I created Neil A Burns LLC in 2006 to help people achieve their full potential - in business, as managers and as human beings. Of course I didn’t say that at the time as it sounded and still does sound, just a wee bit pretentious. Nonetheless that’s our mission - to help you reach your full potential. And I don’t mind being perfectly clear about that today. Back then, I had experience on one corporate board, Pilot Chemical, a very successful family owned surfactant company, where I was also VP Marketing. I also served on a non-profit, private school board. I was, at the time, setting up US Operations for an Indian oleochemical and consumer goods company, VVF. The company imported detergent alcohols and fatty acids and we set about making soap after acquiring a plant from Colgate in Kansas City. In 2007, I did something similar for Oxiteno, the Brazilian company, setting up US operations, importing from Brazil and Mexico and setting the stage for the current footprint which includes a large alkoxylation asset in Texas. In 2009, I collaborated with private equity company GenNx 360 to carve out the specialty silicones business of Clariant. We set it up as an independent chemicals company, Sivance, and sold it to Milliken after 2 years. Also at that time, I started our relationship with Ballestra sPa of Italy to bring the leading specialty chemical process technology to North America. In 2011, along with 2 Yale Scientists, I co-founded the green chemistry company, P2 Science. Over a period of 12 years we raised equity from major strategic and financial investors including Chanel and BASF. We also built a plant and established world class marketing reach across all continents. Since stepping down from the CEO role, in 2023, I continue to support the company with counsel and investment. Also in 2011, the ICIS / Neil A Burns joint venture launched our first World Surfactants Conference in New Jersey. Since then I have produced over 35 conferences in the US, Europe, Singapore and India, and chaired every one. I also teach a business essentials course in collaboration with ICIS that seeks to enable managers to realized their own and their company's full potential in the surfactant value chain. In recent years I have been privileged to serve on the board of another privately owned surfactant company and to participate in the buyout of a rail services company, with PE funds, Hilltop Private Capital and PNC Private Equity. Today, with Palladium Equity’s Heritage Fund, where I am an operating partner, I continue to look for industrial investment opportunities. Current interests remain rooted in specialty chemicals, particularly surfactants, where I provide advice to several technology leaders. My work in AI and machine learning also supports growth in the chemicals sector. Finally, the blog. The monthly surfactants blog reaches over 3,000 subscribers and is the primary vehicle via which I communicate not just news but the values and philosophy which inform my business interests.