Executive Profile

Executive Profile Marina Centeno-Cassin

US Representative, ADS Laminaire/Flow Air Filters

Marina Centeno‑Cassin, is the US manager of ADS Air Filters, distribution branch of the French‑Israeli companies ADS Laminaire and Flow Air Filters. She grew up in France and received a Master degree in International business at INSEEC in Paris. She moved to the USA in 2009 to establish ADS business in the United States and Canada. She has been married with Luis Centeno since 2014 and co‑ founded with him two gyms in Chicago “Fit‑Results”. Luis and Marina have two little girls : Margot, 4 and Louanne, 2.

“Professional groups like NAFA are really important to create your network. Try to be part of many of those groups as possible.”

How did you get your start in the filter industry?

I was hired by ADS to start the business in the USA. I moved in the USA in 2009 and started with analyzing the market for our products. We concluded after finding our 1st client in 2009 that there was a market for us. Since, I have been working for ADS and managing our US office.

How do you motivate your employees?

Today I am working alone but have daily interaction with our French and Israeli staff. ADS is a family-oriented company which is making it a very friendly working environment. Because of the structure, our staff is free to take initiatives and talk freely with all managers whatever their position is. We give opportunities to all employees to grow in the company.

Did you have a business mentor and if so, who is/was it?

I work hand to hand with Bernard Bijaoui who is one of the owners of the company. He passed on a large part of his experience to me, leaving me the choice of personal initiatives.

In the last 10 years, I have met a lot of inspiring people in our industry who thought me a lot too.

What’s the best piece of business advice anyone ever gave you?

One of the best advices was “to not be shy”. Finding the confidence when I started at first in the USA wasn’t easy. The company I represented was unknown in the US and I was starting in this business. Finding my voice and being proud to represent my company, enable me to put my print in this industry. I think this advice is important for any type of industry. Being humble is necessary but not shy is the key for success.

What is the most challenging aspect in the running your company?

The most challenging aspect is to establish a real partnership with our distributors, based on full confidence. Our partners must be sure of the quality of our products and technical support.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the air filtration industry currently faces?

The many competitors who will sell filters on price and not on quality. When you produce quality product by are smaller to the biggest actor so you can’t sell your product for the same price but due to the work in term of quality, you can’t produce for a very low, low price. Finding the balance is not always easy.

Do you have any words of wisdom for up and coming filter professionals?

Professional groups like NAFA are really important to create your network. Try to be part of many of those groups as possible.

How has your company benefited from NAFA membership?

Thanks to NAFA we were able to meet the right actors of the filter industry in the USA when we started in 2009. We build a strong network thanks to the association. NAFA is a good association to stay informed about our industry market and evolution in term of norms, instructions and moving actors.■

ADS Laminaire and Flow Air Filters are French/Israeli manufacturers of air cleaning solutions (hoods, cleanrooms) and HEPA filters. Our US office ADS Air Filters distributes the brands in the USA and Canada since 2009.

In the next 5 years we want to continue expending our US presence and business. We want to continue to offer highest quality filters (Israel technology with the French touch) for a fair price.

Features

• Low Pressure Drop

Comparable to other Kitchen

Exhaust Filters

• Use in Existing Air Handlers or New Systems

• Available in a Variety of Sizes: 20” x 24” x 4” 16” x 20” x 4”

• Filled with XB-17 for

Removing Odors Such As:  Oils & Greases  Cooked Herbs & Species  Burned Food  Smoke  Fried Food  Odorous Fumes

Captured Air Kitchen Exhaust Filter

The Captured Air Kitchen Filter is designed for removing odors from kitchens. This filter removes smoke, grease, and other odors commonly found in commercial kitchens.

Inside the filter is Hydrosil’s odor control media also known as XB-17. XB-17 contains active potassium permanganate and activated carbon for effective removal of odors. For unique applications, a custom blend may also be used. A gasket may be installed surrounding the frame of the filter to ensure a tight seal against the air handling unit. This filter can be installed indoors or outdoors air handling units. By arranging the filters in a v-bank configuration, as shown to the left, you will increase filter area and reduce static pressure.

Call us for solutions to your gas phase pollutants

Please contact Hydrosil International Ltd. or your local distributor