Olaf N. Lee

Managing Partner/Founder

A mechanical engineer, Olaf has a knack for envisioning and developing improved systems of waste processing and management. He has partnered with industry leading power companies and tested and designed containment vessels in the United States, Europe, and former Soviet Union countries. Olaf holds several patents and is currently finishing a patent pending supercritical CO2 extraction system. Olaf is proud of his SCO2 team and to work alongside them. To further enjoy life, he rides his Harley Davidson motorcycles as often as possible.

Steve Merila

CEO

Steve has the knack to lighten load off any group he leads and is a relationship driven, veteran business owner as well as veteran of service to the United States armed forces. Sales minded with a gregarious personality, he can distill complex processes to understandable language and produce results. His 25+ years' experience in sales, marketing, and operations of a commercial construction product company, and start up micro-brewery gives the team a distinct advantage. When asked what is your favorite project you have worked? "The project in front of me, no matter how big or small, I appreciate the challenge."

Ron Otten

Chief Executive Officer

Ron has been an organizational leader of capital equipment manufacturers: NAS Group, E-Z-Go, and Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America. He has led teams to improve processes, develop more efficient systems, and launch innovative products. The results of these efforts contributed to companies gaining long-term distinguished reputation. Ron loves the lake life and enjoys having his family and friends at his lake home.

Jacob Knoll

Customer Service

Jake brings 15 years of customer service background in sales, credit and student loan servicing and IT application support. His experience in complex situations has fostered his ability to connect with people on personal and professional circumstances. Outside of the office, you'll find Jake on a golf course or on a body of water on his kayak or boat enjoying the weather.

Nate Baardseth

Electrical Engineer, Control System Integrator

A seasoned electrical engineer, with over thirty-two years under his belt, Nate has worked on a plethora of industrial projects. He thrives in machine, controls, systems automation, and power design. Nate received his electrical engineer degree from University of Wisconsin – Plattville and is a Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing expert. On weekends, Nate handles the activities of the family farms and attends the local country church -- passion he has kept since he was a youngster.

Greg Fuchs

Physicist

Greg has led research and development for equipment designed to protect electronics and power infrastructure from impacts of electromagnetic pulse and solar disturbances and to detect intentional electromagnetic interference and managed test programs to assess threats, develop proprietary knowledge base and improve company's products. When he takes off his physicist lab jacket, Greg likes to grow wild mushrooms.

Jeremy Granquist

Mechanical Engineer, PE, LEED AP

A mechanical engineer, Jeremy has spent over sixteen years in industrial engineering, equipment and component design. Jeremy embraces engineering challenges and has experience in the project cost analysis, design troubleshooting, mechanical stress calculations, process design, and alternative energy feasibility studies. Jeremy enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Luca Zullo

Chemical Engineer, Ph.D.

Luca brings a strong background in process engineering with emphasis in technology, product scale-up, and commercialization. He was a member of former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty's Clean Energy Technology Collaborative. He was also a member of the 2012 Minnesota Department of Agriculture commission tasked with providing bio-fuel policy recommendations to the Legislature. His knowledge and expertise make him a frequent and recent invited independent reviewer for the US Department of Energy. Luca hasn't found an activity involving an internal combustion engine he doesn't like, and thus his interest in sustainable and low carbon footprint fuels.

Jeffrey Popowski

Industrial Designer

With over two decades of experience in product development and a diverse portfolio, Jeffrey has a unique skill set in the field of industrial design. His creative and iterative approach thrives on solving technical hurdles through understanding the mechanics of manufactured products, human ergonomics, and market driven aesthetics. Jeffrey has been awarded over 20 patents for innovations of industrial and safety equipment, medical technologies and devices, and consumer electronics. Jeffrey also works for St. Paul Parks & Recreation to support their community ski programs and is a long-standing board member of St. Paul's winter snowsports growth and outreach.

Greg White

CTO

Having held C suite and upper-level management positions for companies spanning multiple industries, he is skilled in building teams, strategic planning, and analyzing cash flow. With a BSME from Michigan Technological University, Greg has a deep understanding of how to apply real world manufacturing practices and their impacts on the overall business model. Holding multiple Patents and Design Awards, he has a track record of implementing disruptive technologies and forward-thinking strategies that have created, improved, and turned around multiple businesses.