About Us

Who we are

• A proud Arizona Business started by ASU alumni.
• Local backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Entrepreneurs who specialize in technology and enjoy creating simple solutions to common problems.

We created FlipFuel to help hikers and campers consolidate partially filled fuel containers and recycle the empties.

We're looking forward to contributing to the outdoor community and getting to know... who you are! Drop us a note on Insta at @FlipFuel #DontPackaHalfie

About Eric Flottmann

Co-Founder

Eric is an Arizona adventure-seeker and entrepreneur. He’s hiked some of the desert’s most iconic trails, including Aravaipa Canyon and the Grand Canyon. One of his recent favorites? A backpacking trip with his son at West Clear Creek Wilderness in Coconino National Forest. Other stand-outs include venturing to the Enchantments in Washington, trekking through Glacier National Park and exploring the twisty terrain of Joshua Tree National Park.

You’ll often find Eric leading the way on outdoor adventures. He teaches young scouts — including his two kids — outdoor skills and more as a leader for Scouts BSA and the Girl Scouts of the USA. He’s also a leader in business. Eric has co-founded several SaaS startups and taken them from concept to acquisition. He believes part of being a leader is also being a lifelong learner. Eric is learning Spanish, sharpening his cooking skills with new international dishes and photographing the wilderness.

Backpacking gear highlights:

• Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier Bottle
• Durston X-Mid 1P tent 
• Massdrop X Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt
• Merrell Trail Glove 4
• FlipFuel Fuel Transfer Device

Camera for wilderness shots:

Sony a6000 compact mirrorless

A favorite backpacking location:

The Superstition Range just outside of Phoenix

Go-to backpacking dinner:

Andrew Skurka’s Beans + Rice with Fritos & Cheese

Upcoming outdoor trip:

Rocky Mountain National Park

Dream expedition:

Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Napali Coast

Favorite great outdoors quote:

"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread. A civilization which destroys what little remains of the wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself." - Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire.

Where should he go next? Share your favorite trail with Eric @TheFlott on Instagram.

  

About Frank Healy

Co-Founder

Frank is an Arizona native through and through. He grew up in Globe, which is east of Phoenix and known for its prehistoric Native American ruins and mining past. The area is cradled by the Superstition Mountains and Pinal Mountain range, and it has all of the desert creatures you can think of: coyotes, skunks, snakes, tarantulas, Gila monsters. You name it. It was probably hanging out in Frank’s backyard growing up.

Frank’s family has deep roots here. In fact, his grandfather was born in the early 1900s and lived in Arizona before it was even a state. He was also a local business owner and source of inspiration. Frank followed in the entrepreneurial footsteps, developing several successful technology companies in the area. FlipFuel is the first that also reflects a love of travel. That’s important as Frank always has a trip on the calendar – whether it’s traversing Aravaipa Canyon with the crew or kicking back in Puerto Vallarta with a cocktail.  

 

About Mary McWilliams

Director of Marketing

Whether it’s a new adventure in the great outdoors or in business, Mary brings a wealth of experience. From the Finger Lakes region of NY, she grew up hiking in places like Letchworth State Park, which is often called the "Grand Canyon of the East." Later, she moved to the true Grand Canyon state of Arizona and explored all-things west coast. In fact, she once lived, worked, and explored the US and Canada in a travel trailer for six months. Highlights included camping in Big Sur, exploring Vancouver Island, kayaking Squamish, hiking Lake Louise, and trekking the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes.

In addition to seeking incredible mountain views, she also loves taking businesses to new heights. Mary has 15+ years of experience in developing brand stories and strategy for startups, corporate initiatives and new product launches. She thrives at building things from the ground-up — whether it’s an award-winning social media department at an advertising agency or a new marketing program for local businesses impacted by light rail construction. Mary has enjoyed working with Eric and Frank on a number of businesses over the years, and FlipFuel is her favorite project yet.