OUR history
“Apogee” is defined as the highest point in the development of something; a climax, or culmination. We believe we represent the highest quality in the brands we represent.
Apogee Equipment Solutions is an independent sales-rep organization with almost 70 years of history in the Southeast Texas industrial and petrochemical market. In 1954, Mr. Bob Hainge relocated to Houston from Connecticut and started Hainge & Associates, Inc., specializing in process equipment sales. Byron Dearixon, former manager of Ecodyne Air Coolers in Houston, joined the company in the early 1980’s. In 1986, Byron Dearixon bought Hainge & Associates, changed the name to Apogee Engineering, and added heat exchangers and boilers to the companies represented.
In 1989, Phil Lutz joined the company with a background as a manufacturer’s representative. As Byron planned for retirement in 2012, he brought on Derek Nuckols. In 2013, Phil assumed ownership of Apogee and invited Jerry Wingo to join the Apogee family. Phil would later call on long-time associate, Anthony Saiz, to join Apogee in 2018. As Apogee continued to strengthen its product line and grow, the need for more personnel arose, and in September 2022, Apogee brought on Chris Chalmers and Greg Wingo.
In October 2022, Anthony Saiz entered a purchase agreement for Apogee Engineering from Phil as he and Cheryl planned their retirement for the end of the year. With the purchase, Apogee changed its trade name to Apogee Equipment Solutions, better reflecting the services provided. The team at Apogee Equipment Solutions is excited to carry on the legacy of our previous leaders. We work hard to support the EPCs and plants in the Texas Gulf Coast. We appreciate each of our customers and strive to offer the very best in quality equipment and services.
Our Team
ANTHONY SAIZ joined Apogee in 2018 and purchased the company from Phil Lutz in October 2022. Anthony supports major EPC firms and key accounts in the refining and petrochemical industry with a focus at the plant level. Prior to work at Apogee, Anthony worked in the heat transfer market for 10+ years specializing in plate/frame and tubular type exchangers, including extensive work in heat exchanger aftermarket sales. His experience includes thermal design with a proficiency in HTRI, mechanical design, and all aspects of manufacturing of shell & tube, hairpin, plate/frame, and specialty designs with various advanced technologies. Anthony earned his BSME from the University of Texas at El Paso.
DEREK NUCKOLS joined Apogee in 2011. Derek splits responsibilities with Phil for coverage of major EPC firms in addition to key end-user clients in the refining and petrochemical industry. Derek also manages clients in the offshore oil and gas market. Prior to working at Apogee Engineering, Derek spent 5+ years at Mustang Engineering working as a heat transfer specialist. He is proficient in HTRI and mechanical design of heat exchangers and heads up the heat transfer area for Apogee. Derek is a BSME from Oklahoma Christian University.
JERRY WINGO joined Apogee in 2013 with responsibility with industrial and petrochemical plants and EPC firms working plant projects. Jerry also manages clients in midstream sector that package gas treatment and compression systems. Jerry spent much of his career in mass transfer technologies, working project management, engineering support, and sales/corporate management. After 18 years in Houston, he moved to FL where he worked the municipal odor control industry. Returning to Texas in 2010, Jerry continues his experience and focus with environmental applications for Apogee. Jerry holds a BS Degree in Business Management.
CHRIS CHALMERS joined Apogee in September 2022 and works with EPC firms, end users, and process packagers in the refining, petrochemical, and power markets. He has spent most of his 20+ year career specializing in the application of various heat transfer and combustion technologies in the Houston-area market. Chris earned his BSME from Texas A&M University.
GREG WINGO joined Apogee in September 2022 after assisting Apogee with marketing efforts over the years. Greg oversees house accounts, parts sales, service requests, coordinates corporate events, and handles company financials. In addition, Greg will be engaged in our marketing efforts to help focus Apogee’s sales efforts and communicate with principals. Greg has a broad skill set, having experience in drafting, project management and logistics, warehouse and fabrication management, inspections, as well as material and organizational quality control for an ISO 9001 company in the oil and gas sector.
PHIL LUTZ was the owner of Apogee Engineering from 2013-2022 before retiring. Phil has 25+ years’ experience working the petrochemical, refining, and chemical process industry with significant experience in combustion technologies. A BSME from Texas A&M University, Phil began his career at Fluor in rotating equipment and moved to sales in 1977, joining Apogee in 1989. Read Phil’s retirement letter here.
CHERYL LUTZ officially joined Apogee in 2013 when Phil assumed ownership of the company and supported Phil’s efforts for many years. She was primary contact for aftermarket parts and service requests as well as communication with our principals. She and Phil have since retired and enjoy time with family.