Stronghold Companies Executive Leadership Team

Joe is one of the founding partners of the Stronghold Companies through the establishment of Cat-Spec in 2002 and Specialty Tank Services in 2006, and currently serves as President. He has 30 years of ongoing experience in the downstream services sector and has played a critical role in the creation and growth of the Stronghold Companies. Joe’s leadership and knowledge continues to enable the Stronghold Companies to provide the safest, most-efficient quality solutions in the Refining and Petrochemical industry.

As Chief Operating Officer at Stronghold Companies, Chris is responsible for the global operations of all entities. He has been with Stronghold Companies for 15 years and co-founded Specialty Tank Services (STS) with Donny Cunningham in 2007. Chris has a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and worked for Valero LP and Valero Refining for 15+ years prior to joining Stronghold Companies.

Blake has been with Stronghold since 2016 and initially served as VP of M&A and Corporate Development and assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer in 2019. Prior to joining Stronghold Companies, he worked for Amegy Bank for over 16 years where he held various positions, most recently servicing as the Manager of the Corporate Energy Services Division. Blake graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Matt leads the operations of Elite Turnaround Specialists (ETS). He is committed to providing industry best safety and quality, through great people and equipment. Since joining ETS in 2012, he has held various positions including Planner, Superintendent, Project Manager, Regional Director, and Sr. Director of Operations. Matt has a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and 6 years of industry experience prior to joining the Stronghold team.

Steve manages all our North American catalyst handling operations while supporting mergers and acquisitions for Stronghold Companies. He has been with the company for 9 years and served as the Western United States Operations Director prior to his current executive position. Steve came to Stronghold after 28 years working with Catalyst Services Inc., where he started as an entry technician in Alberta, Canada. Eventually, he worked his way through the ranks into Project Supervision, Sales, and Management. Before a career in catalyst handling, Stephen became a journeyman Ironworker after a four-year apprenticeship program with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Donny oversees all Specialty Tank Services (STS) & Elite Fabrication (EFL) operations. He co-founded Specialty Tank Services with our COO, Chris Box, in 2007 and has over 40 years of industry experience, working for Diamond Shamrock, Valero LP, and NuStar Gulf Coast Division’s API Program prior to joining Stronghold Companies.

Joseph oversees all Stronghold Tower Group (STG) operations. Prior to aiding in the start-up of STG in 2017, Joseph worked in the field with Cat-Spec. He has over 20 years of experience working in the refinery and petrochemical industry.

Bryan manages all Stronghold Inspection (SHI) operations. He has been with Stronghold Companies for 12 years and has served as Turnaround Manager, Office Manager, and Field Inspector with SHI. Prior to joining Stronghold Companies, Bryan worked at Valero Corpus Christi and has over 25 years of experience in the refinery and petrochemical industry.

Jack is responsible for continued business growth for all Stronghold Companies through contract implementation and strategic client events. Since joining the company in 2019, he has also managed operations for Elite Turnaround Specialists and served as Special Projects Director for Stronghold Companies. Jack graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and has 30+ years of experience in maintenance, turnarounds, and contracts with Dow Chemical and Union Carbide.

Darrel oversees strategic customer relationships. He joined Stronghold Companies in 2012 as a Sr. Sales Manager and subsequently served as President of Elite Piping and Civil (EPC), Turnkey I&E (TKIE), and Stronghold Inspection (SHI) for 4 years. Darrel has more than 30 years of industry experience, spending over 15 of those years at Union Carbide holding various roles in maintenance, turnarounds, and contracts services for five Dow Chemical facilities.

Chad oversees Sales and Marketing for all The Stronghold Companies and coordinates with Operations to ensure continued growth. He has been with Stronghold Companies since 2016, serving previously as the Eastern Regional Vice President of Sales and Senior Sales Director. Chad has 20+ years of experience in the industry and spent 15 of those years in the field.

Andrew is responsible for the growth and development of Stronghold Companies’ craftsmen and field leaders. Prior to establishing Stronghold University (SU), he served as Vice President of Operations for Cat-Spec (CSL). His previous positions include the COO of an international catalyst contractor and President of an industrial life support manufacturer. Andrew has a broad, international education ranging from an electrical craftsman certification, Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, CPA, and an MBA.

Cheryl ensures that every employee of Stronghold Companies is treated like family and has the support needed to succeed. She oversees on-boarding, benefits, risk management, and compliance, ensuring all jobs continuously run at the highest of standards. Cheryl joined the company in 2009 starting as the Benefits Manager and worked as the Director of HR prior to being promoted to Vice President in 2017. She has worked in the oil and gas industry for over 16 years and has over 30 years of experience in Human Resources. Cheryl studied for her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and holds a Professional of Human Resources certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute since 2006.

Travis has over 20 years of Industrial Occupational Safety experience. He spent the first 12 years of his career in a safety role with a multi-faceted general contractor performing maintenance, turnaround, capital project and new construction related work in the Petrochemical Industry.

In 2013, he joined Valero Refining where he spent the next 7 years working in a Lead Health and Safety role and as a Captain of the facility’s Emergency Response Team.

In September of 2020, Travis joined the Stronghold Companies. Travis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University and is also a Certified Safety Professional (CSP).

Fred oversees all aspects of environmental, health, and safety for Elite Piping & Civil (EPC), Specialty Tank Services (STS), Stronghold Inspection (SHI), Turnkey I&E (TKIE), and Elite Fabrication (EFL). He has been with Stronghold Companies for 12 years, joining as a Safety Manager for CSL and EPC. Fred has more than 30 years of experience in the petrochemical and refining industry.

Steve oversees all aspects of environmental, health, and safety for Elite Turnaround Specialists (ETS) and Stronghold Tower Group (STG). He has been with Stronghold Companies since 2006, contributing to the success of all operating units by ensuring compliance with our core values, safety and health management, emergency response, planning and implementation of safety processes, recordkeeping, reporting, and accident prevention systems. Steve has more than 30 years' experience in the Health, Safety, and Environmental fields and served as the Corporate Area Safety Manager for an engineering/construction company prior to joining Stronghold.

Byron oversees Quality Control for all the Stronghold Companies. He started in 2010 and has worked in various QC roles across the Stronghold Companies. After Byron’s enlistment to the Marine Corps he began his journey in the industry as a welder. Having worked for all the major turnaround companies, Byron found his home with Stronghold and brings with him 25 plus years’ experience.

Amanda has served as General Counsel for Stronghold Companies since 2018. After obtaining her license to practice law in 2009, Amanda spent much of her legal career working in the construction, infrastructure services and oil and gas industries. Amanda’s prior legal experience includes roles as Associate General Counsel at Mears Group, a Quanta Services Company, and Corporate Counsel at Marathon Oil Corporation. Her education includes both a B.A. and M.A. from Baylor University as well as a J.D. and LL.M (Master of Laws – International Law) from the University of Houston Law Center.