4 Minutes With…Sam Yenne, CEO, Maverick Synfuels

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

Maverick Synfuels is about converting low value feedstocks into petroleum replacing chemicals and fuels. What makes Maverick unique is our Spoke and Hub deployment model. First we focus on small-scale modular gas to methanol plants. From there we will vertically integrate into additional feedstocks and converting methanol to higher value products.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

My primary role is to guide Maverick Synfuels into a sustainable company. Advances on a number of fronts are required:
– Launch Maverick Oasis product line and achieve deployment goals.
– Continue advances in demonstrating Maverick’s technologies for future plants and products.
– Facilitate policy development towards cleaner environments and reduced dependence upon petroleum.
– Assist the industry by being successful.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

Commercial success with a number of chemicals and fuels. Nothing will advance the industry like success. The industry needs to start with small milestones, focus on niche markets and continue to build the industry one success at a time. The opportunities are immense and there is no one single solution.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change?

Consistency in all policies toward renewable chemicals, fuels, and energy. Inconsistent policies or programs at all levels of government that favor one technology or product over another through government programs create additional challenges for all of us that are attempting to bring petroleum replacing products to commercial success.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?

My entire career is directed towards protecting the environment while being very practical towards societal needs. For example,increase food production through a strong balance of cultural practices with use of modern technologies. The same concepts hold true for the Bioeconomy – balance environmental stewardship with the energy needs of society.

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Idaho. In many ways this really shaped who I am and had a big influence on my desires to protect the environment while advancing societal needs. There is no one industry focused on sustainability like agriculture. Look at the lessons learned from the dust bowl era.

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway? 

I’m one of those that couldn’t get enough education. I have a BS in Soil Science from the U. of ID. On top of that I have an MS and PhD in Plant Physiology from the U. of ID and Va Tech, respectively. I also have an MBA from Duke. These degrees are consistent with my desire to protect the environment while providing positive benefits to mankind.

Who do you consider your mentors. What have you learned from them?

I have to start with my parents – they’ve instilled in me a work ethic, desire to learn and character that is the basis for everything I’ve achieved. From there, I have to include all of my teachers, formal and informal, for without knowledge there would have been no foundation for me to build from. And they’ve all encouraged me to take what I know and build something that has a positive impact on the world.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

Remain calm, think, create a good solution, and work hard. The team can create a better solution than any one person. And lead by example.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry? 

I enjoy building things; thus, one of my big hobbies is woodworking – everything from building a house to furniture.

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?

Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond. This book drives home the message that societies that learn to adapt and effectively use the available resources are more likely to flourish.

The Plan B series by Lester Brown reinforces the concept that thinking and acting locally can have major worldwide impact.

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

I currently live in NC and all of my and my wife’s family is in Idaho. With the ability to visit family and all of the outdoor activity opportunities in Idaho, this is my favorite place to visit.