Frank Farish
Founder & President
Frank began his chemical career in sales for Occidental Chemical, followed by a move to Olin Chemical where he handled a diverse product mix that included phosphates, amines, glycol and glycol ethers, ammonia, sulfuric, and chlor-alkali products. In 1987, Frank began managing Olin’s chlor-alkali business segment, including their dry caustic soda business, eventually adding management of the chlorine and hydrochloric acid businesses as well.
In 1993, Frank transitioned from chemical producer to chemical distributor when he joined Delmarva Chemicals Inc. as a partner in the regionally-based caustic soda business. Frank led the merger of Delmarva with GFI Chemicals in 1997 which eventually merged with Basic Chemical Solutions in 2002. This larger platform for chlor-alkali products allowed Frank to drive the caustic soda and caustic potash business across North America. Joining BCS International Group in 2006, Frank developed relationships with global producers. This foundation of world-class suppliers led Frank to create Connection Chemical, LP and build a team of professionals to support his vision–a company focused on connecting customers to trusted chemical suppliers offering quality, consistency and value.
Frank holds a degree in Chemistry from Clemson University.
Carl Martin
Partner & Sr. Vice President (Western Region)
Carl began his chemical career with Solvay in 1992, after a prosperous 4 years with Owens Corning Fiberglas. Carl managed the Southeast region and later the Midwest and Western Canadian regions for Solvay Minerals before moving to the Solvay corporate offices in Houston.
While in Houston, Carl progressed from Eastern Regional Manager to National Sales Manager of the Specialty Products Business and was later promoted to General Manager of the Solvay Performance Chemicals Business Unit, the unit responsible for imports within Solvay Chemicals.
In 2003, Carl departed Solvay to develop an import chemical business for a privately held plastics importer. During this time he traveled internationally, developing relationships with world class chemical manufacturers. Carl joined Connection Chemical as a partner and Senior Vice President, Western Region in October 2010.
Carl holds a business degree from Miami University (Oxford, OH) and an MBA from The University of Houston’s C. T. Bauer College of Business.
Samuel J. McGinness
Partner & Sr. Vice President (Eastern Region)
Sam grew up in the chemical distribution business. He worked at the family business during school breaks and summer recess. Sam began his business career as a regional sales representative for Chloramone, Inc. based in Emmaus, PA. (Kuehne Chemical).
In 1989 Sam joined Delmarva Chemicals, Inc., as a salesman covering the Mid-Atlantic States. His market focus was primarily Liquid Caustic Soda, Potassium Hydroxide, and Hydrochloric Acid. Sam became a partner when Delmarva merged with GFI in 1997. The GFI/Delmarva strategic alliance brought a powerful combination of international supply and local sales knowledge that supported national market growth. Sam led the national sales effort into the Midwest and West Coast and added products including sulfuric acid, sodium bi-sulfite, and phosphoric acid to the company’s portfolio. Realizing the need for a larger platform on chlor-alkali products, GFI merged with Basic Chemical Solutions in 2002. Sam’s role expanded to include National/Strategic Accounts while continuing to manage East Coast Regional sellers. His development of long-term strategic supply contracts with a diverse customer base was an integral component of the growth and expansion of the GFI Chemicals and BCS.
Sam departed BCS in December 2010 during the Univar acquisition. He reunited his partnership with Frank Farish and Mark Leffler and joined Connection Chemical, LP as Vice President (Eastern Region) in 2011.
Sam graduated from The Hill School in 1983 and Bucknell University in 1987.
Jessica Fegan
Senior Director of Quality & Operations
Similar to Mr. McGinness, Jessica grew up in the chemical distribution business. Her career in the industry officially began in 2008 when she joined her family’s chemical distribution company, Technichem, Inc. Jessica gained significant experience marketing inorganic chemicals and chlor-alkali products to a variety of industries throughout the United States and Canada. During her time with Technichem, Inc., Jessica’s responsibilities included developing and cultivating relationships with both domestic and international suppliers, market research and new business development, strategic account management, and the development and implementation of the company’s Responsible Distribution program, a third party verified quality management system.
An established colleague of Frank and Sam, Jessica joined Connection Chemical, LP in 2014 as Director of Quality & Operations, bringing advanced process management skills and regulatory compliance expertise to the growing organization.
Jessica was selected to participate in the inaugural class of the National Association of Chemical Distributors’ (NACD) Emerging Leaders program and currently serves on the NACD Board of Directors as President of the Northeast Region. In addition to holding other professional certificates and required trainings, Jessica is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and an MBA from Rutgers University.