Leadership

Vaughn Minissian 
President

THE FAMILY BUSINESS 

Vaughn grew up around the business. From an early age, he remembers interacting with the company's culture and technology. One of his earliest memories of truly understanding the power of his dad’s (Kevin’s) business was winning the Science Fair at school, after they built a functional water filtration system pilot unit together. You could say, winning and innovating runs in the family. 

SELF-STARTER 

After starting out in the sales department, Vaughn quickly gravitated towards operations where he found his home. After a few months of working in production and purchasing, Vaughn went to work and replaced the company's legacy accounting system with a more robust and multi-faceted ERP system. Vaughn spearheaded the nine-month implementation where he established best practices around supply chain, inventory management, order processing, and asset management. From here, he helped develop the company’s resource & education cloud architecture to facilitate the onboarding of new employees. You can say his passion for change management transformed Norchem into the multi-state national player in the industry it is today. 

PUSHING FORWARD 

Vaughn’s degree in Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Law and Policy continues to be an important part of his job. He is constantly looking to make Norchem better for its customers but also for the environment and the community. His continued effort to be the most trusted and reliable technology partner for the industry has him in the driver’s seat of continuous problem solving.  

FUN FACTS 

In his free time, Vaughn is an avid reader of philosophy and listener of podcasts that cover the evolution of the mind. He is fascinated with the human condition of consciousness and how it affects the progression of technology and policy.  He writes poetry and short stories on the weekends and practices mixed martial arts several times a week. 

Karineh Minissian 
Vice President & Managing Director

FAMILY ROOTS 

Karineh always knew she would be involved with Norchem. She recalls visiting the facilities at a young age and being curious about her father’s passion for his innovations and profession. She volunteered her time to help Norchem where able throughout her time in school, and, after graduating, made the decision to come on board full-time and contribute towards Norchem’s legacy. 

EDUCATION 

Karineh received her Bachelor's Degree from UC Berkeley and furthered her education by earning an MBA - bolstering her skillset to ensure Norchem is positioned for success with a strategic approach to innovating its future.  She directs and oversees the administration of the business, which allows her to interact with and support all facets of Norchem, from external relations to internal affairs.

PASSIONS  

Being a first-generation American, Karineh is proud of her Armenian heritage and dedicates her free time to supporting cultural and social causes. While attending UC Berkeley, Karineh became a member, and later the President, of the Armenian Student Association (ASA), impressing in her the importance of leadership and collaboration. As an avid traveler, Karineh has been fortunate enough to have traveled to 20 countries with ambitions to reach triple digits!

EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE 

Karineh is looking forward to working alongside her Norchem family to further the impressive impact of Norchem on customers and the environment alike. “It’s really unique to have grown up admiring so many of the people who, to this day, are still a part of the Norchem team, all working together to further the legacy of my father's initial vision," Karineh said. “It's humbling to now call those same people my colleagues, and I hope that, as we grow the business together, it can continue to be something we are all proud of.” 

Chad Folkerts 
V.P. of Engineering, Automated Systems

KNOWING WHY NORCHEM IS RIGHT

Chad started out as a Norchem customer before joining the team 8 years ago. As the lead engineer at an industry-leading laundry facility, he used NORCHEM’s equipment to gain an edge over the competition. Knowing the product as a customer and now as part of NORCHEM, gives Chad a unique viewpoint in helping customers the best way possible. He understands the wants and needs of businesses across the country and loves using his expertise to raise the bar in customer satisfaction and trust in Norchem’s products. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Chad works with Norchem’s Field Technicians and the Engineering team while overseeing all of Norchem installations, equipment and system design/fabrication. His unique experience helps him in identifying potential issues before they become problems and his unparalleled technical knowledge helps him in seeing what’s best for NORCHEM’s customers.   

ADVANCING THE FUTURE OF NORCHEM 

Chad’s job directly impacts the future of Green Technology and sustainability. He is constantly checking on the functionality of Norchem’s systems, ensuring they are consistently providing the best quality solutions for customers. He also works directly with company president Kevin Minissian on improving NORCHEM’s technology and finding new ways of being more efficient and sustainable. 

WHEN CHAD IS NOT WORKING 

Chad is a world traveler and has traveled to places like Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Bahamas, Mexico, South Africa and most of Europe. He loves seeing different cultures and learning new things. While he enjoys traveling abroad, his home state of Minnesota provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors including hunting and fishing with his wife. 

Leonardo Gastelum 
Director of National Accounts, Customer Care

Awarded the TRSA Above and Beyond Service Award in 2021 for his outstanding commitment and exceptional attention to customer needs.

DECADES OF SERVICE 

Leonardo ("Leo") opens the line of communication between clients, customers, and businesses to get projects done. With over two decades in both the public and private sectors, Leo has experience in management consultation, team building, professional development, strategic implementation, and company collaboration. Leo’s Father is also a proud leader within Norchem. He is honored to have made the business a family affair. He is responsible for all North American accounts and delivers top-notch service with a good customer-finding solution that falls outside of normal. As of 2023, Leo serves on the TRSA Hygienically Clean Advisory Board. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Leo is in charge of coordinating all chemical installations from start to finish. His experience makes chemical transitions second to none assuring zero downtime which would affect plant production. He is also responsible that all field technicians are competent to support the account on territories being supported. 

WHAT LEO LOVES ABOUT NORCHEM 

Leo enjoys the sense of comradery and support he receives from the Norchem team. He feels privileged to be part of a team that empowers its employees to have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally grow in a way that leads to the success of the organization. “It is important to me to be able to work for someone who truly appreciates what you do,” Leo said. He also loves that Norchem’s technology is truly the future of sustainability and strongly believes in the company's values.  

DRIVEN AND PASSIONATE 

Leo is a powerful force in the workplace and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Leo is a firm believer in Norchem’s customer-centric approach and prides himself on providing personalized Customer Care to find solutions to any challenge. He has a passion for developing relationships with the customer to ensure trust and satisfaction through strategic problem-solving. 

FOR FUN 

Leo is inspired daily by his wife and their two children. In his free time, he enjoys vacationing with family, spending time outdoors, hiking, and water sports. Leo is also actively involved in his community; he volunteers as a baseball coach and enjoys helping out at his children’s Catholic School. 

Jaime Gastelum

Senior Director of Customer Care 

Four Decades of Service

Jaime attended La Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, earning his B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He can take a vision and make it a reality through an intuitive approach and past experiences in the industry. He is a team player who helps others extend their strategic thinking; and produces formulas that provide great linen quality and technical/mechanical advice.

an inspirational leader

He is respected as a credible voice in decision-making, finding strategic project planning and execution for large project installations, and establishing governance boundaries.  He is an inspirational leader who tells stories that motivate action efficiently.

What Jaime Enjoys about Norchem

Norchem’s mission has been his passion. He loves what he does and feels privileged to be able to work with a great leader and creator of Norchem. This company equals innovation and with that comes great challenges. He stated “Whenever I encounter a new type of challenge, it’s almost a chance to develop a new set of skills. My responsibility at Norchem is enjoyable, stimulating, and exciting.” It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of an organization that deeply cares about its employees and customers.

Outside of work

When Jaime is not collaborating with his customers, he can be seen enjoying quality time with his wife, his three children, and six grandchildren

David Whiteside

National Sales Manager 

JOINING THE TEAM 

David joined the team in July 2023 as Norchem’s National Sales Manager. David earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Sales, and Marketing from SUNY Empire State University. He holds a Certificate of Completion in TRSA's Executive Management Institute (EMI) from the University of Maryland, having completed all 5 years of the program from 1998-2002. 

COMING FULL CIRCLE

Starting his career in the Textile Services Industry, David spent 13 years as a supplier to commercial laundry operators developing his passion for sales and customer service. He expanded into adjacent industries throughout his career including Chemicals, Building and Construction, and Explosives. He did this in various leadership roles, all within the sales realm. David is thrilled and motivated to rejoin the industry representing Norchem nationwide.

WHEN DAVID ISN’T WORKING 

David is a devoted husband and proud father of four children. He is an avid athlete and outdoorsman who enjoys Running, Biking, Golf, and Fishing.  

THE FUTURE OF NORCHEM 

David is most excited to expand Norchem's reach with its diverse solutions and technologies, showing what Norchem has to offer its current and prospective customers. And perhaps most importantly, continue building a focus-driven environment that provides world-class customer service.

Michael Soussa 
Corporate Director of Sales 

EXPERIENCED IN SUCCESS 

Michael has over a decade of experience in managing, earning, and executing deals. He has worked for multinational companies with thousands of clients and understands the importance of customer service and good business. He prides himself on meeting and exceeding the expectations of the customer while working internally with the Norchem team to push for innovation.   

ACCOMPLISHMENTS EDUCATION AND MEMBERSHIPS 

Michael graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Business and Economics. He is also a well-established Member of many industry-leading and community organizations including LA World Affairs Council Member, HyTech – Technology Member, Water Reuse Committee Los Angeles, TRSA, ITRA, CSC, and WSTA. 

FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT NORCHEM 

As an industry leader in sustainable technology, Michael is proud of the direct impact Norchem has on the environment and his customers' businesses. “I like Norchem’s 2-tier effort,” Michael said. “It’s not just that we are being sustainable, but we are doing it all in a way that is saving our customers money.” 

HOBBIES 

When Michael isn’t working he likes to spend time playing sports like basketball, soccer, and boxing and he enjoys the outdoors including going on hikes, fishing, and boating. 

Martin Mora

Systems Design & Project Manager

SINCE THE BEGINNING

Martin has been a part of the Norchem family for over 15 years. Starting off as a young electrician, he recognized right away that Norchem was a company that valued a strong work ethic and appreciated dedication to its brand.

LEADING HIS TEAM

As a project manager, Martin has overseen over 150 projects in North America. Martin ensures all projects are on target from inception to completion. Martin also plans and directs the day-to-day operations from system to design to supply chain at Norchem's Skunkworks R&D lab and manufacturing plant in Bell Gardens, CA. 

ENJOYING THE WORK

Martin feels proud to be a part of a company that is always striving to do better for its customers. He believes that everyone is dedicated to the mission of achieving customer satisfaction by breaking the design boundaries of what's possible. The feeling of working with a team that endeavors to create products that 

WHEN MARTIN IS NOT WORKING.

Some of Martin’s favorite pass times are golfing, racquetball, and going to Chavez’s Ravine to watch his favorite team the Los Angeles Dodgers.