December 20: Fuel and Tire Saver Systems - Loudoun County Economic Development, VA

Fuel and Tire Saver Systems is one of the many gifts of Loudoun this holiday season. This is one story in a series of 31 that highlight #LoudounPossible opportunities in the county. Check back every day in December to learn more!

Going For It, with Fuel & Tire Saver Systems, A 2022 Loudoun Innovation Challenge Winner

While much of the clean energy conversation has been dominated by alternative sources and carbon capture, there’s another approach that is both proven and scalable: increasing the efficiency of our current fossil fuel usage.

That’s precisely what Loudoun-born-and-raised entrepreneur Mike LoPresti is doing with Fuel & Tire Saver Systems, which provides its patented mobile nitrogen tire inflation services for commercial fleets.

Fuel & Tire Saver Systems was recently honored as the Clean Energy category winner for the 2022 Loudoun Innovation Challenge, but its impact extends far outside the region.

The U.S. is a driving country, with nearly 4.1 million miles of roads across 50 states. Increasing the efficiency of all vehicles on the road is something that consumers, regulators and environmental advocates all support.

Pure nitrogen escapes tires much more slowly than regular air, providing a more stable level of inflation for tires. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each sub-optimal pound of pressure (PSI) that tires are missing equates to 0.4% loss of fuel efficiency. That might not sound like much, but it adds up quickly.

For the typical long-haul truck tires found on the vast majority of 18-wheelers and shipping trucks, the minimum pressure is 110 PSI. Especially with current fuel prices, even a 10% loss in tire pressure can have a dramatic impact on the bottom line.

Fuel & Tire Saver Systems provides a range of mobile services to keep commercial fleets running smoothly. Over the last 18 months, it has saved more than 160,000 gallons of fuel for customers.

“I am a mechanical engineer with an MBA, so you could say I was wired for this,” LoPresti said with a grin. “I have spent 35 years solving some difficult engineering problems. Our business is the most technically accurate way to solve the common problem of tire underinflation.”

He added: “This problem is much more significant than one may think.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for 27% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, the largest overall piece of the pie. Within that, automotive vehicles produce 83% of transportation emissions.

Reducing automotive emissions is a logical entry point for clean energy innovation, and a great way to deliver impact.

“I love technology. I like using big data to solve everyday problems. And we are helping the environment by reducing carbon and lowering fuel waste,” LoPresti explained. “I am a professional engineer with an interest in serving the public safely.”

In addition to saving fuel costs, tire pressure optimization allows tires to wear evenly, saving the cost of replacing tires more often. All of these benefits add up to a cost savings for LoPresti’s customers – and a public good.

“I love the fact that we save a ton of fuel for our customers and make tires last longer,” he said. “We are using science and our special ASTRAEA Nitrogen to make tires last longer. I love helping businesses become more profitable.”

Locating Fuel & Tire Saver Systems in Loudoun

Loudoun is located in close proximity to major interstates such as I-95, I-81, I-495, I-70, I-270 and I-66. It is also home to Dulles International Airport, major railway lines, and a network of last-mile warehouse and logistical facilities.

From its headquarters, located under the Dulles flight path in Sterling, Fuel & Tire Saver Systems has easy access to a broad and diverse customer base.

LoPresti couldn’t imagine starting this venture anywhere else.

“Loudoun is home! I’m from Loudoun. I like to say I’m #LoudounPossible, but I am also Loudoun Proud,” he said. “I moved to Loudoun in 1976. I am a graduate of Broad Run High School (class of 1984), Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University.”

For the last 23 years, LoPresti has owned and operated a Loudoun-based engineering business. For anyone with a big idea, he recommends making the leap into entrepreneurship.

“It comes down to grit and focus. The best advice is to fully understand the business and market you are in. Make sure the business is scalable,” he said. “Know the difference between a great job, a great profession and a great business.

He added: “Time is the most precious resource, so go for it! Every knock is a boost.”

Even now, he’s still discovering the benefits of locating his businesses in Loudoun.

“Last week, we had to take an international shipment for parts, and I learned the convenience and power of taking an import shipment through Dulles International Airport,” he said. “Wow, the proximity and global reach are impressive.”

Since moving here, LoPresti has watched Loudoun transform into an economic powerhouse, as the population has increased by more than 720%.

“I think Loudoun is the best county in the country,” LoPresti said. “Loudoun is for winners! I like winning. I like Loudoun.”

The Loudoun Innovation Challenge Experience

LoPresti first became aware of the Loudoun Innovation Challenge several years ago, when a friend thought Fuel & Tire Saver Systems would be a good fit.

“I thought it was time we start sharing the great things we have done,” he said. “It was a great way to celebrate our team and showcase the great work our members have done. We have a fantastic group of talent.”

He credited the application process with helping him think about Fuel & Tire Saver Systems differently.

“Formalizing your thinking and communicating your ideas in writing is the secret to clearer understanding,” he said. “Even if you don’t win, the process makes you better. I look at all the entrants and the finalists – what a great group of companies!”

Winning the 2022 Loudoun Innovation Challenge’s Clean Energy category is another sign that Fuel & Tire Saver Systems is serving the greater good.

“I think it says something when your peers single you out,” LoPresti said. “This honor shows that we are the Loudoun company making the most significant difference in helping the environment.”

The $25,000 grant award will be reinvested into the company’s growth.

“The prize money will be used to increase our ASTRAEA Nitrogen production capacity, fabricate two new vans, and hire new staff and technicians,” he said. “We just started interviewing for three new positions this week.”

LoPresti reported that sales growth is strong, and he sees rapid expansion in the next few years.

“In five years, we expect to have 10 vans in 10 cities for a total of 100 vans, and our business will be profitable under a sustained growth plan,” he said. “In 10 years, we expect to be nationwide and at 10-15% steady growth per year.

“Success is customers joining our service, recognizing the value and not leaving. Success is building a team of talented and energized employees working for a common goal.

“Success is leaving the planet environmentally better for our children.”

To learn more about Fuel & Tire Saver Systems, and how your business could benefit from fuel efficiency, check out their website today.

Thinking of starting or relocating your business in Loudoun County? We are a full-service economic development organization, dedicated to your #LoudounPossible business success. Working with us is like adding a team of no-cost specialists to your team, with expertise in the following areas: