Meet the Team
Meet the Vehicle Wash Experts of Carwashing and Truckwashing
The Ver-tech Labs team works hard to ensure you are successful. In the field, our sales representatives are not just a pretty face dropping off a brochure in your office. Our team members are in your chemical rooms titrating products, examining your equipment and reviewing your inventory. They are in your car wash watching how our chemicals perform and how the equipment is working with our chemicals. It’s not a five minute visit. We take the time to see if there is anything we can improve and leave you with a service report. We’re always happy to talk to you about signage, marketing promotion ideas, new products, cleaning your facility, and much more. Do you have a problem with something? Ask us, we’re vehicle wash experts and ready to help you.
You’ll be glad to know that everyone at Ver-tech Labs has an active hand in cleaning. We make sure our chemistry team knows how to wash all kinds of vehicles, inside and out. Our products are regularly tested by staff members on their company and personal vehicles for initial anecdotal evaluation. Based on our knowledge what’s on the shelves of auto care stores and the cleaning ability of car washes not using our chemicals – Ver-tech Labs products and Ver-tech Labs supplied car washes is our choice.
Ver-tech Labs’ commitment to the customer means you will find us in the field and exploring new ideas in the industry. We regularly have team members meet with your specific sales representative at your site to share their expertise. It’s not uncommon to have the chief operations officer, chemist, plant manager or marketing support on site to find ways to help you. Our staff attends trade shows related to industrial cleaning, process cleaning and packaging to find new methods and equipment for cleaning. Equipment upgrades in our plant ensure higher quality production, faster production increasing our efficiency. Our upgrades translates directly in keeping our production costs down to save you money.
The Ver-tech Labs team is ready to partner with you to make your business more successful and profitable. Partner with Ver-tech Labs today.
Ver-tech Labs Team
Steve Baum | West Coast Sales Manager
Location: California | Joined VTL: 2021
Steve started in the car wash industry in 1989, washing cars for his father who managed a local car wash. His early years were spent as a service writer selling hand waxes and online services in Southern California. Steve’s car washing experience continued as a corporate account manager and new wash development. Steve’s responsibilities at Ver-tech include chemical sales and account management.
More about Steve:
- Favorite part about the car wash industry: “ I enjoy the challenges the industry presents in cleaning cars, washing them at high speeds and seeing satisfied customers leave washes.”
- Favorite product/application at the car wash: “My favorite part of the wash is the rinsing and drying, watching the magic as cars roll off the track shiny and dry.”
- Beyond car washing, Steve enjoys music and time with family. Steve grew up playing music and earned a degree in music from the University of Pacific. He continues to play and build guitars (owning over 2 dozen, 7 of which he has built himself). Steve also enjoys watching his children play sports and music.
Jake Berlin | Chemical Sales and Account Manager
Location: Alabama| Joined VTL: 2023
Jake joins our team from Montgomery, AL area. His responsibilities include account management and chemical sales. Jake started his career in outside sales with a well-known industrial supply company. He quickly developed great account management and communication skills and moved into a General Manager position. In 2020, Jake was given the opportunity to move into the carwash industry. He enjoys being hands on in the field, working with his customers and getting the best results possible for them. His favorite application has been the introduction of graphene in carwashing, “the results are very noticeable in the wash.”
Outside of carwashing Jake enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, music in general and photography.
Rob Butler| Chemical Sales/Consultant
Location: Pennsylvania| Joined VTL: 2019
Rob is based out of Pennsylvania. His responsibilities include account management and chemical sales in the Eastern part of the US. Rob started in the car washing in 2014. Rob’s favorite thing about the industry is working directly with his customers and helping them achieve their goals.
- Favorite product(s): SSC Line and the Burst products
- Favorite application: Magma Shine
- Outside of car washing Rob enjoys completing projects around the house and spending time with his family.
Jorge Castellanos
VTL Plant Manager; VTL Outstanding Performance Award 2014
Jorge Castellanos has been working at Ver-tech Labs since June 1998. His experience includes performing all jobs required in our plant to manufacture the best cleaning chemicals. At Ver-tech Labs, he is responsible for all of the manufacturing processes of products and raw materials and overseeing the finished goods inventory. Additionally, Jorge is charged with the responsibility to increase production without increasing expenses, ensuring smooth warehouse operations and keeping production safety first.
How Jorge fosters a partnership between VTL and customers: “I ensure the fastest turn around time on all orders because it’s important to get the products to the customers quickly. I make sure our products meet the highest level of quality control, orders are put through correctly and the appearance of containers/labels reflect company standards.”
What Jorge loves about his job: “Even though I have many years of experience in this environment there is always room for improvement. I am learning new things every day and anticipate that I will need to be ready to change course of production at any time. Looking for ways to manufacture better, makes the days more interesting for me.”
Brian Chipman
Sr. Business Development Manager
Location: Michigan | Joined VTL: 2011
Brian’s experience in the car wash industry began in 1986. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ferris State University and is based out of the Great Detroit Metropolitan Area. His responsibilities include account management, strategic business development and chemical sales.
What does Brian enjoy most about the car wash industry? “The relationships I have built with key operators over the last 40 years.”
More about Brian:
- Favorite car wash application? “No special application, it’s working with the different products and applications to get the best possible car.”
- In his free time Brian enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Street Glide Special.
VTL Awards:
- Outstanding Sales Award: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
- Outstanding Performance Award: 2015
Tim Domenick | Chemical Sales/Consultant
Location: Michigan | Joined VTL: 2018
Tim Domenick is based out of southeastern Michigan. He began employment with Ver-tech Labs in January 2018. His responsibilities include account management and chemical sales in Michigan, Ohio and portions of New York. Tim’s experience includes management/operation of a car wash since 2008. He has attended Oakland CC and maintains welding certification. Tim enjoys his rescue dogs, fishing and skiing.
Angie Elam
Marketing Director
Angie is based out of our Rockford facility. She began working with the Ver-tech Companies in 2006. Her responsibilities as the Marketing Specialist include social media management, video creation, digital marketing communication, tradeshow coordinator and field sales support. Angie’s favorite thing about the car wash industry is learning the history behind each customer she said, “I find it fascinating to hear how many businesses are family owned and the history behind each one.” Angie holds a bachelor of science degree in Marketing and Communication. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends doing outdoor activities including boating, golfing, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. She said, “We are from MN and whether it is -30°F or 100°F we will find some adventure to go on.”
Sean Felker | Chemical Sales/Consultant
Location: Minnesota | Joined VTL: 2007
Sean Felker is based out of Audobon, MN. He began employment with Ver-tech Labs in 2007. His responsibilities include account management and chemical sales in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Sean’s experience includes institutional chemical sales and service, commercial and residential water treatment equipment, facilities management and construction. He has attended MN State and holds a special engineer boiler license. Sean is a local township supervisor, elder on the church board, active volunteer at church, collects old tractors and antiques, coaches youth sports and active in the restoration of wetlands and wildlife areas.
Jennifer Goetz
Customer Service
Jennifer joined Ver-tech Labs in January 2018. Her previous work experience includes production assembly worker, customer service representative, sales coordinator, scheduling/purchasing manager and operations manager at other organizations. She brings a team effort mindset and is detail oriented.
“My goal at Ver-tech Labs is to provide exceptional service to our customers.” She is a cheerful voice and answers a wide range of customer questions daily. She also assists the marketing team with web site maintenance and search engine optimization tasks.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys fishing, mudding on a four wheeler and target shooting. She is also a foster volunteer in the local animal rescue program, taking in animals in need.
Shelby Heidleberg | Chemical Sales Representative
Location: Colorado | Joined VTL: 2024
Shelby is a chemical sales representative based out of Colorado. She began her career as a carwash attendant and quickly rose to the position of site manager. In this role, she gained valuable experience in managing day-to-day operations, overseeing a team of employees, monitoring customer relations, handling inventory, and supervising backroom operations.
While Shelby found the carwash industry to be a supportive community, she is now ready to transition her career to the chemical sales side of the business. She looks forward to working with customers, cultivating strong relationships, and furthering her professional growth.
We asked Shelby what her favorite application is and she stated, “I’ve always been fond of the Triple Foam because of the vibrant colors it produces.”
In Shelby’s free time she enjoys baking, spending time with her dogs and enjoying a great movie marathon once in awhile.
Sarah Klatke | Quality Control Technician
Location: Minnesota | Joined VTL: 2020
Sarah joined the Ver-tech team in September 2020. Sarah has a thorough background in quality control. She currently heads our QC department and provides additional support with safety and chemical training. Sarah has had an eye for the car wash industry since she was a young girl and has always been a fan of the triple foams and the vibrant fragrances.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids at the lake cabin. Sarah is very detail oriented and loves charts and lists. She is able to share her creative side by designing different wall art that is changed out frequently at our office.
Daniel McNerney | Chemical Sales/Consultant
Location: Iowa | Joined VTL: 2004
Daniel’s responsibilities include account management and chemical sales in the Des Moines Metropolitan area, Iowa and Nebraska. His experience includes car wash chemical sales since 1991, with touchless car wash management and product distribution. Daniel enjoys working with people in the car wash industry, he feels they are problem solvers and general, “just good people.”
More about Daniel:
- Favorite car wash application: “I would have to say presoaks, I feel that is one of the most important products applied in the car wash.”
- Favorite product: Tru Pearl® Shield, “I can see instant gratification with this product.”
- Outside of car washing Daniel enjoys being outdoors. Summer months are usually filled with pontoon rides, fishing, bike rides and live music. During the winter he likes putting miles on his snowmobiles with friends.
- Daniel’s favorite saying: “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”
VTL Awards:
- Outstanding Sales Award: 2009, 2013, 2020
- Outstanding Performance Award: 2016
Gillian Olson
Purchasing Manager, Customer Service; VTL Outstanding Performance Award 2012
Gillian has been with Ver-tech Labs since 2003. She is responsible for purchasing raw materials, providing sales support, handling distributor accounts, truckload shipment and managing an off-site warehouse. Gillian continually brings new ideas to the team to help everyone work smarter and better. Prior to VTL, she worked in roles where she developed customer service skills and received her Associate in Arts Degree.
How Gillian fosters a partnership between VTL and customers: “The most important thing that I can do to foster a relationship with the customer and VTL is to make sure that I am accurate whether it be making sure that I set up their account properly with correct pricing to making sure an order is accurate and making sure I ship it to the correct place. I always strive to be professional and respectful even when I have to discuss overdue payments with the customers. Most importantly, I try to communicate everything and anything that may affect the customer.”
What Gillian loves about her job: “I like that every day is different, I love the people I work with and I like that we can wear many hats and are encouraged to reach our full potential. We are fully backed up if we would like more training or need to learn a new skill, the sky is the limit. New ideas are open and welcome!”
In her free time, Gillian loves to play softball and volleyball, attend outdoor country concerts and spend time with her daughter Tess.
Tom Quirk | SE Regional Manager
Location: North Carolina | Joined VTL: 2023
Tom is based out of North Carolina. He graduated from North Carolina State University. His carwashing career began with selling chemicals and equipment for a large carwash distributor. He enjoys working directly with customers in this industry and building strong relationships. He believes in the carwash chemistry at Ver-tech Labs and how it offers something ‘different’ to carwash owners/operators.
When Tom is not onsite with a customer you may find him somewhere in the SE on a baseball field with his son.
Joe Rogers | Chemical Sales
Location: Texas | Joined VTL: 2022
Joe Rogers is based out of Fort Worth, Texas. Joe began his carwash journey as a service technician in the Texas area. He continued to develop within this industry through Direct Sales, a Regional Account Manager and as a Chemical Operations Manager. Outside of carwashing Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. After a full day in the field Joe ensures to find enough time to spend with their Australian Shepherds – Mavis and Mojo. Other personal interests include hand-loading precision ammunition and baking.
If you ask Joe what his favorite part of the industry is – “working with customers that care about wash quality and mentoring colleagues that are new to this industry.”
Ryan Sadler | National Service & Sales
Location: Texas | Joined VTL: 2023
Ryan is based out of NE Texas. He started his carwash career over 16 years ago when a customer of his mentioned he would be a great fit for this industry. Since he has developed within the industry through direct sales, installation and account manager roles. When asking Ryan what he enjoys most about this industry his response, “the relationships you build with customers and colleagues.”
Outside of carwashing Ryan enjoys coaching his two sons in baseball, football, and track. Along with his wife, they share a passion for dog rescue and fostering.
Matt Sathre | Chemical Sales/Consultant
Location: Minnesota | Joined VTL: 2016
Matt Sathre is based out of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, MN. He began employment with Ver-tech Labs in September 2016. Matt’s responsibilities include account management and chemical sales in Minnesota. His experience includes car wash service and assembly mechanics. He has attended North Hennepin CC. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, youth sporting events with his daughters and drag racing.
Jami Sloan
Technical Director; VTL Outstanding Performance Award 2015 and 2016
Jami has been the technical director and chemist at Ver-Tech Labs since October of 2013. She is in charge of product research and development, quality control on product batches as well as incoming raw materials and sales support. Jami is a very disciplined and analytical chemist which allows her to formulate exceptional cleaning products. She travels to car wash sites often to understand how our products perform in the field and discuss carwashing with our customers. Jami has published research manuscripts in scientific peer-reviewed journals, was a research assistant at National Marine Fisheries Service, University of MN, Purdue University, and Hawaii Pacific University. She was selected as one of the International Carwash Association Emerging Leaders in 2015. She holds a Master of Science degree in Integrated Biosciences.
How Jami fosters a partnership between VTL and customers: “I enjoy visiting our customers at their washes and seeing our products online. Getting a better idea of how our products are being applied allows me to test the optimization of their performance back in the lab. In addition, I get to meet with the customers and talk with them about what is important to them in terms of a chemical line.”
What Jami loves about her job: “I love that every day is different. I get to spend time in a lab, which is what I love to do, but I also get to travel out to the field and get a full perspective of how the entire operation works. I am able to communicate with our salesmen, our customers, and really get a big picture idea of what makes a good product.”
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Gary Stout | Chemical Sales/Consultant
Location: Missouri | Joined VTL: 2016
Gary is based out of St. Louis, MO. His responsibilities include account management and chemical sales in St. Louis and the surrounding area. Gary has been involved with the car washing industry since 1975. He has sold car wash chemicals, parts and equipment with major chemical manufacturers and was a former business owner of Sunshine Car Sales and Auto Shine Car Wash. Gary currently owns Auto Butler Car Wash.
Gary’s favorite thing about the car wash industry are the people.
More about Gary:
- Favorite product: Tru Pearl® Shield and Magnum Wheel Cleaner.
- Favorite application: Mr. Foamer Rain Shower
- Outside of car washing Gary likes to spend time at their lake home and on the farm. He enjoys working with the large equipment and helping with in the spring and harvesting in the fall.
VTL Awards:
- Outstanding Sales Award: 2012, 2019, 2020
Special Projects Manager
Lori is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point and served over 7 years as a commissioned US Army officer. She holds a Master Degree in Education from George Mason University and an endorsement in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia.
Lori’s additional certifications include:
- Change Management Specialist
- Certified Corporate Trainer
- Certified Executive Coach and Mentor
In her free time Lori enjoys life on a farm. She is an AKJA Certified Koi Judge and enjoys koi keeping.
Tony Vertin
CEO, Ver-tech Labs
Tony has been involved in manufacturing for over twenty years. A graduate of the United States Military Academy (West Point) he served as a commissioned infantry officer in the US Army.
He holds an MBA from the Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania. Tony is an industry expert on vehicle cleaning topics and regularly invited to speak at conferences and write articles for trade publications.
In his free time, Tony enjoys cycling, cross country skiing and building koi ponds for his wife.