Water Tank Leadership
Jim has been climbing water towers since he was 15 years old, working for his dad Harry Skilton's company in New Jersey. Essentially, Jim has been climbing water towers before he could drive! Jim joined Southern Corrosion in 1985 and became President in 1989. In 2006, Jim's Dad retired and sold Southern Corrosion to Jim and his former business partner's son Elbert Basolis. Jim believes in treating our customers like family. We are dedicated to communicating and coordinating with our customers in every interaction. Jim graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Business Administration and a MBA from Campbell University. Jim teaches Engineered Tank Care™ seminars and continuing education classes. When Jim is not working, you can find him traveling, shooting sporting clays, going to the horse races and enjoying Lake Life!
Elbert Basolis is an expert in temporary water tank solutions and co-owner of Southern Corrosion. He is also CEO of Garrison Enterprises, a mechanical contracting company serving the water industry, an owner or active participant in at least six other complementary industrial businesses, and the Co-Chairman of the Board of Yardville National Bank, NA, which was recently purchased by PNC bank. Elbert splits his time between his home in New Jersey and his North Carolina based offices.
Since 1984, Ed has been working on water towers. Ed Soltis is a certified NACE Level 1 coatings inspector and a SSPC C3 Supervisor for Deleading Industrial Structures. He specializes in surface preparation, water tower painting and minor repairs. He has been Southern Corrosion’s Manager of Operations since 2008.
Lynne joined Southern Corrosion in 2013 as Director of Human Resources. Marketing and branding quickly became her strength and in 2024 became Vice President of Marketing. Before joining Southern Corrosion, Lynne was a Licensed Child and Family therapist and a school administrator. She officially joined the SC team in 2013, however has been a part of the Southern Corrosion family since 1987 when she married Jim Skilton. She and Jim have one daughter Morgan, a granddaughter Bree and a son in law, Eric. Both Morgan and Eric are a vital part of Southern Corrosion.
Morgan graduated from East Carolina University in Criminal Justice and also holds a post graduate Paralegal Diploma. She joined the Southern Corrosion team in 2012 and is an integral part of the Southern Corrosion team, as she is often the first point of contact. Morgan is Southern Corrosion's Computer and Information Systems manager, as well as accounts receivable and payable. Morgan is an excellent critical thinker and problem solver. You will often find her working on many aspects of the company to improve efficiency and accuracy. She is third generation to the company, as she is daughter to Jim and Lynne Skilton. Morgan loves spending time with her family and dogs.
Engineers
Michael Douglas has over 40 years of experience in the water and wastewater field. He is a Professional Engineer licensed in 12 states. He has extensive experience with public water supply systems and drinking water regulations. Michael has been with Southern Corrosion since August of 2014. He worked 34 years with the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.(now DEQ). HIs work experience includes 18 years as a Regional Engineer for the NC Public Water Supply Section-Raleigh Regional Office, 4 years as Plan Review Environmental Engineer with Construction Grants and Loans for wastewater projects and 9 years as Environmental Engineer with Water Supply Assistance Section. Michael holds NC operator certifications for B-Well, B-Surface, C-Distribution and Grade 1-Wastewater. A 1979 graduate of NC State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Michael is one of our certified trainers in Engineered Tank Care™ water tank maintenance.
Water Tank Maintenance Sales Consultants
Jim Dotson has been with Southern Corrosion since 1995. He has extensive experience in water tank maintenance and systems. Jim is one of our certified trainers in our Water Tank Management Programs.
Ryan, a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College joined the Southern Corrosion family in 2016 as a coatings inspector. He brings more than a decade of experience in business development and customer service to the team, proudly serving clients in the Mid-Atlantic and Northern territories for the company Ryan is an AMPP credentialed Level 2 Certified Coatings Inspector and a certified trainer in Engineered Tank Care™ water tank maintenance.
For over 40 years, Tom has worked in Public Utilities. He also has been the Superintendent of a Class 2 Water Treatment Plant in the State of Virginia for the past 32 years. Tom has a Virginia Class 1 Water Works License and a Backflow Prevention Device Worker License issued by DPOR. He has served on the Virginia Rural Water Association Board of Director since 1995. He is currently representing the State of Virginia as its National Director for National Rural Water Association and serves on the Executive committee for National Rural Water.
Rich is the second generation in his family to work in the water tank maintenance business, his first job as a teenager was working on water tanks. He has experience in every aspect of the water tank maintenance industry from painting and inspections to estimating. Rich is a University of Delaware alumnus having majored in Consumer economics. He has served on the Maryland Rural Water Association Board of Directors since 2021 and is also one of our certified trainers in Engineered Tank Care™.
Jason is nearing two decades of experience in water tank maintenance and has been a part of the Southern Corrosion team since 2008. He is a native of West Virginia and attended West Virginia University. He has called Fair Play, SC the heart of his territory and home for the past 13 years.
Anson has been in sales and management for more than 14 years with 5+ years in the water storage maintenance realm. He is an Alabama native, earning his Bachelor's degree from Auburn University and his Master's Degree in Business Administration from Liberty University. Anson has been an enlisted Marine since 2006 and is currently a detachment commander in the Army.
Jim was born and raised in Louisiana, but has lived in Mississippi since 1999. He was in construction/pipeline for over 15 years as a surveyor, operator and inspector. Jim has worked all over the county on several projects in various types of conditions and material. Licensed/certified as FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot, OSHA 10 & 30, API 1169 and NaCE Level 1 Certified dealing with surface prep and inspections. Jim is married to his wife Jordan and they have 4 children, Micah, Luke, Addison and GraceAnn. He strives for excellence and the standard of what is right. Passionate about playing/writing music, creating a wide spectrum content, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. However, God and family are his most important forever things.
John has over 25 years in helping clients find remedies to their pain, by listening to his customers and customizing solutions to keep them in compliance while building their confidence in him as a trusted advisor. John has been married for over 30 years and has 2 sons. Though not a native, John transplanted to Florida 40 years ago having originated from New Jersey. John graduated from the University of Texas. No place John and his wife would rather be than in Florida enjoying the sunshine and all that Florida has to offer. He loves the sand, water and struggling on the golf course.
Sam was born, raised and currently resides in the Pittsburgh, PA area. He received a B.A. in Environmental Science from Thiel College. Sam has worked for over 20 years in chemical sales area, including water treatment industry.
Estimating, Inspections and Quality Control
Carl has been with Southern Corrosion since 2008. He is a certified Protective Coating Specialist as well as a level 2 Coating Inspector. Carl primarily manages painting and repair projects, as well as inspections. Carl is a Navy veteran with extensive experience in Business Administration and Industrial Systems Technology.
Eric Barnes is certified AMPP(NACE) CIP Level 2 and has been with Southern Corrosion since 2014. Before joining the Southern Corrosion team, Eric spent 8 years in the field doing residential/commercial/industrial electrical work as well as industrial maintenance at an aluminum manufacturer facility. Eric began at SCI as a water tank inspector and now he is our primary estimator, creates proposals and makes contracts. You can also find Eric in the field when needed to install or repair tank mixers and tank lights.
Corporate Chaplain