Butch attended the Navy's School for Cryogenics and worked in the field while stationed in the Philippines and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Upon leaving the service, he worked for an International Cryogenic Gas company and was responsible for the employees and equipment for 11 states in the South West and Central United States. In 1997, he ventured out on his own servicing customers in and around the Houston Area. Between employees and family, Tonatco has over 80 years of combined experience in the cryogenic industry.