Gary Finke: Driving Innovation in Air Quality Treatment while Promoting Environmental Stewardship

Gary Finke, Managing Director, CleanTeQ Aromatrix

Rapid economic growth often intersects with environmental challenges. So how do we ensure that economic progress doesn’t come at the expense of environmental health? The responsibility lies not just in the hands of governments and policymakers, but corporations and business leaders must take a proactive approach. APAC Entrepreneur spoke to Gary Finke, the Managing Director of CleanTeQ Aromatrix, a champion of energy efficiency and aligning business objectives with sustainable practices.

There is a concern, particularly in the APAC region that the strong emphasis on economic growth may stifle environmental concerns. For businesses, it could mean less focus on sustainability and environmental impact in pursuit of quick capital gains. However, when done right, integrating sustainability into the core of business operations is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage, considering the long-term viability and the growing market of environmentally conscious consumers. This is Gary’s belief and he is passionate about helping businesses across APAC in implementing solutions that align with efficient energy management and sustainable practices.

Reflecting on the market dynamics of the APAC region, Gary says, “By embedding sustainability into your business model while remaining agile and innovative in the face of evolving challenges, you can drive meaningful change and achieve success.” This approach is not just advice but a keystone that drives the success of CleanTeQ Aromatrix as well as its clients.

Commitment to Sustainability and Public Health

Driven by a profound commitment to environmental sustainability and public health, Gary Finke entered the field of air treatment systems three decades ago. In his extensive career in the industry, Gary has been successful in building and leading teams addressing the issue of air quality with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. Today, he is at the helm of CleanTeQ Aromatrix, a company that develops air treatment systems while being dedicated to promoting long-term environmental stewardship across various industries.

His early career involved collaborating with water authorities and participating in the creation of odor and ventilation standards that exposed him to the critical need for specialized expertise in this sector. “I recognized the significant impact that poor air quality and unpleasant odors have on communities and industries,” shares Gary reflecting on his early journey. To mitigate these challenges, he immersed himself in the field of odor control and air treatment engineering, where he gained hands-on experience in technical investigations, system optimization, and facility design.

The journey culminated in the creation of Aromatrix Australia in 2005, delivering air treatment projects, encompassing design, installation, commissioning, and servicing. In 2014, CleanTeQ’s Air Division and Aromatrix merged leading to the creation of CleanTeQ Aromatrix, and Gary eventually became the sole owner. This transition marked a pivotal moment in his career as he embraced the challenge of blending diverse corporate cultures while spearheading the development of innovative odor treatment solutions.

Delivering Innovative Solutions Beyond Standards

At the core of CleanTeQ Aromatrix lies a commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and excellence in service delivery. “Our mission is clear: to design and implement cutting-edge technologies that address immediate environmental concerns and promote long-term sustainability,” Gary shares.

With a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, the company develops air and odor control solutions tailored to the needs of industries across municipal services, mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors. With cutting-edge technological solutions strategically aligned with sustainability, efficiency, and service excellence, CleanTeQ Aromatrix not only exceeds environmental standards but has maintained a solid track record of customer satisfaction.

As innovators in the industry, the company has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of air treatment systems while simultaneously reducing both capital and operating costs. The increasing global emphasis on environmental regulations, demand for cleaner and healthier living conditions underscores the vast potential of air quality management. And CleanTeQ Aromatrix continues to set the bar as the leader in the field.

To stay ahead of the competition, CleanTeQ Aromatrix continuously invests in research and development, fostering a culture that encourages creative problem-solving. In addition, by working closely with clients, the firm addresses unique challenges and delivers customized solutions. “We are committed to continuous learning and evolution, ensuring our technologies remain at the forefront of sustainability,” says Gary. “By integrating advanced engineering with practical applications, we provide solutions that are both effective and economically viable,” he adds.

Innovative Problem Solving and Strategic Leadership

Whether it’s the intricacies involved in sulfide generation modeling within sewers, the complicated process of integrating two corporations, or the complexity of projects in different international landscapes, Gary admits the challenges that have tested him. “Throughout my extensive career in odor control and air treatment engineering, I have encountered numerous challenges that have tested my resolve and ingenuity,” shares Gary.

However, with innovative problem-solving and strategic leadership, he has been able to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and learning and steer the company toward innovative solutions and successful project outcomes. “I focused on fostering collaboration and aligning our strategic objectives, which was pivotal in forming a cohesive and effective organization,” says Gary, reflecting on the merging of CleanTeQ and Aromatrix. He also emphasizes the importance of adaptability, as navigating diverse regulatory environments and market dynamics has required a proactive approach.

“These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience and continuous innovation in overcoming setbacks, ultimately driving progress in the field of air quality management and odor control,” shares Gary. By embedding sustainability into CleanTeQ Aromatrix’s core business model, he ensures the company remains agile while maintaining a competitive edge. Gary also acknowledges that leading a business requires a balance between innovation and financial prudence. “While we push the boundaries of what’s possible in air treatment, we also ensure our solutions are practical, scalable, and beneficial for the industries we serve,” says Gary. 

A Legacy of Meaningful Impact

Under Gary’s leadership, CleanTeQ Aromatrix continues to expand its global footprint and strengthen its solutions. With over 400+ successfully installed facilities globally, the firm remains a leading innovator in air quality management. Capitalizing on its extensive experience, the firm continues to address emerging environmental challenges across various industries.

By investing in research and development, collaborating with major institutions, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, CleanTeQ Aromatrix is poised to play a bigger role in air quality management and a sustainable future. “Through these efforts, I hope to make a significant impact in the industry by setting new standards. Our goal is to empower industries to operate responsibly, reducing their environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency,” shares Gary. His long-term vision is to further advance emission abatement process ensuring CleanTeQ Aromatrix remains at the forefront of environmental sustainability.

Gary Finke’s story is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing challenges. His journey serves as a reminder that resilience and dedication to a noble mission can drive meaningful change. For the next generation of entrepreneurs, he emphasizes the importance of aligning business with sustainability. “Incorporating sustainability into a business model isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Companies that prioritize the environment will be the ones that thrive in the long run,” says Gary.