Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

This episode marks a significant milestone as hosts Gene Marino, President of Akers Packaging Service Group, and Joe Morelli, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Huston Patterson and Lewisburg Printing Company, bid farewell as hosts.

As Breaking Down Boxes takes a brief hiatus in August, the podcast will return in September with guest hosts, continuing to offer inspiring stories and valuable insights. AICC is committed to providing a platform that fosters learning, growth, and connection within the packaging industry.

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode, we talk with AICC President Mike D'Angelo.

Mike shares his compelling journey through the packaging industry, offering listeners a wealth of insights into his career progression, the importance of mentorship, and the balancing act between work and personal life. From his childhood experiences to his transition from college to the workforce, Mike's story is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and the enduring importance of personal and professional relationships.

About Mike

Mike is a 40+ year veteran of the packaging industry with experience in the corrugated, folding carton and flexible packaging markets. After graduating from Villanova University, Mike went to work for Bobst North America in a sales support role. Over the next 32 years he rose through various leadership positions in the Bobst organization in various packaging equipment markets. This growth culminated in an 18-year role as Vice President of Sales and Service.

Goss International recruited Mike to be its North American Managing Director and to transition its web offset printing press business from the publication and newspaper markets to the packaging markets. This challenge was successfully met, resulting in the sale of Goss to a private equity company.

After Goss, Mike continued to pursue service to the paper-based packaging industry by joining AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, as Vice President in October 2016. He was elevated to the President’s role at AICC on July 1, 2019.

Prior to joining AICC, Mike had been a 20+ year Associate Member of the Association. Mike has served on the Board of Directors of the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) including a term as Chair. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA). Both Board experiences showed him the satisfaction that can be achieved in Association management.

Mike and his wife Susan are the parents of two grown daughters. They live in Dumfries, Virginia.

Connect with Mike

• Linkedin
• AICCbox.org

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode we talk with Greg Arvanigian, President and CEO of Arvco Container Corp.

Greg Arvanigian's story is as inspiring as it is relatable. In the interview, he candidly reflects on his early years, admitting to the typical pursuits of a college student – playing in a rock band, socializing, and navigating the uncertainties of youth. However, a pivotal moment of self-reflection just before graduation led Greg to reassess his career trajectory, ultimately propelling him into the world of packaging.

Connect

Greg on Linkedin

Arvco

In the next episode you'll hear from AICC's own Mike D'Angelo.

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode we talk with Richard Brown, President & Co-owner of The BoxMaker.

Part 1 of Going Forward delved into key aspects of Richard's career in the packaging industry that led him to The BoxMaker, offering valuable insights for listeners.

The conversation explores the evolution of digital technology within the corrugated packaging sector. Richard shares insights into the efficiencies brought about by digital production, emphasizing its transformative impact on supply chain dynamics. He reflects on the transition from traditional analog methods to digital processes, highlighting the advantages in terms of reduced waste, enhanced flexibility, and streamlined workflows.

About Richard

Richard Brown has been with The BoxMaker since 2003. Prior to his current role, he served as the Corrugated Sales Manager, Vice President, and General Manager. Richard’s career in packaging began with a summer warehouse job as a teen. He quickly worked his way up to delivery driver, a series of office roles, and then outside sales where he developed and sold custom packages for 13 years.

His first leadership role was in product management at Tenneco. In 1999 he accepted a promotion to lead a branch office of Landsberg Ororoa in the Seattle area. Richard enjoys actively participating in AICC and Vistage.

As a packaging professional, Richard enjoys seeing how things are made, and he maintains a keen interest in client projects as they are produced. He believes being involved in all parts of the process is an excellent way to learn from an array of people and companies.

Richard focuses on ensuring The BoxMaker has the right talent, equipment, and culture in place to serve clients effectively and develop true partnerships. He values treating everyone with respect, living in the moment, and making a positive impact. Richard says, “The impact I have on my coworkers’ lives will be my scorecard as a leader.”

Richard enjoys being outdoors to appreciate the beauty and fresh air of the Pacific Northwest while hiking and fly fishing. He looks forward to spending time in Northwest Arkansas where we recently expanded. He loves spending time with his grandchildren and supporting his local community.

Seattle Business Magazine recognized Richard as Executive of the Year 2020 in its Washington Manufacturing Awards.

Connect with Richard & The BoxMaker

• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Resources

AICC CEO Advisory Group

Coming Up

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode we talk with Richard Brown, President & Co-owner of The BoxMaker.

Part 1 of Going Forward delves into key aspects of Richard's career in the packaging industry that led him to The BoxMaker, offering valuable insights for listeners.

Richard's journey in the packaging world began at 14 years old, working in his father's distribution company. This hands-on experience and hard-working attitude led to his transformative climb from the warehouse floor to the executive boardroom. His story serves as a testament to the profound impact of practical experience in shaping a successful career in the packaging sector.

The human side of leadership takes center stage as the episode sheds light on the delicate balance between career and family. Richard discusses the significant role family considerations played in his decision-making process, emphasizing transparent communication and the thoughtful evaluation of family dynamics as crucial elements in navigating career choices.

About Richard

Richard Brown has been with The BoxMaker since 2003. Prior to his current role, he served as the Corrugated Sales Manager, Vice President, and General Manager. Richard’s career in packaging began with a summer warehouse job as a teen. He quickly worked his way up to delivery driver, a series of office roles, and then outside sales where he developed and sold custom packages for 13 years. His first leadership role was in product management at Tenneco. In 1999 he accepted a promotion to lead a branch office of Landsberg Ororoa in the Seattle area. Richard enjoys actively participating in AICC and Vistage.

As a packaging professional, Richard enjoys seeing how things are made, and he maintains a keen interest in client projects as they are produced. He believes being involved in all parts of the process is an excellent way to learn from an array of people and companies.

Richard focuses on ensuring The BoxMaker has the right talent, equipment, and culture in place to serve clients effectively and develop true partnerships. He values treating everyone with respect, living in the moment, and making a positive impact. Richard says, “The impact I have on my coworkers’ lives will be my scorecard as a leader.”

Richard enjoys being outdoors to appreciate the beauty and fresh air of the Pacific Northwest while hiking and fly fishing. He looks forward to spending time in Northwest Arkansas where we recently expanded. He loves spending time with his grandchildren and supporting his local community.

Seattle Business Magazine recognized Richard as Executive of the Year 2020 in its Washington Manufacturing Awards.

Connect with Richard & The BoxMaker

• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Resources

AICC CEO Advisory Group

Coming Up

In the next episode, Going Forward Part II will cover Richard's time at The BoxMaker. The episode delves into Richard's leadership philosophy and innovative strategy to keep his company on the cutting edge.

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode, we talk with Jim Haglund, Chairman, and Mike Haglund, CEO & Owner, of Central Package & Display.

Their entertaining stories about their early days and the honesty with which they speak about the decision to bring in an outside president to run the company are inspiring and informative. This conversation shows their mutual respect for each other and offers an outstanding example of working within family dynamics.

About Jim and Mike

Jim Haglund always had a job. He eventually landed at a distributor, where he got to know independent box makers. One of their suppliers was a sheet plant named Central Container Corp. After an encounter with one of the original owners, Jim proposed buying his half of the company. The company had a different succession plan, but the owner sold his 50% to Jim anyway because he knew Jim would succeed.

Mike Haglund started at Central mowing the lawn and opening mail when he was ten years old. He continued to work summers there throughout college. After graduating college, Mike built a successful career, which included running a scrap yard and purchasing two packaging supply companies. Eventually, his father wanted to acquire his companies and fold them and him into Central, and Mike was ready to return to the family business.

Connect

Central Package & Display: Linkedin | website

Mike Haglund

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode we talk with Bob Cohen, President, Acme Corrugated Box.

Bob Cohen’s family went from selling rags to selling used boxes to creating an innovative manufacturing company. With humility, Cohen shares his company’s story of growth and how he and his wife chose to give back to the community that supported them.

Spurred on by the tight market in the 1970s, Cohen went from being a distributor to a converter, starting with a used letterpress. Following his instincts, Cohen continued to grow the company and eventually brought his three sons into the family company.

About Bob

My name is Burton (Bob) R. Cohen, and I have been involved with my family business since 1969 after a short stint in the Army Reserves. I graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia and Penn State University, majoring in History (Bachelor of Arts). When I joined the company, we had five employees. We distributed corrugated packaging in the local market, and we generated annual revenues of about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In 1973, we purchased the first converting equipment, allowing us to produce corrugated packaging ourselves. Our start was primitive, but somehow, we survived in a market with better-equipped and more seasoned competitors. In 1980, the company moved from Philadelphia to the Bensalem area (a Philadelphia suburb). There, we occupied a 60,000 square feet facility, which allowed us to expand our manufacturing capability and add a larger workforce. We prospered there until the early 2000s and in 2001, we were given the opportunity to further integrate our manufacturing operation with the addition of corrugating capacity (2 Narrow Width Agnati Corrugators). This equipment acquisition necessitated our move to our present location in Hatboro. The new building has 234,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Looking around, we initially felt, “How will we ever fill this space!” We filled it a lot quicker than expected.

We had seen steady growth since the major recession of 2009, essentially increasing the sales volume by 75% by 2016. We continued to add converting lines as our business grew. Between 2016 and 2019, we had increased sales by 57%. We also added four additional converting lines in that same timeframe prior to the Pandemic. As our volume increased, it became apparent that we needed far more space and more converting lines. With a focus on our clients and their growing demands, we investigated how an expansion could be executed while the economy was in the throes of the Pandemic. Believing there is no going backward in business, we took the plunge. The plans drawn up would make us the most progressive and best-equipped independent converter in the Northeast region. So, in November of 2020, we began construction. We added 80,000 square feet (with heights of 40’”& 60’ to accommodate roll stock and the WIP system) and numerous new machinery including a 110” Fosber 1500 ft/min three stage corrugator, a Warak high rack WIP system developed in Europe, A Warak roll delivery system, full conveyorization of the entire facility (WSA & Ducker), a new waste and starch system, a dust collection system, the movement of entire departments within the facility and the addition of two new converting lines. The project was complete in April of 2023. At present, we employ 250 staff members, and presently our revenues are almost 2 times as great as our 2016 revenue had been.

Our Management Team includes our General Manager, Jeremy Cohen, with 23 years of converting and industrial engineering experience, our Vice President of Finance, David Platt, 34+ years of corporate financial reporting responsibility, our Human Resources Manager- Heidi Morrison, 37+ years in Employee Relations, Operations Manager, Joseph Hodges, 26+ years of production...

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode we talk with Cassi Malone, Director of Customer Experience, Corrugated Supplies Company and Josh Sobel, Account Manager, Jamestown Container Companies.

Both having served as AICC Emerging Leader (EL) Delegates, the volunteer leaders of the Program, Josh and Cassi can offer a different perspective on leadership, the industry, and how to motivate younger employees.

They share their EL experiences as well as their industry origin stories. Sobel, an EL graduate, discusses how the EL Program has grown, what it is like to leave a family company, and trying to find his own path. Malone, a current EL, found her way into the industry by taking a leap after a chance encounter.

About Cassi

Cassi Malone, Director of Customer Experience, Corrugated Supplies Company

Cassi Malone is the Director of Customer Experience for Corrugated Supplies Company (CSC). Initially starting as a Customer Service Representative within the company 10 years ago, she has worked hard to learn as much about CSC, their customers, and the industry as possible.

In her current role, Cassi oversees the service and planning operations for CSC’s 9 sheet feeder operations across the country. She has a passion for learning and teaching, and is always looking to absorb as much knowledge as she can from those around her. Her passion for learning led her to AICC’s Emerging Leaders group 7 years ago, where she became a member and started to immerse herself in the paper and packaging industry with other young professionals. As she came to know and love the program, she eventually took on the role as an Emerging Leaders Delegate from 2019-2022 on the AICC Board of Directors so she could help shape the program for future ELs.

Cassi graduated with an MBA from Robert Morris University in 2011, and she also continued to serve as an adjunct faculty member for over 6 years at her alma mater. Cassi is a firm believer in mentorship, communication, and building relationships. Her goal is to help others find their way, just like so many have and continue to support her along the way. Outside of work, Cassi can be found in her most favorite role of all – Mom, as her and her husband try to keep up with their two sassy, energetic little girls!

About Josh

Josh Sobel, Account Manager, Jamestown Container Companies

After graduating from The Ohio State University in 2003 with a degree in Political Science Josh decided to return home to join his grandfather’s box business, Sobel Corrugated Containers, as a customer service representative. Throughout his 10 years with the company he worked in multiple roles for the business including plant scheduling, sales, and VP of sales. In 2012 he joined Jamestown Container’s Macedonia division as an account manager, and has worked in that role since.

He has been on the AICC board of directors two separate times, first as an Emerging Leaders delegate and currently as the Great Lakes Regional Director.

Resources

• AICC Emerging Leaders

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.