Leadership Team
President & CEO Rai P. Bhargava
Bhargava started his professional career in 1970s at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company (MichCon), the largest natural gas distribution utility in Michigan. He became Vice President of Marketing, and President of MichCon Trading Company. In early 1990s, he was instrumental in starting MCN Investment Corporation (“MCNIC”) to diversify the company into unregulated energy businesses.
Bhargava became President and CEO of MCNIC and grew the company to an asset base of over $3 billion, comprised of oil and gas exploration and production, natural gas gathering and processing, power generation and distribution, underground storage and energy marketing. The company’s exploration and production assets were spread from Michigan, Appalachian and Powder River basins to Rocky Mountains, Mid-Continent, and Gulf Coast. The pipeline, gathering and processing assets were in Michigan, Appalachia, Offshore Gulf of Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and the Rocky Mountain region. Power generation and distribution assets were both domestic and international.
Bhargava left MCNIC in 1998 to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. He developed and led a series of businesses including the ones in ethanol production, underground storage, processing and pipelines, and natural gas and power marketing..
Bhargava holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in finance.
Chief Operating Officer Manouch Daneshvar Ph.D., P.E
Dr. Daneshvar has over 30 years of experience in managing, developing, and operating chemical processing and energy assets.
In 1990s, he worked for MCN Investment Corporation (“MCNIC”) a wholly owned subsidiary of MCN Energy Group, Inc. (“NYSE MCN), where he was Vice President of MCNIC’s Oil and Gas and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Division.
Starting in late 1990s, he began working for CMS Gas Transmission Company, a wholly owned non-regulated subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation (“CMS”), as Vice President of CMS Gas Transmission Australia, and Executive Director of International and Midstream Assets. He was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Southern Cross Pipelines Australia” and a member of the Board of Directors of “CMS Gas Transmission, Australia”.
In 2003, Dr. Daneshvar joined affiliate companies of Pristine Alcohol, LLC where he oversaw the construction, start up and operation of an ethanol production facility. He was also responsible for operational activities of the largest natural gas liquids storage facility in Midwest, the largest natural gas processing and gathering assets in Michigan, and an energy trading firm marketing over 200 BCF of natural gas per year.
Dr. Daneshvar holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and is nationally and internationally recognized with over 15 U.S. and international patents and over 30 published papers and presentations. He is listed in “Who is Who in Engineering” Ninth Edition and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan.
Operations Manager Aric Metevia
Vice President, Gen. Counsel Vincent J. Brennan
Since 2000 Vince has been a member of the leadership team that has purchased, operated, sold and developed multiple companies in the production, midstream and marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids and fuels. In this role, he oversees company’s legal matters, provides advice on business matters and manages company’s H.R. activities. He holds a similar role at Marysville Ethanol LLC, a fuel ethanol manufacturing facility in Marysville, Michigan. Prior to 2000 Vince was a principal in Seger Financial which was an investment advisory and brokerage firm in Birmingham, MI.
Vince holds a B.A. from John Carroll University and a J.D. from Detroit College of Law
Controller Joseph E. Moradian
Joe joined Pristine Alcohol LLC’s predecessor companies in 2001 as Manager of Accounting Services and held positions of increasing responsibilities throughout the years. He is currently Controller of Pristine Alcohol LLC as well as its sister company, Marysville Ethanol LLC. In this role, he is responsible for all finance, accounting and administrative functions. He has provided financing, due diligence and divestiture advice in acquiring and divesting many assets in processing and energy space. He works closely with financial institutions on behalf of the companies. Joe holds a B.A. degree in finance with concentration in economics from Walsh College.
Sales Team
Sales Consultant Brian Testa
After graduating from Wooster College with a BS in Biology, Brian began his career at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) as a Pathologist Assistant. He then transitioned to Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) as an Inside Sales Representative, where he was responsible for West Coast Sales and business development. At Thermo Fisher, Brian excelled in driving customer sales, ensuring growth and satisfaction, and optimizing contract pricing and logistics expenses.
In 2009, Brian founded Sano Scientific, a scientific supply and distribution company specializing in laboratory chemicals, buffers, and consumables. In 2012, Sano Scientific merged with Equinox Chemicals as EQX Scientific. Over his 11-year tenure at Equinox Chemicals, Brian played a crucial role in business development, expansion, branding, logistics, sourcing, and forming strategic partnerships for long-term growth.
In 2015, Brian launched RightPath Brands, which operates as RightPath Industries and RightPath Medical Diagnostics. RightPath Industries has become a respected national bulk chemical distributor, particularly noted for its ethanol products. Brian’s comprehensive expertise spans all facets of business operations, including branding, packaging, sourcing, and logistics, with a strong focus on cost-saving models to increase profits.
Known for his innovative problem-solving skills and out-of-the-box thinking, Brian has built a reputation as a trusted industry leader. His proven track record and strategic acumen make him a valuable consultant for any organization looking to achieve exceptional results.
Sales Consultant Adrian Biesecker
I graduated from Dickinson College with a BS in Economics and have since built a robust career spanning over two decades in the chemical manufacturing and water solutions industries. My journey has been marked by strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a relentless commitment to innovation.
BBC Biochemical Corporation
As COO, I optimized production processes, managed supply chain logistics, and ensured compliance with cGMP and ISO standards. Promoted to President, I led strategic direction and business development, forged key partnerships, and secured vital investments. My leadership contributed to the successful sale of BBC Biochemical to StatLab Medical Products in March 2020, cementing our legacy as a pioneer in healthcare chemical manufacturing.
TruClear Water Solutions
Currently, I serve as the Business Development Manager at TruClear Water Solutions, where I drive growth by developing strategic partnerships, expanding our client base, and creating tailored solutions. I lead sales initiatives, analyze market trends, and collaborate with technical teams to deliver innovative water treatment solutions.
Extra Equity Investments
Drawing on my extensive experience, I founded Extra Equity Investments, a consulting firm dedicated to driving business growth. Our team specializes in uncovering hidden opportunities, enhancing organizational performance, and fostering continuous improvement. At Extra Equity, we believe diverse perspectives are key to unlocking your business’s full potential and achieving sustainable success.
Strategy Consultant Jairemy Drooger
Jairemy Drooger is a co-founder and the CEO of CT Assist, a nationwide cardiac surgery healthcare staffing company. He is the founder of MSL Consulting an organization that supports small to midsize businesses and nonprofits with strategy, alignment and internal operating systems. Jairemy is also a co-founder of The WellMent Company an employee engagement and well-being organization. Jairemy holds an MBA and has decades of experience in the regulated spaces of healthcare, food, pharmaceutical, and chemical. Jairemy is passionate about aligning people with purpose and creatively solving problems to drive revenue.
Business Development Consultant Isaac DiGennaro
Isaac DiGennaro combines a scientific mindset with entrepreneurial drive to solve complex problems. With over eight years of experience, he has built and scaled operations in manufacturing, conservation, and cross-sector consulting. Through systems thinking with scientific foundation, Isaac applies analytical rigor to drive growth and innovation. He thrives at the intersection of strategy and operations, creating systems that empower organizations to achieve measurable impact.