Meet Corey McCullough | Filtration Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Corey McCullough and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Corey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Here in the southwest, its still kind of the wild west. Because of the weather, most shops still just open their doors, and what we call blow and go. Even with the doors open it doesn’t allow enough ventilation to protect those working in the shop. Being from the midwest, where the doors have to be closed most of the time, it was time to make a difference here.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Career Journey & What Sets Me Apart

I grew up around this business – had family in it – but it wasn’t my immediate path. I came up through the construction trades, which taught me how to be mechanical and technical, and gave me the structure I needed. That hands-on background made the transition into industrial air quality a natural fit when I saw the opportunity.

The timing was right. I was seeing the immediate need in facilities across the Southwest – manufacturing plants struggling with compliance, workers dealing with poor air quality, and nobody really specializing in solving these problems the right way. When I talked to my suppliers, they confirmed what I was already seeing: little to no representation in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The market was wide open for someone who actually knew what they were doing.

So I started Industrial Clean Air Products to fill that gap. We specialize in OSHA and NFPA compliant dust collection and air filtration systems for aerospace, automotive, metal fabrication, woodworking, semiconductor facilities, and vocational schools. We back everything with a “pass-or-free” guarantee because I’m not interested in just selling equipment – I’m interested in systems that actually work.

What I’m Most Proud Of

The vocational school work hits different for me. These kids are learning welding, metalworking, woodworking – real trades that matter. Coming from the construction trades myself, I know how important that hands-on education is. Making sure they’re learning in safe environments with proper air filtration? That’s not just compliance, that’s investing in the next generation of skilled workers.

The Challenges

Easy? No. This is still the wild west out here. Shops that have been around for a long time still don’t fully understand why this protection is so important. You walk into a metal shop and the older guys in back are hacking a lung. You go into a wood shop and it’s covered in sawdust. They’ve been doing it this way for years, so they don’t see the problem – or they see it and figure that’s just how it is.

Businesses that move in from more regulated areas get it immediately. They understand the liability, the worker safety issues, the compliance requirements. But a lot of the established local shops? It’s an uphill battle explaining why this matters.

That’s why we pride ourselves as an educational organization that offers solutions – not a sales outlet. My job isn’t to push equipment. It’s to help people understand what’s at stake and then design systems that actually solve their problems

Lessons Learned

Nobody likes being told how to run their business – whether it’s compliance, regulations, whatever. We get it. But we’re here to protect you, your staff, and your building. Much of the dust we see can be extremely explosive. Yet many still don’t understand that. To them, it’s just dust. Even setting that aside, it’s about protecting health – the people who show up every day to do the work.

Patience prevails. This will catch on. We’ll keep educating until it becomes the norm.

What I Want People to Know

The new NFPA 660 standard takes effect in 2026, and a lot of facilities aren’t ready. We’re not here to scare people with compliance deadlines – we’re here to solve problems before they become emergencies. I know the regulations inside and out, I can design systems that actually work for your operation, and I stand behind the work.

At the end of the day, this is about people going home safe to their families. That’s the story. That’s the brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Showing Visitors the Best Time

We get a lot of visitors coming through, and depending on how many times they’ve been here, we’ve got some staples we always hit.

The Drive to Tortilla Flat & Canyon Lake

First thing – we’re heading up to Tortilla Flat and Canyon Lake. On the way, we stop at Goldfield Ghost Town to check out an old west duel and do some shopping. It’s a fun little detour – gives people the western experience they’re looking for. Then we keep going on the Apache Trail, which is something else. You want to see what Arizona actually looks like? That’s it. Stop at Tortilla Flat for a beer and some chili, take in the scenery at Canyon Lake. It’s the kind of place where you remember why you live here.

Hole in the Rock

We’ll stop at Hole in the Rock by the zoo. That overlook is just amazing – you get a view of the whole Valley, and it’s a quick hike that anyone can do. Perfect spot to show off what Phoenix looks like from above.

Sedona

Sedona is a must. Yeah, it’s touristy, but there’s a reason for that. The red rocks are incredible, and while we’re up there, we’re hitting Pisa Lisa for pizza and gelato. Worth the drive just for that.

Don’t forget the Safari Jeep tour – skip the Pink Jeep tours. We’ve done Safari Jeep many times. It’s a local crew with excellent customer service and less expensive. They’ll show you the terrain and the views without the tourist trap pricing.

Food & Drinks

If they’re from the Midwest, In-N-Out is non-negotiable. It’s on the list. We’re also fans of North Italia – solid Italian, good atmosphere. And if we’re doing a night out, we’ll hit a speakeasy like The Ostrich or Platform 18. Keep it interesting.

Pool Time with Friends

Depending on the time of year, honestly, sometimes the best thing to do is just kick back at the pool, have a few local friends over, and enjoy the company. Arizona living at its finest – good people, good weather, no agenda.

It’s not about hitting every tourist spot. It’s about showing people what makes this place worth being in.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My uncle has been in the business for over 30 years! I have learned all I know from this wealth of knowledge. Between the science of how this industry works, to the compliance factor too. There hasn’t been many industries he hasn’t seen. And trust me, there are some unique industries we still encounter.

Website: https://www.industrialcleanairproducts.com

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