Leadership

Our Founder & CEO

Mechanical engineer Colin Huwyler’s ten-year passion for improving and then building biofuel systems for light-duty vehicles led to the launch of Optimus Technologies in 2010.

A veteran of the renewable fuels industry, prior to Optimus, Colin founded Fossil Free Fuel and was previously the Director of Research and Technology at Steel City Biofuels.

Colin holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a co-inventor on several Optimus patents.

The Team

Our team is passionate about helping our customers decarbonize their operations without any interruptions. We are made up of talented engineers, go-to-market pros, and operators who work together to push the boundaries of what’s possible and make a positive impact on the world.

Gavin Crain

Controller

Gavin is responsible for keeping track of all the debits & credits and dollars & cents into and out of the company. With over 20 years of experience as an accounting professional and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, he is well suited for the job.

All his efforts support the carbon emission reduction goals that Optimus has set and he hopes to leave to leave the world a little better than he found it.

When Gavin isn’t working at Optimus, he can be found spending time with his family, playing disc golf, hiking, snowboarding or whitewater kayaking somewhere just outside of Pittsburgh, PA.

Amy DiBartola

Director of Human Resources

Amy is responsible for leading the People Operations Strategy at Optimus. She has over 20 years of strategic HR experience in leadership roles spanning multiple industries. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh, a Masters in HR from Penn State, and a Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification from Brown University. Additionally, she is both SPHR and SHRM-SCP Certified, and has been a member of the Association for Talent Development since 2015 when she began championing leadership development initiatives.

When not working, Amy can be found enjoying the outdoors alongside her two rescue dogs, engaged in adventure travel, reading a good book, or enjoying delicious foods.

Jon Ewing

Director of Engineering

Jon is responsible for Optimus’ engineering and operations teams. He is the co-inventor for many of the Optimus patents, including The Vector System.

He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science from the University of Pittsburgh and spent four years in an Army Special Operations Unit. Jon would rather focus on fueling for the transportation sector above ground on US soil than fight for oil dominance in foreign wars.

He enjoys the challenges of his job and the camaraderie of the team. In his free time, Jon likes cycling, archery, and spending time with family.

Steve Laich

Director of Production

Prior to joining Optimus, Steve was Operations Director, Manager, or Vice President at several startups, most recently at EOS – Hi Power Energy Storage System. Steve has extensive knowledge in strategic planning, Employee Health & Safety, Lean Manufacturing Principles, KATA, and supply chain management. He has brokered lease agreements, commissioned and commercialized new manufacturing sites and methods, and executed mergers and acquisitions.

When not working, Steve builds primitive furniture, blacksmiths, restores cars, and explores with wife, Donna, and grandchildren.

Kirk Roller

VP of Commercialization

Kirk is responsible for the commercial aspects of Optimus’ business including managing the sales team, customer success, and partnerships. He holds a BBA from University of Texas at Austin.

He was drawn to Optimus as the company announced 500 trucks on the road at the end of 2023. The need for carbon reduction has never been greater. The value proposition at Optimus allows most companies the lowest cost option for serious carbon reduction.

Outside of work Kirk enjoys spending time with his family and getting out for an occasional fly fishing trip.

Careers

It’s fun to do good. Want to join us?

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