are no regulations regarding how much is used. Manufacturers are also not subject to extensive EPA regulations as with alternative degreasing products. The organic compound provides a useful option since it can be mixed with various types of solvents. It is also a mixable option for items such as paints, coloring products, and finishes since it can be combined with water. This makes it an ideal choice in finishing industries where a part or item must be prepared for coating purposes or a particular type of coating needs an additional agent.
Degreasing Purposes
Acetone evaporates much faster than alternative choices and serves as one of the strongest in regards to easy obtainability. As a degreaser, it is extremely dry and non-oily thus ensuring no additional film is left behind as the cleaning process takes place. Flammability properties increase the importance of making certain vapors are not allowed to build up extensively. This situation can result in an explosion or form of flash fire by a single spark. The strength of acetone poses a few problems in instances where a paint or finish should not be removed. It should only be used as a cleaner on solvent-resistant finishes such as varnish or epoxy resin. Acetone has many purposes in equipment maintenance, cleaning, degreasing, finishing, and paint removal. It is capable of eliminating heavy amounts of grease and other unwanted items from surfaces without the introduction of a VOC or HAP oriented agent into the surrounding atmosphere. When used for degreasing, acetone eliminates many of the concerns associated with heavy duty equipment or surface contaminant removal products and finishing processes.
If you are looking for an industrial or commercial strength acetone product for you business or workshop, please call 800 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com to order hassle-free and save money. We guarantee a response within 24 hours.
Get to Know…Beth Johnson!
/in Our Team/by Industrial DegreasersGet to know our accountant, Beth Johnson! Read about her hobbies, her puggle Jake, and her love of Alabama football–yes, she bleeds crimson red.
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?
Most importantly: what’s your favorite part of your job? Being able to solve a problem
Get to Know…Paul Effler!
/in Our Team/by Industrial DegreasersGet 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?
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!
/in Our Team/by Industrial DegreasersAs 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?
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.
MIL-PRF-TYPE II Holiday Savings!
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersHappy Holidays from Ecolink!
We’re passing on this amazing end of the year deal on to you! Ecolink is offering a special holiday deal on our New II!!
This environmentally preferred parts cleaner is an exceptional solvent degreaser formulated without chlorinated solvents or other hazardous ingredients. The base for New II is a unique high-grade hydrocarbon that provides its strength, has no odor and has a high flash point, allowing safe use on all types of mechanical apparatus. With its high flash point, NEW II provides an unprecedented degree of user safety.
NEW II Environmentally Preferred Parts Cleaner is strong enough to remove grease, fuel oil, carbon and organic resins yet safe on most plastic and rubber surfaces. Unlike other solvents, NEW II can be used without extensive protective equipment. Common sense chemical precautions required. (See MSDS).
Benefits
Applications
Use undiluted. NEW II works very well in a drum mounted parts washer or any immersion tank. (Not for use in high pressure enclosed cabinets.) You may also spray or wipe NEW II on a surface to be cleaned. Oil, dirt and carbon will flow off surface. If additional cleaning is required, re-apply and agitate with rag or brush. To speed evaporation, use compressed air or wipe with a dry rag.
Want to read more about this degreaser parts cleaner? Check out more information on its product page!
Already read enough and ready to speak to someone about how to get the ultimate stocking stuffer? Contact Jackie at (800) 563-1305 or you can email her at jhooper@ecolink.com!
Don’t let this deal pass you by! Ask our team today how you can receive this product just in time for the holidays!