Passion for Petroleum
Jerry Nessenson, ValvTect founder and fuel industry titan, retires (kind of).
LB: After 50 years in the petro-
leum industry and 30 years at the
helm of ValvTect, you are giving
up the reins of the company. Why
now and what’s next?
Nessenson: As I approached 75 years
“young,” I thought it best the company be
prepared for the next 30 years. That is why
I retired from the day-to-day operations
in June 2014. I have now founded NESS
Petroleum Marketers’ Solutions Group to
help fuel marketers improve their strategic
planning and execution.LB: In 1969 you joined Bell Fuels,
which you helped build into one
of the largest gasoline, diesel
fuel and lubricant distributors in
the U.S. How did the creation of
ValvTect marine fuel and additives come about?
Nessenson: In 1984, when the EPA announced the phase-out
of lead in gasoline, I began researching a replacement. In 1986,
I began marketing ValvTect (named for valve protection)
Lead Substitute to Bell’s gasoline distributors.LB: Why does marine fuel require a special
formulation or additive?
Nessenson: Gasoline and diesel fuel in marine applications
are exposed to more heat and moisture, and remain in the
tank longer than automotive applications. This causes
destabilization, corrosion, bacteria in diesel fuel and phase
separation in ethanol/gasoline blends. ValvTect marine fuel
additives help prevent these problems.LB: How does ValvtTect increase fuel efficiency
and economy?
Nessenson: In addition to protecting the engine, special
detergent technology contained in ValvTect Marine Gasoline
and ValvTect Marine Diesel cleans up power-robbing carbon
deposits. This increases engine efficiency for increased power
output and fuel economy.LB: How does ValvTect’s XP+ Gasoline Treatment
differ from other additives to mitigate the effects
of ethanol?
Nessenson: ValvTect Marine Gasoline Additive with
Ethanol Gasoline Treatment contains special fuel additives
to stabilize gasoline up to two years, protects against corrosion
and helps prevent harmful phase separation.LB: How did you persuade more than 700 marinas
to become ValvtTect certified marinas?
Nessenson: We educated marina operators about the need
for fuels formulated for marine engines. By supplying their
customers with ValvTect Marine Fuels versus fuels refined
for automobiles, they could reduce fuel-related engine
problems and provide a more satisfying boating experience.LB: What changes in the fuel industry will affect
the need for additives in the future?
Nessenson: With EPA-mandated ethanol gasoline and
ultra-low sulfur diesel blended with biodiesel, the changes
are already here. Marine engines will continue to need
fuels enhanced with marine-grade additives.LB: What factors contributed to your success and
longevity in the marine industry?
Nessenson: Being an avid boater for more than 40 years and in
the petroleum industry for more than 50 years, I was well aware
of fuel-related problems. By becoming involved with marine
trade associations, I showed boaters and the industry ValvTect’s
sincere commitment to making boating easy and fun.LB: What have been the most gratifying aspects of
your career thus far?
Nessenson: I’m proud of branding nearly 700 ValvTect
Marinas and achieving more than a 50 percent market share
in major marine fuel markets. I’m happy when boaters tell us
they go out of their way to purchase ValvTect Marine Fuels.
I’m also glad our marina operators report that problems
experienced with automotive brands, ethanol-blended
gasoline and ultra-low sulfur diesel are virtually eliminated.LB: We heard you spend your leisure time on your
60-foot Sea Ray, Miss-Julie. Where is she docked?
Nessenson: The Miss-Julie (named for my daughters Missy
and Julie) is docked at Southport Marina in Kenosha,
Wisconsin — one of my favorite marinas.LB: Are there any Great Lakes destinations you
would recommend?
Nessenson: There are so many! The Chicago harbors are first-rate.
The small harbor towns in Door County are great. Michigan
ports such as Saugatuck, Leland and Frankfort are also fantastic.LB: How would you sum up your career?
Nessenson: I believe I am one of the most fortunate people
in the world to have had the opportunity to do the thing I
love, in the industry I love, and with the people I love. ★grab topper from master page
PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY NESSESNSONCONTACT
Jerry Nessenson
NESS Petroleum
Marketers’ Solutions
Group
847-687-0362
[email protected]by Elizabeth AltickASK THE EXPERT
ELIZABETH ALTICK
specializes in recreational
marine, cultural and human-
interest subjects. She was
formerly executive editor
of a recreational boating
magazine.22 SEPTEMBER 2016 | LAKELANDBOATING.COMAskTheExpert_SEP16.indd 22 7/27/16 10:00 AM