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PETROLEUM DIRECTORY: NEI Fluid Technology Traditional values in service — old Alaska style Susan Braund Petroleum Directory Contributing Writer
Alaska’s sourdoughs fathered the practice of recycling in the North. In the artful tradition of making-do and using what you have on hand, Blazo shipping crates have long been the raw material for shelves, stools, tables, nightstands, shop storage bins, sled boxes and animal traps. Sometimes they are even referred to as Alaskan lumber. Originally, the heavy-duty wooden boxes each housed two Blazo cans containing white gasoline, pearl kerosene or aviation fuel. Although the boxes are still prevalent in the Bush, it’s rare to see one around town. In fact, they are fast becoming a collector’s item, selling for around $30.
Much to my delight, when I entered the NEI Fluid Technology showroom, I encountered a display made from Blazo boxes and glass, apropos to the company’s origins as aviation fuel handling and quality control specialists. The company now targets both the aviation and the oil and gas industries.
The Anchorage-based business, conveniently located in midtown on Arctic Boulevard, specializes in the sales, service and repair of filtration and flow measurement equipment. In addition to aviation and oil and gas, it also serves the chemical, food, waste, industrial and environmental industries.
The founders, Monte and Linda Parrish, operated the business for nearly 25 years until a plane crash took their lives in 1997. Kathryn Russell, who currently co-owns the business with her husband Reggie, began working for the Parrishes in 1992, taking customer orders and learning shipping, receiving, and of course, part numbers. “It was their wish for me to continue the business,” says Russell, who took over in 1997.
Second in command of the woman-owned business is Lee Mock. The two women, who have been friends since elementary school, comprise the sales force. They are business and grit — putting in long hours, traveling and doing their darndest to meet customer demand. Sharing in the day-to-day operation of the company, they know the business and each other so well that they could easily finish each other’s sentences.
Both women have strong business management skills — enhanced by their affinity for working together — and each brings individual strengths to the business. Kathryn has a strong background and knowledge of filtration and fueling equipment, combined with a knack for solving difficult applications with cost effective solutions and a determination to provide her customers with the best possible service. She enjoys the aviation industry and spends a lot of her time visiting commercial and military facilities. Lee possesses an outgoing drive to meet her customers’ needs. Her knowledge of the flow measurement side of the industry has allowed her to travel to the North Slope, offshore platforms, refineries, and truck-loading racks where she can ascertain customer needs and match them up to the proper products for their applications.
They are currently working on 8(a) certification for larger military projects.
Russell paints watercolors for relaxation, while Lee enjoys running and other forms of exercise. Both women are also very involved with their families. Lee has a four-year-old daughter Sierra, and a baby on the way, and Kathryn has a three-year-old daughter Haley. Each youngster has their own spot when they visit the office and Haley has learned to use the phone paging system, which makes for some interesting moments around the office. New emphasis The main catalyst for diversification was the events of 9-11. “When the aviation industry stopped flying for so long we took a hit, along with many of our customers. It has been a long road back to normality for us all,” explains Russell. “But, through the dedication and hard work of our aviation customers the industry is now again soaring.”
“Our primary concentration over the last year has been to develop stronger ties to the oil and gas industries with the addition of some great new product lines that cover the production leases, pipelines and loading terminals and truck refuelers. We’re making steady progress and expanding lines.” reports Mock. Products and services: what’s new “In June, 2003 FMC Smith Metering’s rep recognized us as a good candidate for the sub distributorship for Alaska,” says Mock. “In addition to our line of Invalco Turbine meters we now offer many different types of custody and non-custody transfer flow meters, along with many technology choices from positive displacement flow meters like Smith and Liquid Controls to turbine meters, mag meters, coriolis meters and ultrasonic meters.”
In addition to their many standard products, NEI Fluid Technology is also offering wireless tank gauging and interface equipment, sampling systems, additive injection equipment, loading arms (truck and marine) and swivel joints, dry break couplers and Veederoot registers, printers and electronic counters.
“We are in the process of putting together a fleet of proving vehicles (provers) and master meters for calibration of small truck refuelers to large truck loading racks,” says Russell. “We intend to have a fully capable service team which will handle shop and field service repair along with calibration of all types of flow measurement devices.”
Challenges
Russell and Mock agree that the toughest challenge is keeping the bases covered. “Cross country freight and lead times are a real challenge, as well as handling the emergency needs of our customers. But it’s a very interesting and rewarding business. We seem to learn something new everyday.” says Russell. “The technologies are ever changing and we have to do our best to keep current.”
“The best part of our job is our interaction with our customers. We have the greatest customer base: everyone is nice, friendly and easy to do business with. Sometimes customers stop by just to say Hi,” says Mock. “We know about each others’ kids, what sports they play and more. It’s personalized service for sure — old Alaska style.” Satisfied customers “NEI Fluid Technology is very responsive and supportive,” says Lew Dennis, Unocal’s lead facilities manager. “When our engineers or facilities call with a problem and need parts or help, they are right there working to make sure we have what’s needed, whether it’s maintenance, parts or new products.”
Valdez Marine Terminal Measurement Specialist Harold Gray reports, “I am very pleased with the level of service from Lee and Kathryn; they are very friendly and want to please their customers … I think the world of them both. They’ve only been repping Smith Meters for about a year, but so far all’s well. They are willing to learn and want to do a good job.”
NEI has been serving the aviation industry for over 20 years. Hugh Brodigan, maintenance shop lead at Alaska Fuel Service Co./Aircraft Services International Group for 16 years, says,” NEI has wonderful service and wonderful products. We’ve been dealing with them for 20 years. They are definitely service-oriented. A lot of companies in my industry won’t deal direct, so without NEI we’d in a fix!” Overcoming the odds Because the company is small and woman-owned in a dominantly male industry, they are hungrier and more driven to please, according to Russell. “It forces us to be more knowledgeable about the products we sell and service. I feel that many people would be surprised to know the depth of our abilities. We would look forward to meeting with anyone who has an interest in learning about the company and the products we sell. We intend to be one-stop local Alaska shopping for our niche in the industries we service.”
Editor’s note: Susan Braund owns Firestar Media Services in Anchorage, Alaska.
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