PFS - Management Team
Chip Estep
Co-Founder, President, CEO & Technical Manager
Chip is a proven engineering leader with deep expertise in OEM product development and packaging automation. As a co-founder and technical manager of PackFlow Solutions, he has built a reputation for delivering cost‑effective automation solutions that drive profitability while ensuring compliance, reliability, and long‑term operational success.
With over 30 years of experience, Chip is known for his energetic and people‑first leadership style. He emphasizes mentorship and collaboration, fostering strong teams that deliver results without compromising quality or integrity. His career reflects a commitment to innovation, service, and uncompromising values that continue to shape PackFlow’s growth and culture.
Chip holds two associate degrees in applied science from Southside Virginia Community College and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Old Dominion University. Alongside his engineering career, he maintains numerous industry certifications while cherishing time with family, friends and the outdoors.
Chip's favorite quotes:
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” — Colin Powell
“Gentlemen, we will chase perfection, and we will chase it relentlessly, knowing all the while we can never attain it. But along the way, we shall catch excellence.” — Vince Lombardi
“My work ethic is the single most important factor in all of my accomplishments.” — Kobe Bryant
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” — Pelé
Wes Converse
Co-Founder, Vice President & Technical Manager
With over 15 years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering, Wes Converse is a seasoned expert in designing, programming, and deploying advanced control systems across diverse industries including mining, chemical, pharmaceutical, and consumer manufacturing. He specializes in developing complex PLC programs, architecting SCADA systems, and configuring industrial networks that drive efficiency, reliability, and safety in manufacturing environments.
Throughout his career, Wes has led many projects from concept to completion—specifying system architectures, drafting technical proposals, and presenting solutions to clients. His technical expertise spans Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms, Aveva Wonderware applications, and a wide range of variable frequency drives from Allen-Bradley to Yaskawa. He has successfully modernized legacy systems, integrated distributed control systems, and implemented robust Ethernet/IP networks with VLANs and routing for industrial applications. He programmed and deployed many high-speed robotic packaging systems with coordinated motion and vision integration, while providing hands-on support and training across North and South America. Earlier in his career, he managed equipment support operations, preventive maintenance programs, and IT services, while overseeing technician training and development.
Wes holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and Computer/Electronics Engineering Technology from ITT Technical Institute. He is certified in UL 508A Industrial Control Panels, Wonderware Application Server/Historian/InTouch, Rockwell Automation SI Controls, and maintains MSHA miner safety credentials.
His technical skill set includes programming languages (Basic, C, Java, SQL, Visual Basic), industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ControlNet, Device Net), and IT expertise in Microsoft Active Directory, SQL, and VMware.
Known for blending deep technical knowledge with practical problem-solving, Wes Converse delivers automation solutions that meet customer specifications while ensuring long-term reliability and compliance with industry standards.