Our Story

US Tank & Cryogenic Equipment, Inc. has over twenty-five years of experience in the cryogenic field. We are a veteran founded, family-owned business that ensures each project is done correctly and delivered on time.

From our humble beginnings in a 1,500 square foot building to our current 60,000 square foot facility, we have always delivered personalized attention to detail to provide the highest quality work, every time. We implement the traditions of our founder, Jim Brown, by continuing to carry his business practices of honor and integrity. Due to these reliable business customs, we have grown to be the largest tank refurbishment center in the country. When you choose US Tank & Cryogenic Equipment you choose quality, precision and technical expertise.

Meet the Founder

Jim Brown founded US Tank & Cryogenic Equipment, Inc. in Sarasota, Florida in 1995. He served 24 years in the U.S. Navy and became a Master Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Nuclear Submarine force. Jim took his experience from lithium bromide systems on submarines and combined them with his Naval School of Cryogenics training to create a niche in the cryogenics and vacuum technology field. As a result of his expertise, US Tank & Cryogenic Equipment has grown to be the leading tank repair service in the United States. Jim was known to bend over backward for his customers. Treating each one with a personalized experience, a common compliment from clients was his excellent attention to detail and high-quality service. Jim’s strong work ethic was always present. In a display of his passion for his company, he worked up until the day he passed away on 11/10/2017 of glioblastoma cancer.

Our founder, Jim Brown, with his son Jonathan


Meet Our Team

Jonathan Brown – CEO/Owner

Jonathan became the president of US Tank & Cryogenic Equipment in 2007. He began employment at US Tank in 1997 and has worked throughout each sector of our operation. From the accounting department to plant labor, he has experienced the ins and outs of the company he currently directs which allows him to provide a superior service to his customer base. As Jim’s son, he has had the privilege of insight into Jim’s corporate practices firsthand and carries on his father’s legacy of a strong business ethic to produce the highest quality product and customer experience.

Michael Tipper – President

A Lewisburg native, Michael leads US Tank & Cryogenic Equipment with his 30+ years of experience in the automotive and refrigeration sectors. He joined our operation in March of 2018 offering a strong background in management due to his employment at several major industry businesses. Michael ensures all employees work productively and develop professionally while maintaining our company’s reputation of delivering superior quality in a timely manner. He brings his corporate expertise and know-how to promote a productive work environment while directing day-to-day operations.


BJ Gill – General Manager

BJ has witnessed US Tank & Cryogenic grow from a small operation in Florida to the massive industry leader we are today. Employed with us since 1998, he has experience in various positions within the company. BJ has spent time building & refurbishing tanks over the years and has a detailed understanding of the company operations from our receiving department to our shipping department. He was promoted to his current position of plant manager when we moved our location from Florida to Tennessee in 2008 due to his experience of the technical side of US Tank. BJ effectively manages the shop to guarantee each cylinder is tested, rebuilt and restored to the original manufacturer’s specifications, or better.

Nick Cheek – Plant Manager

Nick was born and raised in Lewisburg, Tennessee. Prior to US Tank & Cryogenic, he worked in industrial maintenance and was a superintendent in commercial construction. He began working for US Tank in 2011 as a technician and has since worked his way up to the role of plant supervisor where he oversees tank repairs, onsite installations and our NER testing and quality control department.

Valerie Ellis – General Office Manager

Native to Tennessee, Valerie has over 30 years of accounting experience that she brings to US Tank & Cryogenic. She has worked in a variety of fields that extend from private industry to government/fund accounting. Joining US Tank in February of 2019, Valerie oversees our accounting, collections and HR departments.

Aspen Tankersley – Purchasing Manager

Aspen is originally from Lewisburg and has been with US Tank & Cryogenics for 3 years. She began as a customer service representative before being promoted to her current role. As our purchasing manager, she ensures all of US Tank has the materials we need to keep our day to day operations flowing efficiently. Aspen also oversees our billing department.


Our growth has been immense due to our loyal customer base and experienced staff. US Tank & Cryogenic Equipment has gone from a 1,500 square foot modest building to a 60,000 square foot facility. We are now able to provide our customers with the service of three, US Tank owned, tractor-trailers to run routes for pick-up and delivery of our tanks. We are humbled when we look back on our success as a company that provides service to so many different industries. As we look to the future, we aspire to continue being the largest rehab facility in the nation outshining our competitors with our exceptional service and superior craftsmanship.

Call us today with any questions you may have. Our trained staff members fully understand the cryogenic business and look forward to providing you with exceptional customer service.