Executive Team

Paul Grimmer - President and Owner

Paul Grimmer brings more than 30 years of experience in the petroleum industry to his leadership role as President of Continental Technologies. Throughout his career, he has combined his engineering expertise with the ability to identify promising technologies, and then guided the development of those technologies to commercial success. As President of Conoco Gas Solutions, he grew the “gas solutions” business within the company from its inception into a program that generated $100,000,000 annually, with a staff of more than 240 people. While focused on Fischer-Tropsch gas-to-liquid processes, Mr. Grimmer's team also developed novel technologies for synthesis gas generation, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and product upgrading. Their efforts resulted in a 400 barrel per day demonstration plant, the 3rd largest gas-to-liquid plant in the world.

Doug Jack - VP of Technology

Doug Jack has nearly 30 years of experience in technology development and commercial application of technology in the petroleum and chemical industries. Prior to coming on board at Continental, he worked at ConocoPhillips as Manager of Major Program Development. In this role, he was responsible for identifying and commercializing new business opportunities.

His experience includes guiding the scale-up of innovative petroleum technology from pilot plants to full production. Mr. Jack is also VP of Technology Development for Eltron Research & Development, which allows him to leverage resources from within that organization as necessary.

Andrew Grimmer - General Manager

Andrew Grimmer is the General Manager for Continental Technologies and is based out of the fabrication facility in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He is responsible for the budget, staff management, and day to day operations.

Mr. Grimmer holds a bachelor’s degree in Digital Imaging as well as a master’s degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis in Manufacturing, both degrees from Texas State University – San Marcos. 

Business Development

Emily Grimmer Shepard - Program Manager

Emily Shepard is the leader of the Business Development team responsible for sales outreach, marketing, bid development, as well as developing lasting business relationships.

She graduated from Texas Christian University with her degree in Advertising and Public Relations. She has been working at Continental Technologies since April 2009.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Continental Technologies, please feel free to contact Emily at (303) 530-0263 ext. 152 and/or egrimmer@contechfab.com.

Engineering & Operating Team

Todd Harkins - Engineering and Operations Manager

Todd has over 18 years of experience designing, building and operating pilot plants. Prior to joining Continental Technologies (and Eltron Research & Development), Harkins drew on 15 years of hands-on engineering in pilot plants to oversee the design and construction of 3 BPD Fischer-Tropsch Bubble Column Pilot Plant.

As Team Lead on the project, he managed the staff, assured data quality as well as data and technology transfer to the Fischer-Tropsch and Syngas Catalyst Groups, the Process Integration Team, the GTL Demonstration Operations Team, and the GTL Plant Design Team for the GTL Pre-Feed process.

Lisa M. Strassle - Senior Process Engineer

Lisa has spent 13 years of her career at a big oil company involved in process development, process economics, operations, and start up of a 400 bpd GTL demo plant as well as an LNG commercial plant.

Mrs. Strassle is responsible for the development of process engineering and design packages including simulations, equipment sizing and cost estimating. Additional roles include project management with a focus on cost controls, schedule, quality, and safety.

Donald Fore - Senior Mechanical Engineer

Don has worked in the petroleum industry for nearly 34 years; 30 of which were at ConocoPhillips.

During his 13 years of work at the Ponca City Refinery, he was an engineering supervisor and area manager. He has experience with many technologies that include: polyethylene, polypropylene, catalytic reforming, delayed coking, and plant turn-arounds.

Kenneth M. York - Senior Technical Specialist

Ken York has had a 29-year career in research and development, enabling acquisition of extensive experience in the design and fabrication, construction, operation, and maintenance of pilot plants and lab facilities.

Areas of Special Expertise: Safety Systems and Training, Process Control - Design and Operation, Gas and Liquid Chromatography (considerable experience with analytical equipment - online and bench), Producing Operational Manuals and Instructions, Leadership and Project Management, and Mentoring and Training of new employees.

Carl C. Johnston, Jr. - Senior Technical Specialist

Carl Johnston is a research technician with more than 31 years experience in construction and operation of pilot plants, production operations, R&D at laboratory scale, and safety leadership of OSHA and behavior-based programs. Skills and knowledge span reaction and distillation, gas chromatography, and tubing/pipe construction.

Related areas of expertise include: Laboratory Development, Product Analysis (ASTM), Distributive Process Control, Turnaround planning and execution, Productivity Improvement, and Cost Reduction Programs.

Darrin York - Senior Technical Specialist

Darrin York has had 19 years of experience in construction and operation of pilot plants, production operations, R&D, and leadership of OSHA and behavior-based programs. Product knowledge spans reaction and distillation, and tubing/piping construction.

Expertise Focus: Laboratory Development, Product Analysis (ASTM), Distributive Process Controls, Turnarounds, Productivity Improvment, Cost Reduction programs, Quality Management including ISO 9000, and Business Improvement.