WE'RE INSTALLERS, ENGINEERS, SCIENTISTS AND ENTREPRENEURS (AND WE LOVE BEING THE UNDERDOG).
CleanFiber® (formerly Ultracell Insulation) was conceived by veteran cellulose installers in Maine, who saw dwindling supplies of newsprint as a threat to their livelihood.
So they did something about it.
After creating a strong team, working like dogs for more than 9 years to perfect the process, and raising millions of dollars in investment, we're excited to be launching commercial production of certified CleanFiber in 2020.
Our state-of-the-art production facility in Buffalo is currently ramping up and will produce 3 million bags annually. These high production volumes allow us to offer our all-borate product at extremely competitive pricing.
We are shipping, so please let us know where to send your sample pallet!
OUR TEAM
Jon Strimling
Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder
Jonathan Strimling has over 20 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur, largely focused on the commercialization of innovative products and services, with a focus in renewable energy. Prior to CleanFiber, Jon successfully launched WoodPellets.com and SharpSpring (NASDAQ: SHSP). Jon previously drove innovations in manufacturability at GE Aircraft Engines, commercialized new renewable energy and water systems at DEKA Research & Development, and has held senior operating roles with American Industrial Partners. He holds Masters degrees in Engineering and Management from MIT’s Engineering School and the MIT Sloan School of Management, and a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University.
Curt Fischer
Chief Operating Officer
Curtis Fischer has over 30 years of experience in operations, engineering, and supply chain management. His experience and diverse perspective have contributed significantly to the successful introduction of new products for early stage companies, as well as Fortune 500s. Prior to CleanFiber, Curt led a $500M supply chain operation for Teradyne. Curt earned an MBA from Sacred Heart University and a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson.
Don Simoneau
Chief Financial Officer
Don Simoneau has over 20 years of experience serving as CFO, SVP and/or CEO in six prior early and growth stage tech, clean-tech, and industrial businesses. He has successfully raised capital and debt financing, driven revenue growth and profits, and executed successful exit plans. Don also brings substantial commercial and operational leadership experience having led growing sales and service teams among his responsibilities. Don holds an MBA from Bentley University, and earned his Bachelors in Finance and Computer Science from Boston College.
OUR BOARD
Board of Directors
Jon Strimling
Chairman
Jon has over 20 years of experience as an executive and entrepreneur, largely focused on the commercialization of innovative products and services, with a focus in renewable energy. Prior to CleanFiber, Jon successfully launched WoodPellets.com and too SharpSpring to the NASDAQ. Jon has served on several for-profit and non-profit boards, including the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturer’s Association’s board of directors.
Mark Bernfeld
Director (Representing the Clean Energy Venture Group)
Mark is an experienced entrepreneur and investor representing the Clean Energy Venture Group. Mark founded Tamarack Technologies in 1993 to meet growing needs to conserve energy and improve air quality in homes. He continues to serve on Tamarack’s board as chairman, and also serves on the board of MentorWorks Education Capital, where he is also a co-founder.
Mark Brandstein
Director
Mark has over 30 years of experience in technology startup companies as executive level operations and business development. Mark has served as the COO of a communications technology manufacturing company serving customers in over 80 countries, as well as VP of Sales, Marketing and/or Business Development for several technology startups in energy, government, enterprise, and other industries.
Timothy Bernlohr
Director
Tim joins CleanFiber with an extraordinary range of board experience, having served on 100+ public and private company boards. He serves as the Chairman of Skyline Champion Homes, one of the nation’s largest modular/prefabricated home builders, and has decades of experience in paper products, insulation, and closely related industries.
Eric Chapman
Director (Representing SustainVC)
Eric is a Managing Principal with SustainVC, an impact investment fund with a focus on investing for profit, while building a sustainable, more equitable and healthier world. Mr. Chapman also brings extensive experience in operations, having previously served as Managing Director of Accenture Strategy and in a variety of other leadership roles at Accenture, following an early career focus on manufacturing operations.
Cynthia Figge
Director
Cynthia is the CEO and Co-Founder of CSRHub, a web-based platform that accumulates information on the environmental, social, and governance performance of 18,000 companies. Early in her career, she served as Plant Manager at Weyerhaeuser, a key operational leader in the startup of an OSB plant, also working in newspaper printing operations.
Turner Smith
Director (Representing IFG Asset Management)
Turner is the Managing Partner of IFG Asset Management, bringing 17+ years of experience with major investment banking firms. In his career, he has covered paper, forest products, and building materials for Smith Barney with clients such as Georgia Pacific and Scott Paper. He holds 18+ years of experience in merchant banking/private equity experience.