Robert Richter, NACE CIP Level III certified #194, has been announced as managing member by CRW Consulting & Distribution. Robert brings nearly 45 years of coating industry experience to the job. In addition to previously managing his own sandblasting and painting company, he served in various roles throughout the petrochem, rail, marine, and offshore industries. These roles include: construction coordinator for Houston Lighting & Power Company, Technical Sales and Service Manager for Valspar Mebon, Southern Regional Industrial Manager for Duron Paints and Wallcoverings, and Eastern U.S. Regional Manager for Chlor-Rid.

In his new role, Robert will manage sales for the company’s distribution of non-toxic and biodegradable metal surface preparation products that eliminate corrosion. Robert says, “I have seen many product theories come and go. I cannot be more confident in the products CRW Consulting & Distribution provides. Our surface decontamination technology is revolutionizing surface cleanliness and coating adhesion.”

Norman Petticrew boasts over 50 years of surface preparation and coating industry experience. He has held various roles throughout the petrochem, rail, marine, and offshore industries. These roles include: SME, Subject Matter Expert Valero Refinery, Meraux, LA for Coatings, Fireproofing & Insulation, Technical Sales and Service Manager for International Paint, Porter International, Ameron, and Central US Regional Manager for Chlor-Rid.

Norman manages sales for the company’s distribution of non-toxic and biodegradable metal surface preparation products that eliminate corrosion. He says, “In the early years of my involvement in the coatings industry, we didn’t have as many corrosion issues as we see today—the reason being that we were using red-lead-based coatings that did not allow the soluble salts to migrate into the steel for this to happen. With red-lead coatings being outlawed due to safety hazards of humanity, we are now forced to find other means of protecting the surfaces. Soluble salts removal and surface passivating technology have become the key to corrosion prevention. I have the honor of passing on my vast experience as one of the key professionals in this modern-day technology, teaching industry professionals about proper surface preparation in order to achieve successful coatings applications.”