Forty Under 40 Spotlight – Dominic Baula

Why do you think celebrating young talent in the industry is important?

The tank storage industry is at a generational inflection point, and the leaders who will guide terminals through digitalization and energy transition are being shaped right now. Celebrating young talent sends a powerful message that this industry isn’t just about legacy infrastructure. It’s a place where ambitious people can build meaningful careers solving complex, globally significant problems. Recognition also creates visibility that attracts more talent into a sector that quietly powers the global economy but doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Building credibility as a young, non-traditional entrant in an industry that values long tenure and established relationships. My brother and I started QADworks without deep roots in tank storage. We came from education, research, and enterprise IT. Earning trust meant delivering undeniable results first, then letting the work speak. Our partnership with Odfjell Terminals, which produced measurable outcomes like a 50%+ increase in truck throughput and a 35% reduction in overtime, became the proof point that opened doors. The real lesson was that patience and a genuine commitment to people will always win out in the long run.

What is your plan / goals for the future?

We want QADworks to become the go-to technology partner for midstream terminal operators around the world. That means scaling our delivery model, deepening our AI and data engineering capabilities, and continuing to build SaaS products purpose-built for this industry. What excites me most, though, is developing the next generation of leaders within our own team. People who can carry QADworks’ culture and mission forward as we grow into something bigger than any one person.

What advice do you have to pass on to the next generation?

Learn the business before you pitch the technology. The best solutions come from deeply understanding how people actually work, their frustrations, workarounds, and unspoken needs. Technology is only as valuable as the problem it solves and the people it empowers. And don’t underestimate relationships. This is a small industry built on trust, and your reputation compounds over time. Be generous with your time, stay curious, and always lead with respect.