Why We Do What We Do
Zirconia started with the big idea that we could make global infrastructure made of concrete and steel more sustainable, safer, and virtually immortal with our new Ceramic Surface Treatment (CST) coating technology. We envision a world where this next-generation materials science, which brings forward the benefits of nano-scale ceramic particles and quantum mechanics, creates a never-before-seen level of improved performance and durability in both infrastructure and the built environment in general.
Zirconia is an advanced materials technology company that makes Ceramic Surface Treatment coatings. We are the first company to invent a ceramic coating that chemically bonds to the surface of concrete and steel, encapsulating them in an inert ceramic coating at room temperature (no kiln needed). This ceramic coating has incredible durability and an indefinite lifespan. This coating is immune to corrosion and prevents the asset from corroding indefinitely.
Zirconia's technology eliminates corrosion and other failure pathways, making it possible to have water, food, energy, and transportation infrastructure made of concrete that perform better, are more durable, and have much longer life cycles. By extending lifespan, and lowering the need for maintenance and repair, Zirconia's coating technology will lower the costs of infrastructure dramatically.
And, by eliminating the need to reconstruct buildings, bridges, and dams, Zirconia's technology will reduce carbon emissions limiting climate damage. This is how we are "Preserving the Future."
Zirconia Team
Benjamin Cook
CEO, Founder
Benjamin is a serial entrepreneur with exit experience who focuses on breakthrough technologies that positively impact global sustainability. Benjamin has been developing businesses for 30 years, which have included environmental labs, environmental consultancies, import of green building materials, and development of green cements for large-scale infrastructure applications. He last founded GeoTree Technologies Inc., a green-tech infrastructure repair firm which was sold for a 5x return to investors. Mr. Cook holds a degree in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, and an MBA from Pinchot University in Sustainable Business. Benjamin has worked on various boards of directors, including currently as the Board Secretary at Adaptive Symbiotic Technologies, a sustainable agriculture firm.
Will Fultz
National Sales Manager
Will has over 20 years of experience building and directing sales organizations in the coatings and construction industry. He also has experience developing protective coatings and multi-component products for construction and maintenance projects. He has served the following industries: warehouse & storage, conventional power, nuclear power, bridge & highway, vertical commercial construction, oil and gas pipelines, coal preparation plants, metals and mining, OEM, and steel fabrication. Will is an excellent sales strategist and negotiator. Accordingly, he has received numerous sales awards for his performance in his career from Fortune 500 coating companies and other top manufacturers.
Paul Benedetto
Chief Financial Officer
Paul's financial management experience, including years of accounting at major firms like PWC, and working as a serial CFO at several high-growth manufacturing companies, makes him an ideal fit for Zirconia. In addition to getting the numbers right, he is a great negotiator and skilled strategist in all aspects of business, including financial, operations and personnel. Paul also has experience with mergers and an acquisition. Paul is part-time, but contributes regularly, managing our financial reporting, taxes, and other financial matters. Paul holds a dual degree in Accounting and Finance from the State University of New York, Buffalo.
Jad Costandi
Production Engineer & Project Manger
Jad manages multiple roles, including managing all aspects of production and manufacturing. He manages projects, trains contractors, and provides quality control oversight at project conclusion. He also handles logistics and sales support. Jad has a strong background in materials, fabrication, and quality control. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington.
Kurt Peterson
Technical Sales Manager
Kurt has years of technical training and management in the industrial, automotive, and consumer coating industries. Kurt manages sales support and installer training, working to ensure the success of projects. He takes pride in helping businesses overcome challenges and provide a safer, more productive environment for the situation at hand. Mr. Peterson has a degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota – Duluth.
Muralee Balaguru
CTO & Founder
Muralee designed Zirconia's Ceramic Surface Treatments that stop corrosion on steel and concrete. Drawing from his experience as a practicing engineer, Muralee optimized Zirconia's technology by working with engineering and maintenance staff across multiple industries. Muralee holds a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Michigan. Like his father, Dr. Balaguru, before him, Muralee's dedication to this technology and to improving global infrastructure with this amazing green coating technology is deeply appreciated. (Emeritus)
Company History
The development of this technology began in 1998 with Professor Dr. P. Balaguru, Rutgers University, utilizing over $2,000,000 in grant funding to create anti-corrosion coatings for concrete and steel infrastructure. This research was, in part, based on studies of Roman Cements and why they were so durable over time. Many projects for state departments of transportation and other state and federal agencies performed in the 2000's still look like new today. We are forever grateful for Dr. Balaguru's brilliance and dedication to making infrastructure made of concrete and steel more sustainable.
Zirconia Inc. was formed in 2017 to improve and fully commercialize this technology. Utilizing newly available nanoparticles and specialty manufacturing methods, Zirconia has evolved this technology to become the world's best coating technology for concrete infrastructure preservation.
