About
At Kaiterra Fire Systems, fire retardant is not a product line, it is our sole focus. Unlike larger suppliers that operate across multiple chemical markets and product categories, we are dedicated exclusively to the development and advancement of long-term fire retardants. As a privately held startup company without legacy business lines or competing priorities, our resources, innovation, and decision-making are entirely aligned with one objective: delivering high-performance, reliable retardant solutions for the wildland fire community and the surrounding environment.
Our team is made up of seasoned industry professionals with hands-on experience supporting aerial firefighting operations and ground crews. Having worked directly alongside the agencies and personnel we serve, we understand the operational demands, safety requirements, and performance expectations of the wildland fire environment. Through years of proven excecution, our team has earned the trust of customers by delivering reliable, consistent solutions where it matters most, on the fireline.
Executive Leadership
Paul Howes
Founder and PresidentAs Founder and President of Kaiterra Fire Systems, Paul Howes brings unparalleled domain expertise and leadership to the wildland fire suppression industry. With more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in chemical manufacturing, aerospace, and public company operations, he is uniquely qualified to scale an innovative aerial fire retardant business serving the Federal and State Wildland Fire Agencies and other critical wildfire response agencies.
Mr. Howes previously served as President and CEO of Astaris, where he oversaw the PhosChek wildland aerial fire-retardant product line for four years prior to its sale to ICL. This hands-on leadership in the development, manufacturing , and delivery of aerial fire retardants gives him deep insight into the technical, regulatory, and operational demands of the industry.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Howes held key roles at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), contributing to the Space Shuttle Program, tactical weapons systems, and advanced targeting and navigation pods for F-16 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft. This aerospace background reinforced his commitment to the highest standards of flight safety, precision engineering, and mission-critical performance.
From 2006 to 2022, Mr. Howes served as President and CEO of Newpark Resources, Inc. (NYSE:NR), a publicly traded company where he led significant growth and operational transformation. Under his leadership, Newpark was named by Fortune Magazine as one of America's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in America.
Tom Davis
Chief Operating OfficerTom brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the chemical industry, having held senior operational, manufacturing, and supply chain positions with leading global chemical companies. He possesses a rare combination of technical expertise and hands-on industry knowledge, making him one of the few professionals with extensive experience in the wildland and aerial long-term fire retardant industry.
During his career, Tom led the development of global operations and supply chain organizations for the world's largest supplier of aerial long-term fire retardants, helping establish and scale a stand-alone business serving government and commercial wildfire suppression agencies. Prior to his work in the fire retardant industry, Tom held senior leadership roles with DuPont, CP Kelco, and Monsanto.
Robert Crouch
Vice President Research DevelopmentDr. Robert Crouch serves as Vice President of Product Development at Kaiterra Fire Systems, bringing over 30 years of experience in wildland fire retardant chemistry and formulation science. He has led the development and qualification of multiple long-term fire-retardant products, guiding them from early-stage laboratory research through U.S. Forest Service testing and full commercial approval.
Dr. Crouch is a recognized expert in regulatory strategy and product qualification, serving as the primary technical authority on U.S. Forest Service submissions, testing coordination, and compliance with Wildland Fire Chemicals specifications. He has authored and secured multiple U.S. patents covering innovative retardant formulations, performance-enhancing additives, and application methods.
At Kaiterra, he leads all aspects of retardant product development, directing cross-functional teams across chemistry, quality, regulatory, and field operations to align development with commercial and operational goals. He oversees USFS submissions, testing, and regulatory documentation, and has driven the successful qualification and market approval of several proprietary retardant products.
Simi John
Laboratory Manager and Product ScientistAs Laboratory Manager and Product Scientist at Kaiterra Fire Systems, Simi John plays a key role in the develoment, testing, and qualification of next-generation wildland fire retardant products. She brings more than 10 years of hands-on experience across pharmaceutical manufacturing, advanced powder coatings, formulation development, process optimization, corrosion testing, product performance, and scale-up for industrial and specialty chemical applications.
Simi holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University, with a minor in Business Administration. Her technical background and applied laboratory experience give her a strong foundation in formulation science, material performance, and quality-driven product development.
At Kaiterra, Simi leads laboratory operations and supports the full product development lifecycle, including formulation optimization, corrosion testing, pigment integration, raw material qualification, and field-ready application development. She also contributes to supply chain coordination and quality alignment to help ensure consistent product performance.
Her multidisciplinary expertise in chemical engineering, coatings, formulation development, and corrosion science supports Kaiterra's mission to deliver reliable, high-performance fire-retardant solutions for wildfire response.
Core Values
Integrity
We believe integrity is the foundation of trust, both within our team and with everyone we serve. It’s not just a value — it’s a daily commitment to honesty, transparency, and ethical action in all situations. At Kaiterra, we never sacrifice integrity for the sake of results.
Accountability
We believe in using good judgement and taking responsibility for our actions. We believe that to be successful in the long term, we must all be accountable to each other, our customers, our Company. Accountability means owning our actions and doing our part to ensure Kaiterra’s success.
Respect
We treat every person with dignity, kindness, and genuine regard — regardless of role, background, or perspective. Respect is the foundation of strong relationships and a thriving culture. At Kaittera it means valuing diverse ideas, listening with empathy, and creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated.
Safety
Safety is non-negotiable. Protecting each other like family while sustaining the environment in which we work. Our commitment goes beyond compliance – it’s about creating a safe environment for our employees, communities, and customers. From safety training to sustainable practices, we’re dedicated to delivering excellence and protecting what matters most.
Excellence
Providing unique value through innovation and outstanding customer service.