Key Personnel Resumes

Gary Backe, CEO / President / Founder

Mr. Backe brings 35 years of petroleum industry experience to Tank Specialists of California. As the founder and state license qualifier for our organization, Mr. Backe is responsible for all operations; including field and administrative operations. As the backbone of Tanks Specialists, Mr. Backe lends his extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise of the fuel system industry to his wide array of clients. Last but not least, Mr. Backe is one of only 83 professionals in his field to qualify for and hold a current state tank and line testing certification. 

Estee Backe, COO / Co-Founder

Mrs. Backe’s varied background includes 31 years of accounting, communication, training and education, and general administrative experience. Her experience proved crucial to the creation of our accounting and management structure, and she continues to play an important role in our ongoing client communication. Although Mrs. Backe no longer works with Tanks Specialists full-time, she continues to provide consultation and guidance for our organization. 

Ralph Bouknight, Construction Manager

Throughout the course of his 41 year career in the fuel system industry, Mr. Bouknight has acquired a deep and thorough knowledge of fuel systems, their components, and troubleshooting processes. Additionally, Mr. Bouknight is responsible for all field activities; including pre-construction planning, procurement of related parts and equipment, scheduling with regulatory agencies, as well as addressing all field related quality assurance issues. 

Javier Soto, Testing and Maintenance Manager

Mr. Soto started with Tank Specialists of California in 2009, and since has amassed a wealth of knowledge over the course of his career. As our Compliance Testing Supervisor, Mr. Soto maintains the majority of our technical testing and manufacturer equipment certifications. As a Testing Supervisor, Mr. Soto performs and supervises our monitoring certification, as well as our leak detection, CARB, and SB989 compliance testing. Along with his three technicians, Mr. Soto provides Designated Operator services. 

Rita Aguilar, Office Manager

Ms. Aguilar is a well-seasoned veteran when it comes to construction specific accounting and administrative work. As our Office Manager, Ms. Aguilar is responsible for all accounts payable and receivable, progressive billing, prelims, and lien releases. Additionally, she manages all workers compensation, general liability, and auto insurance accounts. 

David Hollenbeck, Account / Compliance Manager

Mr. Hollenbeck started in this field in 1996 and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in our field. As a technical and regulatory compliance expert, Mr. Hollenbeck is responsible for environmental compliance and is our primary liaison between our clients and regulatory agency inspectors. Mr. Hollenbeck’s responsibilities include maintenance of CERS accounts, preparation of SPCC plans, and PE assessments Mr. Hollenbeck is also responsible for developing business relationships with current and prospective customers.

Carlos Silva, Project Manager / CAD and permit Coordinator

With over 24 years in his area of expertise, Mr. Silva provides project management for all of Tank Specialists construction projects and works closely with our construction manager. In addition, Mr. Silva’s responsibilities include CAD design and permit procurement services for all our Construction, Testing and Maintenance clients.

Adalberto Albino, Field Supervisor

Mr. Albino began his career in the fuel system industry with Tank Specialists in 2004. As one of our Field Supervisors, Mr. Albino is responsible for supervising Tank Specialists field activities including construction and maintenance services. Mr. Albino is an ICC certified system installer, certified weights and measures technician and is qualified to calibrate gasoline and diesel dispensers.

Giovani Garcia, Testing and Maintenance Technician

Mr. Garcia began his career in the fuel system industry with Tank Specialists in 2018. As a testing and Maintenance technician, Mr. Garcia is responsible for maintaining a variety of customer equipment. He is a certified weights and measures technician and is qualified to calibrate gasoline and diesel dispensers. Additionally, Mr. Garcia supervises our fuel filtration and polishing services.

Justin Woodfill, Field Supervisor

Mr. Woodfill began his career in the fuel system industry in 2020. As one of our Field Supervisors, Mr. Woodfill is responsible for supervising and managing Tank Specialists field activities including construction and maintenance services. Mr Woodfill is an ICC certified system installer and state certified welder.

Company Certifications