WHO WE ARE

We help manufacturers of fries, chips, and specialty potato products bring clarity to complex capital projects, from initial sketches on paper to full-scale commercial production.
Our promise is simple:
From concept to completion, we deliver clarity, capability, and continuity, ensuring every design decision drives measurable improvement in capacity, cost, and safety.
With a global footprint and a boutique delivery model, we’re the partner processors turn to when the stakes are high, the timelines are tight, and failure is not an option.

OUR MISSION

To provide unmatched project management and process optimization solutions, leading the potato processing industry with innovation and precision.

OUR VISION

To be the world’s leading project management and process optimization consulting business specialized in French fry and potato processing.

OUR VALUES

PROFESSIONALISM

  • Solid Ethics
  • Leadership at EVERY Level
  • Clear Expecations
  • Respect

PROGRESS

  • Be Proactive
  • Encouraging Innovation & Continuous Learning
  • Leverage New Technologies

PARTNERSHIP

  • Collaborative Culture
  • Client Engagement
  • Community & Partner Involvement

PRECISION

  • Quality
  • Clarity
  • Plan for Success

PASSION

  • Fun
  • Active
  • Rewarding

MEET THE TEAM

Mike DeLong

a.k.a. "The Fry Guy"

PRESIDENT & CEO

Mike didn’t choose fries. Fries chose him.

He once studied engineering never expecting to work with potatoes but instead built a global career engineering fry plants across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

For 20+ years, Mike has been the industry’s go-to expert for:

  • Large-scale fry and chip plant design
  • Startup and commissioning planning
  • Throughput, line balance, and bottleneck solutions
  • Safety leadership
  • Operational mentoring and team capability building

THE FRY GUYS & GALS

Fernando
Manriquez

Engineering Project Manager

Fernando’s potato expertise has developed 20+ years of design and project management experience, with 10+ years in the French Fry industry. He’s known for his diligent work, creativity, and technical expertise.

When away from work, he enjoys his Subarus, spending time with his family and dogs, and working in his garden.

Fernando is based in Boise, Idaho

Andy Napier

Engineering Project Manager

Andy is a Professional Engineer with 20+ years of mechanical design and project management experience in the food processing industry.

When he’s not working on machine or process design projects, you’ll find Andy enjoying the outdoors: camping, rafting, exploring, or gardening.

Andy currently lives in Boise, Idaho

Steve Knoll

Project Engineer

Steve is a senior design technician and Project Engineer with over 20 years of experience. 

For the last 15 years, Steve has become a subject matter expert in the design and execution of large-scale potato processing facilities.

He holds an A.S. in Drafting and Design Technology and is a certified Faro Focus 3D Scanner operator.

Steve lives near Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Tony Creighton

Senior Designer

Tony is an accomplished Senior Designer with over 20+ years of piping and mechanical systems experience.

He applies his attention to detail, AutoCAD expertise, and field experience to developing and implementing complex capital projects.

Tony is also our in-house reality capture and 3D modeling expert.

Tony loves hunting and fishing, especially around his hometown near Mobile, Alabama.

Dan Reents

Senior Designer

Dan’s industrial design mastery is built on 30+ years of experience in capital project coordination, specializing in the frozen food industry.

He is recognized for his technical drafting precision and his ability to navigate complex facility optimizations, from minor equipment shifts to major, critical plant upgrades.

When away from work, he enjoys traveling, fitness and outdoor recreation, and exploring new destinations.

Dan is based in Central Wisconsin.

Dominic Granza

Design Technician

Dominic’s design and project management expertise is backed by 16+ years of experience in the French Fry and frozen appetizer industry.

He is recognized for his technical precision in 3D modeling, and his collaborative approach to project coordination.

When away from the drafting table, Dominic enjoys the freedom of full-time RV living, exploring remote cities, and riding his motorcycle.

Dominic is based in Southcentral Texas.

Frank Doll

Design Technician

Frank’s design and project management expertise has developed over 31+ years of experience, with 15+ years dedicated to the frozen appetizer industry.

He is known for his skill in Revit 3D design, high-resolution rendering, and his ability to navigate complex capital projects.

When away from work, he enjoys waterskiing, snowboarding, and horseback riding, as well as camping and traveling.

Frank is based in Plainfield, Wisconsin.

Phillip Lepak

Design Technician

Phillip’s potato and food processing expertise is backed by nearly 18 years of CAD design experience, with a specialized focus on frozen appetizer capital projects.

He is recognized for his versatility in 3D scanning and structural design, successfully managing everything from minor equipment swaps to 40-million-dollar critical upgrades.

An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys deer hunting and hitting the road on his motorcycles.

Phillip is based in Central Wisconsin.

Lara DeLong

Operations Manager

Lara applies her 20 years of business and nursing administration experience to supporting the entire Projex team.

When not traveling or visiting Disney or National parks, Lara lives (with Mike, kids, dogs, and cats) in Heyburn, Idaho.

Julio Maita

Executive Assistant

Julio thrives on developing systems and standards while supporting the administrative needs of the team.

Julio also leads our Social Media activities and serves as the main editor for The Tater Talk Podcast.

Julio is based in Venezuela.

Start Working On Your Project Goals Today

Ready to elevate your processing operations? Our team specializes in custom solutions tailored to your needs. Whether it’s optimization or project management, we are here to assist. Let us guide you toward a more efficient and productive future.