With more than 20 years of experience in industrial vacuum systems, Chris is well-versed at moving teams from plan to product. He started out installing and commissioning equipment, rose into senior leadership, and has continued to invest in his learning through various leadership certifications and advanced training in mechanical system design and specifications. A journey spanning multiple continents, his career has taken him from the heat of Texas to the temples of Seoul, negotiating orders across the world. Through it all, building relationships has always been his favorite part of the job.
At DuroVac, Chris’ mission is to turn goals into execution, remove customer roadblocks, and build a value-driven team that lifts the industry standard. As Sales Manager, Chris works cross-functionally, collaborating with all departments to standardize how the DuroVac team engages with customers and partners from first call to install.
Even when away from the office, Chris is still waist-deep in machines; he’s rebuilt over 50 cars and races competitively whenever he can. Give him a problem and a tool cart, then step back and watch him in his element.
With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and 8 years of inside sales experience, Dai’s approach prioritizes bringing a human touch to the the technical side of vacuum sales. Driven by connecting with people, Dai finds he makes the most impact searching for the perfect fit, shifting effortlessly between application detail and customer goals. Drawing on the hands-on engineering experience that sharpens his perspective, he makes a habit of taking the time to fully assess the problem before diving in, always surfacing with the most sustainable solution.
In his free time, Dai flexes his competitive muscles in sports like badminton, basketball, tennis, hockey, volleyball, soccer — whatever you name, he’s ready to win. When it’s time to unwind, you’ll find him playing board games with friends and family. His personal goals are simple and steady: be persistent, retire soon, and build the financial freedom to enjoy both. His favorite quote explains it all: “Work hard, play harder!”
Have a tough cleanup challenge in the West? Nelson can help you figure out a solution that actually works.
Bringing over 20 years of experience in the rough vacuum world, Nelson began his career as a tradesperson in manufacturing—a customer before a sales professional. He knows what it feels like to be on the other side of the table, and as such, he makes sure each solution is a win for everyone. In his role leading the charge in the Western USA, Nelson partners with customers to solve real-world cleanup and compliance challenges. From large spill recovery and dust mitigation to everyday housekeeping, his approach is simple, but effective: listen first, map the requirements, and deliver a system tough enough to satisfy the whole team.
A huge sports fan, Nelson has volunteered with different youth sports organizations for almost two decades, experiences he considers having given him a great appreciation of the importance of teamwork and personal development. In his free time, Nelson can be found listening to classic rock n roll, and spending time with his family and friends. He underscores his guiding principle with a motto he carries with him: “If you chase perfection, you will catch excellence” — Vince Lombardi
Hailing from small-town North Carolina, Melissa pairs Southern charm with industrial grit forged by decades of navigating manufacturing and distribution sectors. With over twenty years of field experience and degrees in Business and Finance, she uses operational insight to bridge the gap between complex facility applications and the bottom line, while never losing sight of the people behind the work.
For Melissa, the heart of any successful project is time spent working alongside crews, mapping out heavy-duty systems for demanding industrial environments. Guided by a belief in doing right by others, she does her best work close to the action, solving problems thoughtfully and approaching every situation with the kind of care that builds trust and makes customers feel valued long after installation is complete.
Outside of work, Melissa’s love of fitness, healthy living, and travel shapes the energy she brings to work each day. To her, a full life means staying active, staying curious, and making space for both challenge and enjoyment.
Shivam’s background in automotive engineering and management from Ontario Tech shaped both his technical aptitude and his talent for communicating complex concepts with ease. In the field, he is the first point of contact, asking sharp questions, listening closely, and translating what he hears into clear actions for engineering. A natural partner for customers who need practical answers fast, he meets every issue with enthusiasm and curiosity, always thinking up ways to find the best solution.
Today, Shivam collaborates closely with his DuroVac teammates while building out territory and expanding growth in Western Canada. He measures success by how quickly a team can move from issue to implementation, and by how confidently operators can use the system he recommends them.
Outside of work, Shivam works on the details that win rounds, practicing his short game and scoping out his future project car. It’s all driven by the same mantra: “Focus on the now.”
Jatin pairs his degree in mechanical engineering from Ontario Tech with a client-first mindset primed by years of customer service experience, bringing technical insight into the conversations that move projects forward with ease. Equipped with a natural ability to connect with people, Jatin approaches each application with logic, using his skill in translating complex technical scenarios into clear direction to find a solution. At every step of the process, he makes sure to keep his eye on the details that matter most; with him, all situations are handled with care, ensuring customers have the confidence to proceed with certainty.
Even when away from his desk, Jatin is still in analysis mode; he often spends his free time on the golf course or studying the details that shape how cars, aircrafts, and other engineered systems perform. He’s currently working toward getting his pilot’s license – a fitting pursuit for someone who learns fast, pays attention, and understands systems at a deeper level. His favorite quote says it best: “The greatest fear people have is taking a risk. You’ve got to take that risk to get anywhere in life.” – Curtis Jackson.
As DuroVac’s Parts Guru, John is our in-house specialist for parts, hoses, tools, and accessories. He treats the Parts Department as an extension of the customer’s facility team, growing alongside their needs and providing the kind of after-service support that builds real relationships. Known for being approachable (and highly talkative!) John delivers solutions fast, encouraging questions and conversations while guiding people to the right tools, manuals, and answers.
Got a call from him in your voicemail? You can be sure he’s checking in on you and your system first; his aim is to keep Parts from feeling like a pressure-driven sales effort, and more like the customer-first service it is.
Off the clock, you’ll catch John behind the camera, getting creative and capturing memories at his children’s activities for his family and other parents. His favorite quote? “Perfection rarely exists. As such, practice does not make perfect — practice makes permanence.”
Danielle Howard-Ross brings nearly 20 years of experience in manufacturing, backed by an MBA in Marketing and a career spanning operations, sales, and brand strategy. She has a strong track record of connecting real-world customer challenges with practical, results-driven solutions. Having spent over five years bridging sales, brand, and business development, Danielle combines real-world plant insight with technical expertise and turns it into practical tools that help customers and partners win
As Business Development Manager, Danielle focuses on growing and supporting DuroVac’s sales partner network across North America. She works closely with partners to provide the tools, visibility, and support they need to succeed, while also leading efforts to develop written and video case studies that showcase real-world applications and customer success.
Outside of work, Danielle enjoys staying active outdoors. She has completed all 46 Adirondack High Peaks and can often be found running, hiking, or spending time with her husband and two daughters near Lake Champlain in Upstate NY.