ABOUT US
Our founder Todd Hawkins, a Petroleum Engineer by formal training was working for a large defense contractor in an effort to replace cadmium plating on rocket components. During his research, he endeavored to find a material that would protect like cadmium plating but didn’t have the health, safety and environmental ramifications often associated with plating. His goal was to find a material that protected like metal plating but could be applied like an epoxy.
You’ll soon see that he succeeded in his work. Give me just a moment to summarize our history.
CNTS
The year carbon nanotubes were first discovered.
Established
Todd Hawkins, former engineer with Lockheed Martin, founded the company, then quickly teamed up with Finnish nano scientist, Dr.Jorma Virtanen
Full Commercialization
A complete, first-to-market industrial coating system was launched.
ASM Handbook
Tesla Authored Carbon Nanocoating Technology Advancement “2015 ASM Handbook”.
The Silicon Review
The Silicon Review magazine recognizes Tesla among the 50 Smartest Companies of the Year 2018.
Prototype Phase
After many years of testing theory and university-based research, thee first prototypes were developed.
R&D Magazine + NorTech
R&D Magazine presented Tesla with the 100 Award. Later that year, the company received the 2012 NorTech Innovation Award.
CNBC
CNBC recognized Tesla NanoCoatings as #15 in its Upstart 25.
2005
1991
2007
2008
2012
2012
2015
2017
2018
TODAY
1,500,000+ SQFT in the Gulf of Mexico PROTECTED WITH TESLAN® no replacements to date
Earlier this year, we reached a significant milestone with over a million and a half square feet of Teslan material applied offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
We’ve been on offshore Gulf of Mexico assets at scale since late 2016, early 2017 with no replacements to-date.
Our clients tell us that they expect traditional 3-coat systems to last 6 months to 5 years for GoM service. But have been experiencing 2-5 times that life with Tesla systems. With the caveat that they’ve not seen an end-of-life scenario yet.
Are you experiencing similar coating life with your current systems?
1,500,000+ SQFT in the Gulf of Mexico PROTECTED WITH TESLAN® no replacements to date
Earlier this year, we reached a significant milestone with over a million and a half square feet of Teslan material applied offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
We’ve been on offshore Gulf of Mexico assets at scale since late 2016, early 2017 with no replacements to-date.
Our clients tell us that they expect traditional 3-coat systems to last 6 months to 5 years for GoM service. But have been experiencing 2-5 times that life with Tesla systems. With the caveat that they’ve not seen an end-of-life scenario yet.
Are you experiencing similar coating life with your current systems?
Army Corps of Engineers
Products first deployed with the US Army on multiple projects.
1991
CNTS
The year carbon nanotubes were first discovered.
2005
Prototype Phase
After many years of testing theory and university-based research, thee first prototypes were developed.
2007
Established
Todd Hawkins, former engineer with Lockheed Martin, founded the company, then quickly teamed up with Finnish nano scientist, Dr.Jorma Virtanen
2008
Army Corps of Engineers
Products first deployed with the US Army on multiple projects.
2012
Full Commercialization
A complete, first-to-market industrial coating system was launched.
2012
R&D Magazine + NorTech
R&D Magazine presented Tesla with the 100 Award. Later that year, the company received the 2012 NorTech Innovation Award.
2015
ASM Handbook
Tesla Authored Carbon Nanocoating Technology Advancement “2015 ASM Handbook”.
2017
CNBC
CNBC recognized Tesla NanoCoatings as #15 in its Upstart 25.
2018
The Silicon Review
The Silicon Review magazine recognizes Tesla among the 50 Smartest Companies of the Year 2018.
TODAY
1,500,000+ SQFT in the Gulf of Mexico PROTECTED WITH TESLAN® no replacements to date
Earlier this year, we reached a significant milestone with over a million and a half square feet of Teslan material applied offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
We’ve been on offshore Gulf of Mexico assets at scale since late 2016, early 2017 with no replacements to-date.
Our clients tell us that they expect traditional 3-coat systems to last 6 months to 5 years for GoM service. But have been experiencing 2-5 times that life with Tesla systems. With the caveat that they’ve not seen an end-of-life scenario yet.
Are you experiencing similar coating life with your current systems?
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Todd Hawkins
FOUNDER & CEO
As a petroleum engineer and geologist, Todd Hawkins was determined to find a solution. With an innovative vision and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded Tesla NanoCoatings. Along with the best scientific minds in nanotechnology, Hawkins has perfected the Teslan® Carbon NanoCoating formula. Under his leadership, the company has commercialized its technology and has cultivated a strong partnership with the University of Akron. Prior to founding Tesla NanoCoatings, Hawkins served as president and owner of GeoTech Chemical Co. in Tallmadge, Ohio. Previously, he was chief development officer at Midwest Industrial Supply and held senior-level positions at Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems. Hawkins earned an M.B.A. from the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University and a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering and Geology from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. A resident of Massillon, Ohio he is an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers, NACE International and SSPC.
Velecia Valentine
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
As Chief Operating Officer, Velecia Valentine, CSCP, is the driving force behind Tesla NanoCoating’s domestic and global growth. As a Certified Supply Chain Professional, she brings a deep knowledge of supply chain and production planning along with more than 25 years of experience. Previously, Valentine worked for Newell Rubbermaid-Home Solutions Segment, where she led the Global Supply Chain and Sales and Operations Planning for Rubbermaid, Goody, and Levelor and Calphalon brands.
Malcom Kerr
VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL SALES
As Vice President of Global Sales, Malcolm Kerr brings a strong customer focus to Tesla NanoCoatings. Kerr’s approach is to make sure the company understands its customers and help those customers reach their objectives. This truly collaborative approach ensures Tesla NanoCoatings brings real value to its customers in all phases of project planning and execution. Prior to joining Tesla NanoCoatings, Kerr’s previous roles included running the sales groups of a domestic coatings manufacturer as well as running the North American business for a Global coatings supplier. He has over 20 years of industry experience, understanding and bringing value to customers.
Mark Butterworth
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Extensive experience in financial management of high growth companies including: raising equity and debt funding; implementing budgeting, reporting and financial analysis processes; designing and installing accounting systems; and providing board and senior level management with timely and relevant information. Solid financial transaction background that includes conducting $2.5 billion IPO led by Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, $1 billion of M&A deals and $100 million of venture capital investment.
Joe Davis
VICE PRESIDENT PRODUCT & APPLICATION ENGINEERING
Recognized throughout the industry as an authority on corrosion prevention and protection, Joe Davis maintains certifications as a NACE Level III certified inspector, an OCAT Technician, and as SSPC C1, C2, and a Protective Coating Specialist (PCS). He currently serves as a chairman of the AWWA D102 Coating of Steel Water Tank Committee and was a past chairman of the NACE International Institute’s NIICAP Oversight Board. He is an instructor for several AMPP corrosion courses and is a contributing author to many industry publications.
James McDonald
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
James McDonald, a Senior Certified Coatings Inspector, has been in the protective coatings industry for over 20 years with a primary focus on oil and gas asset protection. In 2013 he was awarded The NACE Innovation of the Year Award for CoatingsCalculator.com. James has authored and co-authored a number of white papers on tank linings, zinc-rich and protective coatings for well casings. Having worked for contractors, asset owners and coating manufacturers, James brings a three-dimensional perspective to his current role.
Jorma Virtanen
CHIEF NANOSCIENTIST
Jorma Virtanen, Tesla’s chief nanoscientist, is one of the leading scientific minds in the fields of carbon nanotechnology and biophysics. A world-renowned researcher and chemist, Dr. Virtanen played an integral part in the development of the patented corrosion-resistant Teslan coating formula. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry, an M.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Helsinki.
2011 R&D Magazine, R&D 100
2012 NorTech Innovation Award
2017 CNBC #15 in Upstart 25
2018 The Silicon Review Magazine, 50 Smartest Companies
2022 Materials Performance, Innovation of the Year