On its internet website, Latitude Liquids claims it is “an organization experienced in the ethanol-based hand sanitizer and recycling markets…” Latitude says it accepts “unwanted, expired, or unsellable ethanol-based hand sanitizer” from clients. The unused product “will be responsibly recycled to be used again as ethanol.”
“Latitude Liquids LLC” was formed 16 months ago, on Jan. 14, 2022, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, records from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office show. The company was set up by a registered agent service and no officers or directors are listed.
Communication with the company can be accomplished by completing a form on the website. Southwest Ledger emailed an inquiry to the company earlier this year but received no reply.
On May 18 the Ledger found a toll-free number listed for Latitude Liquids and placed a telephone call at 8:30 a.m., asking to speak to Michael McGovern Jr., the company’s executive director of operations, about Brannan Bordwine’s crossclaim. A receptionist said McGovern was in a meeting, but she would pass along the Ledger’s message to him. He never called.
Latitude says it is located in Laredo, Texas, but its “depacking” and recycling facilities are located in Mexico.
Searches of records of the Texas Secretary of State and of the Texas Comptroller show that Latitude Liquids “has not made the proper filings” with either agency “and is not legally authorized to conduct business in Texas.”
Similarly, Southwest Ledger reviewed records of the Oklahoma Secretary of State and found several dozen companies with names that include “Latitude” or “Liquid,” but none named Latitude Liquids.
When an employee in the Secretary of State’s office was asked last November whether a company which is not registered with that agency can operate a business in Oklahoma, the employee replied, “That’s a question we cannot answer. That’s for a legal firm or a CPA.”
At the bottom of the Latitude Liquids web page is a company logo and these words: “Designed by The Chef Firm.”
LinkedIn has biographical information on six individuals listed as principals in Latitude Liquids, including Michael McGovern Jr. and Mike Ruffing.
• McGovern wrote that he has been Latitude’s executive director of operations since January 2022 and resides in Bentonville, Arkansas.
His bio lists his other titles as “CEC” (certified executive chef) and “CHE” (certified hospitality educator). He wrote that he has “over 28 years of culinary experience in almost every facet of the food industry.” He claims to have graduated “on the Dean’s List” from The Culinary Institute of America, in New York.
McGovern’s LinkedIn profile also lists him as director of operations for Lonahte Holdings for two years, from April 2020 to March 2022.
• Ruffing is identified on LinkedIn as a co-founder of Latitude Liquids. He listed his address as “United States.”
His profile describes him as “serial entrepreneur, Professional Something, and always looking for our next venture.” He says his skills include business, management, and marketing.
Ruffing wrote that he was a cofounder in 2020 of Lonahte Holdings, which “provides our clients access to the highest quality products available by collaborating with best-in-class facilities and manufacturers of in-demand chemicals.”
He also claims to be a cofounder in 2020 of Lumalily, “to aid in the global effort to supply quality and affordable items to alleviate market shortages.”
Ruffing also says he was a cofounder of BluPetro.com, “the best way to find what you need in the oil and gas industry.” Blu Petro “allows everyone to access accurate data to complete their jobs quickly.”
Under education Ruffing listed only Los Fresnos High School in Texas.