When Nick Graham talks about Golden Triangle Polymers (GTP), his excitement is contagious. As Operations Manager, he’s not just focused on building a state-of-the-art facility – he’s shaping a culture of excellence, teamwork, and community involvement.
From Small Town Roots to Industry Leader
Growing up in Conroe, Texas, Nick’s first glimpse into the industry came from his father, an operator at a gas plant. Watching his dad work, he became fascinated by the massive equipment and intricate processes, eventually leading him to pursue engineering at Texas A&M University.
After two internships with Chevron Phillips Chemical, he launched his career as a process engineer in 2000, gaining experience in alpha olefins initially and subsequently ethylene and polyethylene operations. But when the opportunity arose to be a part of GTP, he knew it was something special.
After more than two decades in the industry – serving in various leadership roles at the Port Arthur and Cedar Bayou facilities – he transitioned to GTP in December 2023. This move offered something new: the chance to build a project from the ground up. Unlike established facilities, GTP is a greenfield project, meaning every procedure, every team, and every operation is being developed from scratch. It’s a challenge he fully embraces.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Nick says. “We’re building something brand new, and every decision we make now will shape its future.”
Laying the Foundations for Success
At GTP, Nick is focused on ensuring the plant’s long-term success. His top priorities include:
- Building the right team – Recruiting skilled, experienced operators who bring knowledge and dedication to the table.
- Creating top-tier training programs – Giving employees hands-on experience by training at other plants even before the plant is fully operational.
- Being good stewards of the environment – Implementing practices and procedures that align with Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards
- Proactive community engagement – Strengthening ties with the local community through outreach, partnerships, and transparency.
Nick emphasizes the importance of community engagement, saying it’s a core part of GTP’s identity. “Being actively involved in the community is who GTP is. We’re here for the long haul, building relationships and making a lasting impact in Southeast Texas.”
Deep Commitment to the Southeast Texas Community
Nick’s leadership extends beyond the plant. As a board member for United Way of Orange County and the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, he actively contributes to local projects and initiatives. With United Way, he has helped build beds for children, improve little league fields, and participated in the annual Day of Caring.
His role with the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce connects him with local business owners, city officials, and school district leaders. He especially enjoyed Glo Fest, the annual hot air balloon festival, in which GTP was a lead sponsor in 2024.
“Being involved allows me to answer questions about GTP in a timely manner and build stronger relationships in the community,” Nick says.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of GTP, Nick’s free time is filled with family, sports, and giving back to his community. A proud Aggie, he makes it a point to catch Texas A&M football games with his two sons, who are both students there. He also enjoys saltwater fishing, pickleball, basketball, and golf. At his church, he stays involved by teaching and playing bass guitar.
Excited for the Future of GTP
Looking ahead, Nick is motivated by the opportunity to build something from the ground up. “Very few times in a career do you get a chance like this – to shape the culture, establish performance expectations, and create something truly impactful,” he says. “We’ve assembled a team with a variety of experience, and I believe we have the best of the best!”
With leaders like Nick, Golden Triangle Polymers is set for success and positioned to be a model for operational excellence and community partnership in Southeast Texas. A team of experienced industry experts, a strong foundation in safety and reliability, and a deep connection to Southeast Texas gives Nick the confidence that GTP will be a positive force to Orange County and beyond.
“It’s more than just a job. It’s about leaving a lasting mark – on the plant, on the team, and on the community I call home.” – Nick Graham