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For Kimberlyn Hooker, success has never been about taking the easy route; it’s been about showing up, working hard, and continuously learning along the way. A native of Brookhaven, Mississippi, Kimberlyn’s journey with Continental Carbonic Products, a MATHESON company, began back in 2007 in one of the most hands-on roles possible: washing trucks and trailers on the weekends. What started as a part-time job quickly grew into a career built on dedication, growth, and leadership.

Do a job you want to work, not a job you have to work.

Kimberlyn

After just a short time, Kimberlyn applied for an open Safety position, which was her first step into a more technical side of operations. From there, she advanced through several roles, including Assistant Operator and Shift Operator, proving her adaptability and commitment to learning each step of the process. Though she briefly stepped away in 2011 for personal reasons, she returned in 2018 ready to take on new challenges. Kimberlyn became Weekend Production Manager, then Assistant Distribution Manager, a role she held for five years before achieving a major milestone: being named Plant Manager in December 2024.

Kimberlyn’s path wasn’t always straightforward, and she admits that when she first started, she didn’t know much about dry ice or its many uses. But curiosity quickly turned into passion. “The more I collaborated with it, the more I wanted to learn,” she recalls. That drive to understand and improve not only led her to success within Continental Carbonic but also inspired her to further her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2021 and a master’s degree in 2023.

In her current role, Kimberlyn’s mornings begin with greeting her team, an intentional moment that sets the tone for the day. She checks in on her employees, makes sure safety remains the top priority, and reminds everyone that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. “My proudest accomplishment has been turning the morale of my team around,” she says. “I pride myself on being fair and treating everyone with respect.” That leadership style, grounded in empathy and teamwork, defines her approach to managing the plant and reflects the company’s values of respect, fairness, and commitment.

Outside of work, Kimberlyn enjoys trail rides, football, fishing, movies, and spending time with family and friends. But even in her downtime, her leadership mindset shines through. 

She values collaboration and shared decision-making even when interviewing new candidates. “Instead of one person making the decision, I include two production managers in the process,” she explains. “That way, everyone’s perspective is heard.” Her advice to others reflects the same thoughtful approach that has guided her career: “Do a job you want to work, not a job you have to work. Never stop learning.” For Kimberlyn, that’s more than advice; “it’s the Continental way.”

For Kansas City native and proud Chiefs fan Tristan Owen, engineering has always been about solving puzzles. After earning his degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas, he launched his career in air separation, first as a plant engineer and later as a plant manager. Two years ago, Tristan joined MATHESON as a ROC Process Engineer in the Irving office. He was drawn by the company’s close-knit culture and the chance to broaden his expertise across multiple plants.

The smartest person in the room knows that the more they know, the less they know. Keep asking questions.

Tristan

In his role, Tristan thrives on variety. His days range from crunching numbers on efficiency projects and developing startup procedures to troubleshooting plant upsets and keeping systems stable. “It keeps me on my toes and makes me feel like a private investigator,” he remarked. What he enjoys most, though, is training new operators in the ROC, saying, “I enjoy being able to teach people what I know, and I feel like I try to make real-world correlations to everything.”

Tristan recalls a particularly memorable challenge early on, helping troubleshoot an unusual system issue that tested his problem-solving skills. “I’ll never forget that day,” he laughs. “It was tough, but it taught me a lot.” Those high-pressure problem-solving moments, combined with opportunities to collaborate across teams keep him engaged and growing at MATHESON.

Outside of work, Tristan’s hobbies change often. He’s built a motorcycle, tried his hand at archery, and most recently caught the golf bug thanks to coworkers. He also enjoys time with his girlfriend and their puppy, Millie. 

His advice for new employees is simple: don’t hesitate to ask questions. “The smartest person in the room knows that the more they know, the less they know. Keep asking questions.”  With that mindset, Tristan continues to bring curiosity, collaboration, and passion to everything he does at MATHESON.

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions:

For more than two decades, Anthony Gravino has been behind the wheel as a hazmat driver, navigating busy highways, backroads, and everything in between. Thirteen years ago, he made the move to MATHESON, seeking the opportunities and stability that come with working for a larger company. Joining the team as a driver was a decision that would not only shape his career but also give him the balance he values most: time with his family.

It’s a good feeling to know you’ve made a real difference.

Anthony

Anthony’s workdays are anything but ordinary. His routes take him across the tri-state area, delivering welding, cryogenic, and residential propane gases, as well as hard goods, to MATHESON’s customers. Each delivery comes with the responsibility of safely transporting cylinders and bulk gases to and from the West Deptford distribution plant. Over the years, Anthony has embraced new challenges such as learning to fill cryogenic tanks, a skill outside the typical duties of most CDL hazmat drivers.

What matters most to Anthony about MATHESON is the company’s “safety first” mindset, especially the right of refusal policy. “Not many companies will allow you to take a minute and figure out a safer way to do the job without ending up hurt…or worse,” he says. That dedication to safety nurtures a strong sense of teamwork, as drivers, managers, and customers work together to solve problems and prevent hazards.

Outside of work, Anthony is all about family and enjoying life’s passions. Summers are spent down the shore with his wife and two kids, and weekends on the golf course, watching the Eagles or Flyers, or working on cars. Recently, he’s been enjoying watching his kids begin playing organized sports, a new chapter he’s proud to cheer on.

Over the years, Anthony has also found meaning in moments that go beyond his job description, like responding to emergency callouts during the holidays to bring heat to a family in dire need. “It’s a good feeling to know you’ve made a real difference,” he says. 

His advice for new drivers started with listening to seasoned teammates. “They want you to succeed here,” he remarked. For Anthony, driving for MATHESON is more than just a career; it’s a chance to lead, serve, and be part of a team that looks out for one another, on and off the road.

Do you want to join the MATHESON team? Learn about all our open positions: