Who We Are

Family is the driving force behind CPE. When Robert Tortorella, Sr. retired from industrial sales more than 25 years ago, he joined his sons to create a new venture. What started as a distribution company for mechanical seals, packing and specialty process products has grown into a successful international enterprise that delivers unique industrial construction and fluid handling solutions for hundreds of clients. We’ve added to our family, and continue to grow in experience and expertise.

Learn more about CPE history and experience.

Our Leadership Team

Douglas Wade
CEO
Doug Wade joined CPE in 2018 after the company realized it’s need for professional management to reach its strategic goals. Doug has a strong background leading both large distribution and manufacturing businesses that extends 29 years. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and currently resides in Rochester, NY with his family after a move from Andover, Massachusetts. Doug will be leading both the strategic and operational aspects of the business. We are looking forward to the impact he will make with both CPE and our customers.

Robert Tortorella
Executive Chairman
Rob, along with his father, Bob, Sr., founded CPE in 1988.  Together with his brother Peter and business partner Michael Codi, Rob has built CPE into a recognized leader in fluid handling product distribution and industrial services. Rob earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Holy Cross College in 1983. He resides in Rochester, NY and is an active and respected community leader.   Rob serves on the board of Rochester Spinal Association and The Sagamore on East Board of Managers and is an active volunteer for Center for Youth.  Rob also heads the board of the Robert A. Tortorella Charitable Foundation, founded in 2011 by his family and friends. The mission of the foundation is to help children and young adults with disabilities pursue sports and the arts.

Peter Tortorella
President
Industrial sales runs in Peter’s blood. He joined CPE in 1990 after graduating from college and began his career as a sales specialist for CPE. Peter currently manages all of CPEs sales and business operations. Alongside his brother Rob and business partner Michael, he has strengthened CPE’s position as a specialty services provider and premier supplier of rotating equipment, sealing devices and specialty fluid handling products. Peter earned his Bachelor degree in Political Science from Rutgers University in 1990. He resides in Albany, NY and serves on the board of the Robert A. Tortorella Charitable Foundation, a foundation he co-founded.

Jacob Scherer, PE
Executive Vice President of Sales
Jacob joined CPE in 2012 after 10 successful years of operating his own business in the liquid handling industry.  In addition to 25 years of experience he manages the sales and service operations for CPE. Jacob earned his Bachelors in Civil Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988 and holds a Master’s in Business Administration degree from St John Fisher College.  He works out of the Rochester, NY facility and is a licensed engineer in both NY & PA.

Rob Metz, ChE
Manager, Engineered Flow Group
Rob has extensive experience in all aspects of the waste water treatment business.  This includes designing and building custom treatment packages, completing service and startups, providing environmental monitoring, selling directly to a variety of customer, managing a sales force, marketing, and maintaining strong vendor relationships.  Rob currently operates all aspects of the Engineered Flow Products portfolio of the CPE product and service offering.  Rob earned his Chemical Engineering degree from Purdue University, and completed his Masters degree in Quality & Applied Statistics from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Michael Codi, ME
Manager, Technical Services Group
Michael is CPE’s driving technical force. He is widely recognized as an expert in composite materials, pumping systems, troubleshooting, as well as piping system design. His depth of knowledge and experience enhances CPE’s service capabilities across the entire spectrum of process industries. Michael manages all aspects of CPEs technical service group, and all plant reliability programs. Michael earned his Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University, 1992.

David Nassivera
COO
David joined CPE in 2002 after spending 5 years in the photonics manufacturing industry.  During this time he has operated and overseen all aspects of CPE’s financial operations.  Currently he manages CPE operations including AR, AP, Inventory, acquisitions and divestitures.  His background includes Cost Accounting and IT Services.  He works out of the Rochester, NY office.  David is a 1997 graduate of SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in Accounting.  David serves on the board of Robert A. Tortorella Charitable Foundation.

Company Expertise

• Mechanical Engineers
• Electrical Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Qualified Technicians
• Product Specialists
• Technical Sales Team