SAN LUIS PAPER COMPANY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chairman, CEO / Los Angeles, CA
You always know when Charles is in the office. It starts when you hear the receptionists sing out "Good morning, Mr. Wilson. How are you today?" Then you'll see him on his rounds. Few company chairmen take the time to stop by every employee's desk to check in and say hello (and maybe to pick up a piece of candy or two), but Charles does. He knows how important it is to make those personal connections. Since joining his brother in business after serving in World War II, this recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star has always put people first. It takes a lot of energy to mentor so many individuals, but even after almost 70 years in the business, Charles makes it a priority. The candy helps, but mostly it's the love he has for our company and all the people here that keep him going.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Portland, or
Ahna is a lifelong learner. Despite working in a number of leadership roles across departments and divisions for almost 20 years, she is always on the lookout for opportunities to grow and build on her skillset. This drive for growth is what drew her to Ernest and it's what makes her a great fit here-along with her passion for the people she works with. For Ahna, putting the right people in the right positions, where they can succeed, is the best way to create a winning team. And she does that every day by identifying her team members' strengths, helping them develop their skills, and encouraging them to deliver on our clients' business goals.
When she's not in the office coaching her people, Ahna loves indulging in outdoor activities with her family. She always enjoys spending time near the water, whether it's a river, a lake, or the ocean. Or you might find her hiking in the woods or out on the soccer field. In addition to being outside and active, she's also an avid reader who enjoys spending her alone time immersed in a good book. Whether at home or at work, Ahna always seeks out new ways to continue improving herself.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Phoenix, AZ
From precise logistics and technology details to broader shipping and packaging innovations, Alex is passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences. He brings high energy and an extensive background managing warehouses and fulfillment centers to his role as Director of Client Relations in Phoenix. As a leader, Alex creates a supportive environment that unleashes his team's potential and helps them thrive. He is always thinking outside the box to solve problems and keep his people productive.
Outside the office, you'll often find Alex outside. Literally. After relocating to Phoenix from Chicago with his girlfriend, two dogs, and two cats, he takes full advantage of the city's warm weather. Whether it's fishing, camping, hiking, or challenging himself physically with triathlons and Ironman races, he's always up for an outdoor adventure. A native of Iowa, he's also an avid sports fan and supports all the Chicago teams-Bears, Bulls, and Cubs. At home or at work, Alex is focused, dedicated, and not afraid of going outside his comfort zone to deliver wins.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Boise, ID
Andrew brings a packaging and management background to our Boise branch, having held sales leadership roles in the industry at both the national and regional levels. He was drawn to Ernest by our family-centric culture and how invested our whole team is in delivering on client goals. As a leader, he's passionate about training his team and helping each person develop their own skills to ensure they deliver on those goals every time-while also maintaining a supportive atmosphere. Andrew likes taking an active, hands-on role and is always on the lookout for new learning opportunities. He's also comfortable rolling up his sleeves to find solutions that drive growth not only for his team, but for his clients as well.
At home, Andrew's family is his passion and his motivation. His three boys are the reason he and his wife picked up and moved from Los Angeles to Boise. In addition to the change of pace and scenery, they love Boise's quieter way of life and have found a renewed sense of togetherness here. Spending quality time with loved ones, building connections with those around him, and making the most of every moment together also includes game day for this avid Chargers fan. Whether he's at home or at work, Andrew's love for life fuels him every day.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Reno, NV
If ever there was a shining example of a versatile team player, Anne Sioson Carbajal is it. Anne has been an integral part of the Ernest Packaging Solutions family for more than a decade, and has enthusiastically stepped into a variety of roles with willingness and an always-positive attitude. From training our support teams and Customer Relationship Managers, to overseeing our 30-person Business Services team, to leading the charge as the business process owner for sales and distribution during our SAP conversion and serving seven years on the Ernest Brand Council, her dedication and drive have made us a better company. As the Director of Operations in Reno, she builds on deep experience in sales and operations at Ernest and beyond. Her reputation for raising up successors and building her team's expertise means lots of potential for individual and divisional development. Mentoring and empowering others are Anne's specialties.
Anne is excited for what the move to Reno from Southern California means for her family. While she'll miss the LA and San Diego teams, she's excited for all of the business growth happening in the Greater Reno and Northern Nevada area, not having as much traffic to contend with, and all the outdoor activities nearby. Her husband and two young kids love dirt biking and exploring nature, which Anne supports whole-heartedly. It's exactly this kind of all-in approach that will make her a powerful part of the Team Reno leadership.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Las Vegas, NV
Little did Bill know that when Ernest Packaging Solutions bought the company he was working for in 1998, it would change the direction of his life. As part of the Ernest family, he loves that he has the freedom to make decisions and a team of colleagues that he calls "the hardest working and most dedicated people I have ever seen." And that's quite a complement from someone with his experience. It's also why he's committed to finding the best ways to do things, striving to help his staff work smarter, and always looking at the details. Being part of Ernest's success is just his way of giving back.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Sacramento, CA
With over 20 years of experience in the industrial distribution world, Brandy brings both enthusiasm and expertise to her work every day. She knows how to cover multiple markets and states while managing a large sales team-but what she's most passionate about is coaching. Brandy loves to hire fresh talent and mentor her rookies as they work their way up through the company. She also loves Ernest's family values and welcoming environment, which suits her perfectly. We love Brandy's can-do attitude and her boundless energy.
When she's not helping her team members carve their own paths to success, Brandy keeps busy with her husband, twin sons, and daughter. They love to spend time together camping in the beautiful California wilderness whenever they can get away. Brandy also enjoys being in her happy place: the kitchen. An avid cook, she's worked as a personal chef and even has her own brand of hot sauce-which will help her fit right in, because at Ernest, we bring the heat. Another fun fact: Brandy used to play professional roller derby. We might have missed seeing her play, but we're still big fans of her work.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Phoenix, AZ
Word on the street is that you can give Brenda Fiorucci the toughest request and she will find a way to get it done. It's her superpower. We are pretty sure her 25+ years of experience in logistics and packaging has something to do with it. But it's her love for Ernest's focus on family and customer fulfillment that adds that something extra. She's built a strong, reliable team that finds creative solutions to help deliver on our clients' business goals. She's always focused on making the process better. And no matter the task, she's always the first to roll up her sleeves and get to work-even if it means taking her truck and doing a delivery herself.
Brenda finds creative solutions for home projects, as well. Even in the Phoenix desert she manages to grow anything and everything in her garden. When she's not at home with her husband, her two dogs and four chickens, she likes escaping the desert and camping up north with her kids and grandkids. Her can-do attitude, both at home and in the office, means Brenda is always ready to pitch in to deliver the best service for our clients.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Phoenix, AZ
Brian is on a mission to open doors, and close business. In everything he does, he focuses on setting Ernest apart. That means building the strongest, smartest, best equipped sales team around, and adding value for every customer. When he's not busy bringing the best packaging solutions to new Ernest clients, Brian loves spending time with his wife and their four children. A Chicago native, he's a huge Cubs fan and can't wait to see what his hometown team does in the next few years. With his passion for winning, we know Brian's going to knock it out of the ballpark here at Ernest.
With over 15 years' experience in sanitation, Brian combines equipment expertise with industry insight to bring a wealth of knowledge to the Ernest table. He knows the ins-and-outs of every aspect of jan-san-from fulfillment, to operations, to sales. Having worked across a wide variety of industry verticals, each of which is essentially its own world, he understands unique needs. His hands-on experience gives him an edge when it comes to supporting our clients. Brian loves sharing his knowledge with our sales team and connecting clients with the products and manufacturers that will benefit their business the most. He's even finding new ways to improve our operations right here at Ernest, too.
Outside of work, Brian loves spending time with his family. He enjoys the outdoors, and anything to do with water-whether it's swimming in the ocean or camping lakeside with friends. His three kids are fortunate that Brian loves to takes advantage of all that Southern California and the Southwest has to offer. We are grateful he loves to travel since our clients from coast-to-coast can benefit from his jan-san expertise.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Client Relations / Los Angeles, CA
Keeping up with Brian is tough. He's so full of life, you never know what's coming next. We think his previous jobs working on a cruise ship, serving as president of his city's Little League, and managing rock bands perfectly prepared him for his life today - as father to two great boys, stepfather to two more, dedicated husband, keeper of the family animal menagerie, and Vice President of Client Relations. Brian consistently puts his incredible energy to work for everyone here at Ernest Packaging Solutions. With his great ability to make customers comfortable, his commitment to understanding their needs and objectives, and his ability to always have fun in the process, Brian is a great asset to his clients and to us. We look forward to many more years of trying to keep up with him.
Job Titles:
- Director of National Client Relations
When you've got an appetite like Brian, you have to be ready to work hard. He balances his serious love for sushi, hot wings, and tacos with peaceful surfing sessions and heart-pumping runs. His appetite and drive don't stop at his stomach, though. He is always willing to challenge himself and the status quo to help move packaging forward and contribute to the progressive environment here at Ernest Packaging Solutions. Offering him that slice of homemade pie on his first day of work here was a really great idea.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / San Diego, CA
For Cameron Schutz, constant innovation is the name of the game. When it comes to helping clients get whatever they need to improve their business or capitalize on new opportunities, he likes to stay one step ahead by finding those solutions before our clients even know they need them. Cameron applies this same philosophy to the packaging industry at large, always anticipating emerging trends and changes to keep his team on the cutting edge and drive continued growth. Outside of the office he dedicates his time to playing guitar and piano, boxing, golfing, and spending time with his family. It's the same dedication and passion that make Cameron a valuable member of the Ernest family, too, and a great keeper of our culture.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Los Angeles, CA
- Manager of the New Corporate Communications Department at Ernest
Though Chris Vanderstar has many years of waste management experience, he is certainly not wasting time when it comes to managing a business. As Director of Operations for our Los Angeles division, Chris builds on years of experience leading the sales department for a sustainability company and in the environmental service industry. Always on the lookout for growth opportunities, he is excited about the future of packaging-which he sees as both sustainable and economy-proof.
In the office, Chris is focused on driving digital transformation, supporting our clients, and helping the company expand operations. Even in his free time, Chris is always on the move. He loves playing golf and extreme sports like snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing. Clearly, he's a man that likes to move fast, which makes Chris a hugely sustainable investment here at Ernest.
Kristin is the Manager of the new Corporate Communications department at Ernest and her drive has become the stuff of legend at HQ in LA. She's driven by her immediate family. She's driven by the strong women who've inspired her to keep striving for excellence. She's driven by the need to see her team succeed. And if you've ever bumped into her in the breakroom, you know she's driven by something else, too: coffee. Although with her positive energy, it might actually be the coffee that's getting a boost from her.
Hailing from Bakersfield, California, Cindy Salters has found her stride as Director of Operations for our Fresno division. The long-time equestrian spent 29 years working in waste management and transportation, and now finds great satisfaction in helping her team support our field staff and clients. Cindy's firm, fair, and fun approach to business makes her a perfect fit for Ernest's culture, and she's looking forward to being part of this family for another 29 years!
When Cindy's not at work, she's back on the horse, literally. Cindy participates in rodeos and barrel races with her five horses, and cheers on her daughter's Fresno State rodeo team. She's also a big supporter of her son's work running the family barbecue business in Bakersfield, Salty's BBQ. Recently married, Cindy looks forward to this next chapter in her life-with her new husband, her dog, and her Ernest family.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Reno, NV
- Regional VP / Sacramento, CA
According to Clint, when someone else improves, we all improve. That's why he's "all in" when it comes to helping make a difference. He's passionate about furthering others' success and isn't one to settle for doing things a certain way just because that's how it's always been done. By striving to learn more and finding creative ways to solve challenges, he actively helps his clients and coworkers create a better tomorrow. His belief in continuous improvement makes him a motivational force at Ernest Packaging and very busy at home. Whether it's working in the yard, playing sports, or camping, he loves anything he can do to share great times with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Salt Lake City, UT
When it comes to relationships, CJ Nordin is all about honesty-both with his team, and his clients. Rather than focusing on simply making sales, CJ is interested in building trust through hard work and integrity. He's an expert at listening and understanding what people really need, so he can guide them through the decision-making process and help them arrive at the best possible solution. CJ brings this same approach to working with his team, and aspires to help everyone become the best version of his or herself, so they can reach their goals both individually and together. He believes in investing in people-which makes him a great investment for Ernest. When CJ's not busy building up his team and his clients' business, he loves spending time with his wife and two kids, and is passionate about hunting. Sounds like he's got his sights set on success.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations
Daniel Quezada started his sales career as a used car salesman (it's ok, you can trust him) before he shifted gears into the auto parts and telecom industries. Having worked his way up from residential door-to-door sales into leadership roles in the mid-market sector, he knows what it takes to build strong relationships and support customers. Joining the Ernest family was a nice change of pace from the corporate world-and an easy decision. Daniel considers himself a servant-leader who stands side-by-side with his team and isn't afraid to "carry the bag" since he's been there himself. He absorbs information quickly with the goal of learning it better than he was taught and paying that forward to his team. With customers, his focus is on forging long-term relationships that create trust and value.
Building rapport is something that Daniel excels at, both at work and at home. A Central Valley native, he loves spending time with his family, especially his "borrowed children" (his niece and nephew) and plays golf whenever he can. He also enjoys pampering his dachshund, Vinny-named after legendary MLB sportscaster Vin Scully. An avid baseball fan, Daniel is checking off his bucket list goal of seeing a game in every MLB stadium in the country. We hope he hits it out of the park.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations
Job Titles:
- Regional VP / Houston, TX
If you ask Eddie what he thinks makes Ernest Packaging Solutions so successful, he would tell you it's the people. When people work together, great things happen. This belief in teamwork and his ability to build relationships with everyone around him make him a huge asset and a great leader. He says it comes from lessons he learned on the college basketball court. We think it's just part of his balanced, good-natured approach to life. Whatever the case, we're learning new things from Eddie every day and are thrilled to have him on our team.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Los Angeles, CA
You might call Eric the ultimate fan. Whether it's his family, his favorite sports teams, or his fellow coworkers, he's always cheering people on and showing his support. Maybe that's why he's such an amazing mentor for our Customer Relationship Managers and our customers, too. Whether you're talking about new ideas, individuals, or our customers' businesses, he loves seeing things move forward. And anywhere he can make a contribution, he will.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Portland, or
Ernie Lunbeck is a relationship guy. By adapting his sales approach to each individual, he has delivered consistent results across a variety of industries. Packaging is no different. More than just tape, boxes, and automation he's focused on people, solutions, and support. For Ernie, sales is a fun puzzle to figure out. It's about approaching every account with an open mind, listening closely to what they need, and then reading between the lines to identify unexpected ways he can help.
In his free time, Ernie is a big fan of golf and likes to get outdoors, whether to hike, travel the country, or to tour a winery with his fiancé. He enjoys kicking back on his front porch with one of Portland's famed stouts or porters and is known to savor a good Oregon pinot, too. Ernie's work hard, play hard attitude pushes him to embrace every challenge he's presented, whether it's breaking par (this one's taking awhile) or getting a client what they need.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Salt Lake City, UT
With over 20 years' experience in sales, operations, and distribution, Gavin likes to roll up his sleeves and get involved, earning the trust of both his customers and his team-which is how he brings out the best in people. His approach to leadership is to coach, teach, and train where needed, and to be a reassuring partner along the way. One of his proudest accomplishments was overseeing the acquisition of a 30-year-old family-owned business, and managing the transition without losing any of the company's crew. In fact, he did such a good job of maintaining the status quo that they made "Team Gavin" t-shirts to show their support. Gavin loves to spend time outdoors with his family, hiking in summer and skiing in winter. And with all three of his daughters involved in theatre and sports (volleyball, basketball, and soccer), there's always a game or a performance to watch. A lifelong Denver Broncos fan, he also loves watching football and soccer. We're betting on Team Gavin for the win on all fronts.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Portland, or
For Glenn Susi, hard work is what makes a powerful and successful team. After 15+ years in sales and management, he knows that putting in the work is what makes all the difference. Glenn sees leading a growing sales team as an exciting learning opportunity. He is someone that values exploring new ideas and building relationships, especially when it comes to collaborating and connecting with clients. As a dedicated difference-maker, he knows what it takes to support his team and our customers' success.
When he's not leading the way at work, Glenn enjoys having fun with his wife and two daughters. Whether it's swimming at Villa Sport or playing soccer in the backyard, he's more than happy to indulge his daughters' interests. But he also has a few of his own. You'll often find him boating, jet-skiing, snowboarding on Mt. Hood, and cheering on his favorite football team, the 49ers. From the office to his family, Glenn brings dedication to every endeavor. He's an all-in kind of guy and we're happy to have him here at Ernest.
With 25 years of experience in the industry and 14 at Ernest, Greg has served clients ranging from aerospace to manufacturing to food processing industries and beyond. As a Senior Design Specialist, he strives to help clients make smart, sustainable decisions. Greg has a vast knowledge on OSHA compliance processes and industry certifications, such as Food Safety, and is also well-versed in all things Jan-San. When partnering with clients, he always strives to help them find solutions to increase performance, save money and, above all else, keep their employees safe and healthy. Greg is also an avid sailor and scuba diver, which gives him a close-up view of the effect we have on our environment-always keeping sustainability top of mind. Because he knows he's setting an example for his young daughter and helping to improve the Earth she'll one day inherit.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Los Angeles, CA
From producing successful high volume events to her impressive record as a sales leader for Cintas Corporation, we're pretty sure Hannah Marcano can do anything. As our Director of Client Relations, Hannah is using her extensive management and client service experience to build a formidable team in Los Angeles. Interestingly, she is a third-generation janitorial and packaging legacy. Both her father and grandfather were in the business, so, clearly, it's in her blood. And it shows. Hannah's commitment to supporting her team with insight and expertise means they're ready to tackle any client or selling challenge.
When she's not helping her team reach their goals, Hannah's hobbies include frequenting Farmers' markets for the best ingredients she can find in order to cook all types of cuisine. She especially loves making Italian dishes. You'll also find her reading and walking on the beach, hanging out, and attending country music concerts. We think Hannah's family history and her love to create will make her a great addition to the Ernest family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Phoenix, AZ
Helping people reach their full potential is one of James's specialties. Whether you're talking about our clients or the client relationships managers on his team, he knows what it takes to uncover needs, develop goals, and put together a winning plan to get there. His history with the Ernest Packaging Solutions family helps. Before joining the team, James worked closely with our CRMs as a representative for one of our suppliers. Everyone loved working with him so much that we officially made him part of the family and can tap into his leadership and relationship building skills every day.
James enjoys helping his team channel their tenacity, energy, and drive in supporting our clients. Luckily, he has lots of experience wrangling great potential at home since his three-year-old daughter keeps him on his toes. James, his wife, and daughter love spending time outdoors hiking and camping. Or you might find him watching his favorite comedy and horror movies after bedtime. Luckily for the team and our clients, there's nothing scary about his well-rounded approach to life and work.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Sacramento, CA
Jamie loves to be in the middle of things, as long as she's not in the spotlight. She has worked in just about every department at Ernest. Her broad range of experience, motivation, and endless enthusiasm make her an ideal Director of Operations. She's always ready to share her knowledge, and advises others to speak up if they want to get ahead. An active member of the Ernest Brand Council, Jamie is an integral cog in Ernest's well-oiled machine. When Jamie's not tackling challenges faster than we can throw them at her, she's keeping busy with her family. She loves to travel and is an avid nature photographer who carries her camera wherever she goes. She also loves to cook for her family, and tackle DIY projects around her home. We're so lucky to have Jamie as part of the Ernest family. She truly is the real McCoy.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Houston, TX
Jesus Gonzalez is a real people person. Before joining Ernest, he was a college athlete, behavioral health specialist, sales rep, facility sales specialist, and both district and sales manager for a well-known national company. His eclectic background and experience working in so many people-oriented roles make him a great fit here at Ernest. Jesus's emotional intelligence, gained from his background in psychology, coupled with his natural ability to create a positive work culture have helped him build a winning, driven sales team. A hands-on leader, he considers himself a "corporate coach" and loves using his background in athletics to guide his Houston E-teamers to success. But it's not all about work achievements-he's also passionate about seeing his people succeed in their personal lives.
When he's not rooting his team on in the office, Jesus values spending quality time with his family and loved ones. An athlete through and through, he's often outside cycling, lifting weights, playing baseball, or with his two dogs who keep him on his toes. As someone who strives to make the most of life, he enjoys trying new things that take him out of his comfort zone. His latest hobby? Dance. Whether at work or at play, Jesus's gratitude and appreciation for life help him tackle whatever new challenges come his way.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Director of Client Relations / Los Angeles, CA
Joe is a born leader who measures his success by how many new accounts his team opens, and how many of his rookies stay on board. Having spent over a decade in large corporations, where he worked his way up to district sales manager, he's thrilled to be part of a family-owned business with room to grow. Joe considers himself a simple man. We might argue that his background, from running crowd control at Disneyland to jumping out of airplanes for Red Bull, suggests otherwise-but his straightforward approach to sales and management really gets the job done.
When he's off the clock, Joe stays busy with his four kids. They make the most of all Southern California has to offer-hiking, going to the beach, and taking their dog Winston on outdoor adventures. He also enjoys watching hockey with his sons, who are both die-hard fans, and belting out car-karaoke tunes with his daughters, who know the words to every Queen song. Plus, he loves surfing, snowboarding, and going to the gym. With Joe's endless energy and his family-oriented spirit, he's made for the Ernest culture. Maybe we can even get him to go sky-diving for our next Ernest challenge.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Sacramento, CA
A Sacramento native, Justin brings a strong background in both sales and leadership to the table, paired with a passion for helping people and driving them to succeed. His leadership style is all about continually building on what's working and making it work even better. When he's not busy building up his team, Justin loves spending time with his wife, son, and dog, and working on an endless list of home improvement projects. He also loves to go backpacking around the Sierra Nevada's and Northern California, and is an avid fly-fisher who's always ready to cast his line. We're sure glad he took the bait and joined our team.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / San Diego, CA
Sometimes, you have to knock on doors to find opportunities. Other times, opportunity finds you. When a former colleague told Justine Stratton about Ernest Packaging Solutions, she was excited about the chance to be part of a team so committed to a great culture and client experience. And that's why Justine has dedicated herself to doing her part to strengthen that culture by growing her team and developing a new generation of Client Relationship Managers inspired to elevate what they do for our customers.
Part of this is sharing one of her superpowers-the ability to actively listen to her clients and her team to find the best solutions for every situation. Add to that a healthy competitive spirit she learned on the college softball field, and you have a winning combination for our San Diego division. Justine still plays on a number of co-ed slow pitch teams when she isn't busy with her other passion: fashion. From her great taste and ability to understand needs, to her supreme attention to detail, she's an asset here at Ernest and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Finance / Los Angeles, CA
Karri is dedicated and committed to everything she does. Whether it's cheering on her son at all of his soccer games or solving challenges for our clients and employees, she's in it 100%. She has proven herself over and over again during the past 16 years as part of the Ernest Packaging Solutions family. Her experience in accounting, HR, and as our Operations Manager in Los Angeles has given her the day-to-day perspective that helps her shine as our VP of Finance. Or maybe it's her annual trips to recharge in the surf and sun in Costa Rica that do the trick. Either way, her future looks bright.
Job Titles:
- Regional VP / Los Angeles, CA
Kenny loves a good competition, both personally and professionally. So it makes sense that he would return to Ernest, the company that launched his packaging career, after a decade of working for a competitor. As our General Manager, he is keeping his competitive nature on the golf course and has become passionate about sharing his years of knowledge and experience with the younger members of our sales force. And if you ask Kenny what day was his favorite day at Ernest, he'll tell you it was the day he came back. We have to agree and couldn't be happier to have him.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Salt Lake City, UT
Kevin's experience spans all the key areas of business. In addition to a strong sales background, he's held roles in operations and management. He's even owned his own company, which gives him unique insights into what our clients need and how we can help them better their business. As a leader, Kevin acts as coach, mentor, and motivator. To help his people achieve their goals, he likes to paint a picture of where they can take their career and how they can get there-and then he helps them do it. Kevin prides himself on building lasting relationships with clients, vendors, and partners based on honesty and authenticity. In fact, it's our relationship-based culture that drew him to Ernest to begin with.
A native of Portland, OR, Kevin moved to Salt Lake City to be close to his family while also indulging his passion for outdoor sports including skiing and mountain biking. He also loves spending time with his wife and their young son, and keeps busy with home improvement projects like building the perfect backyard. At home and in the office, Kevin is a visionary who's not afraid of rolling up his sleeves to get the job done.
Job Titles:
- Chief Information Officer / Los Angeles, CA
On Kevin Weinberg's desk, you'll find a quote from the intro to a Joss Stone song that says, "You see, I know change. I see change. I embody change. All we do is change…" Clearly, he is 100% Ernest and the perfect person to head up our information systems team. For 20 years, he's been a much relied upon part of the Ernest family. With a background as an accountant, a software expert, a systems guy, an operations lead, and most recently helping us translate Ernest DNA into software, he knows what makes our business go. He's always thinking strategically, turning corners into bends and helping us tackling our most audacious goals. Good thing he's got his music, his books, his rock climbing, and his two grandchildren to keep him sane.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Los Angeles, CA
When you ask Kevin what he loves about working at Ernest, he'll tell you, "The company vision and reputation can't be beat, but it's the people, their energy and capabilities that make all the difference." With his can-do attitude and powerful enthusiasm, he's a perfect match. Plus, he's fun to be around. He loves good movies like The Godfather or Goodfellas, is a big football fan, and enjoys a great book The DaVinci Code and Red Storm Rising are two favorites. What more can you ask for in a colleague and a collaborator?
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / San Luis Obispo, CA
Looking for something tasty to eat? Talk to Kiera! She's our resident foodie and knows all the great restaurants and tasty recipes. Whether at the dinner table or at work, her passion for excellence is infectious. She loves great literature, fine design, beautiful architecture, and good people. It's this passionate approach to life and determination that drives her every day at Ernest Packaging Solutions. What she doesn't know is that while she looks to others for her motivation, she is inspiring and motivating everyone around her.
Larry French came to Ernest from the biomedical engineering field, where he served as Senior Staff Engineer on the leading edge of developing breakthrough technologies. He's been putting this knowledge into practice for the past 30 years. When it comes to cold chain shipping, Larry is laser-focused on the two most important conditions: time and temperature. In fact, he's the one who invented our patented TempEndure™ technology. As R&D Manager, Larry goes above and beyond for any client. His expertise covers any industry, from food to pharma, biomed to botanical. His method of reverse-engineering and creating unique solutions ensures that the client receives optimization of cost and effectiveness. An innovator and collaborator, Larry is a member of the Orange County Inventors Forum and holds four different patents from across multiple disciplines.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations
Louie Gennuso's heart is in sales. He's genuinely invested in improving the lives and businesses of his clients. And he has the years to show for it, as a rep, a manager, and a director supporting sales teams. Louie is excited about the tremendous growth and learning opportunities here at Ernest. As a Director of Client Relations, he has a tried-and-true approach-providing his people with the tools and support they need to succeed. A creative problem-solver and involved leader, Louie motivates his team using the Ernest Way, taking the time to celebrate wins big and small. Louie's people-first approach is a powerful advantage for the Fresno division and our clients.
When he's not in the office, Louie is an attentive family man with three young children. Whether it's home improvement projects, going on adventures in the family's travel trailer, or immersing himself in his kids' soccer, baseball, dance, or gymnastics activities, he's there for it all. At home and in the office, Louie is devoted and ready to roll up his sleeves and take on any new task or challenge that comes his way.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / Las Vegas, NV
As a firm believer in the difference the right people can make, Luke is excited to be a part of the Ernest Packaging Solutions family and the Las Vegas team. By building upon a strong foundation of rock-solid relationships, Luke is taking Ernest's innovative approach to packaging to even more customers. He prides himself on doing things in a new way. Maybe that's why he fits in so well around here. When Luke's not busy connecting clients with the best packaging solutions, you can find him spending time with his five young kids, or watching the Seattle Seahawks.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / San Diego, CA
When it comes to supply chain, logistics, and operations, Marina Vilaysane knows how to keep teams on track. Her background in the software industry is vital to helping keep the Ernest Packaging Solutions San Diego division at the top of its game. From her work with domestic and international partners to her inspiring coaching and leadership approaches, Marina is all in when it comes to building and growing the business. She thrives in environments where she can help people develop their talents, bring ideas forward, and build on strengths.
Outside of the office, you'll likely find Marina in the great outdoors or enjoying time with her family. She counts on her nieces and nephews to keep her hip. But when it comes to staying in shape, it's her trail running, sailing, and rowing routines that feed her competitive streak. She's building up her endurance to continue traveling the world. Next stop: Australia to pet the koalas and check out the kangaroos. Marina sees life as an exciting adventure. No wonder she's already at home here at Ernest.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Salt Lake City, UT
Matthew brings passion and energy to everything he does, and believes the key to ensuring success is to set clear expectations-and then deliver on them. Add to that his years of operations experience and expertise across multiple industries and you've got a committed leader with a clear vision who can look at issues from many angles. Lucky for us.
Matthew was drawn to Ernest by our desire to innovate and create with our clients in order to drive sales. He's never satisfied with maintaining the status quo (take that, competitors!). This drive to do things better and exceed expectations shows up in in everything he does. Outside of work, Matthew is equally passionate and energetic about the things he loves, which include building things and getting creative. He's also a bona fide auto enthusiast who currently owns 11 cars-that's right, 11. With Matthew behind the wheel of our Salt Lake City operation, we know we're in good hands.
Job Titles:
- Director of Design Solutions
"Ever improving" is Mike's motto in life and work. Whether with his family or his customers, he loves to see people invest in themselves and hone their skills. He especially loves showing his customers how they can be more environmentally conscious by eliminating unnecessary packaging materials before they become waste. With over 20 years experience in senior management at a leading manufacturer of corrugated products, he knows what he's talking about. Ultimately, it all comes down to helping people. His expertise in design, configuring, and impact of the market on supply, costing and contribution margin have made a huge difference for many of our customers. When it comes to saving money and time or finding a better way, Mike is ready to lend a hand.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Operations / Los Angeles, CA
Mike was a part of the Ernest Packaging Solutions family long before he joined the team as an employee. In his work for a number of our suppliers, he saw firsthand what a difference that family feeling makes. Now he's doing his part to demonstrate our strong commitment to service on a daily basis. Mike does that by looking at things from all perspectives to help our clients and his coworkers succeed. That passion for success probably comes from his love of sports. He's a big Miami Dolphins fan, and when he's not rooting for them, you might find him riding dirtbikes in the desert, waterskiing and jet-skiing, or hitting the slopes on his snowboard.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / San Luis Obispo, CA
For Randi, there is no greater purpose in life than helping people. That's what drew her to the Ernest Packaging Solutions family and how we knew she was the perfect person to support our Central Coast clients out of our Fresno and San Luis Obispo divisions. Her problem-solving skills and commitment to outstanding service helped her build a thriving network over a strong career in sales. With proven expertise in JIT inventory and a unique ability to help clients find solutions that stand out in the market, Randi delivers impact and inspiration to her clients and the rest of the Ernest team.
Originally from Georgia, Randi came to California early in her career. She likes to say she went from the land of grits and greens to the world of fruits and nuts. And she fits right in. Being an avid foodie and married to a winemaker, Randi enjoys everything the Central Coast has to offer. When she's not helping her clients, you'll find her exploring the beauty of the great outdoors with her husband and their three rescue dogs from the comfort of their Airstream trailer. As someone who has always believed that you work for what you want, Randi is thrilled to be part of a company she admires and we're thrilled that her enthusiasm and commitment to the Ernest culture has found a home here.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / San Diego, CA
Ryan loves being part of the Ernest Packaging Solutions family because our core beliefs also represent his own personal values-innovation, motivation, and healthy competition. He is proud to head up a team that shares this vision and constantly strives to improve processes, products, and most importantly, client satisfaction. As far as Ryan is concerned the market is limitless, and it's ours for the making. When he's not busy helping his team find new ways to exceed their customers' expectations, Ryan loves spending time with his wife and three boys. Whether he's playing in the surf or heading for the nearest mountain, Ryan is passionate about being outdoors and being involved in his community. He sees every day as a new opportunity to learn, build on what the previous day taught him, and take on whatever challenges arise. Sounds like a recipe for success.
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Relations / San Diego, CA
For Sara Soeker, embracing and elevating individuality is at the heart of success. Her own path has taken unique turns-from her Midwestern roots, to almost a decade spent in the wine industry, to a transition to B2B sales to develop her skills and explore new opportunities. Sara was drawn to the Ernest Packaging Solutions family by the positive, genuine energy and work ethic she experienced at every level of our organization. She sees training and mentoring our rookie customer relationship managers as a great way to celebrate each of their individual strengths, share her expertise, and support the needs of our customers.
Sara's passion for building win-win relationships and helping others uncover what they do best is a powerful skill both at work and at home. As the mother of two young children and an adopted rescue puppy, she prides herself on flexibility and finding the fun in every situation. She loves exploring the great wide open, whether it's a family road trip back to Nebraska or a quick jaunt to the park with the dog and a ball. With Sara, every experience is an opportunity to expand awareness and appreciate the world in your own unique way.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations / Las Vegas, NV
Who says you can't learn anything from TV? Not Sarah! She adapts many of the problem-solving skills she's learned from her favorite TV show "House" to deliver better custom corrugated solutions for her customers. Luckily, she has much better people skills than the show's cranky leading man. For Sarah, every quote is an opportunity to ask herself if there's a better style or process for her customers. Finding those solutions makes her job fun!
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Los Angeles, CA
If there's one thing Scott specializes in, it's fresh perspective. He's always helping our teams find new ways to strengthen relationships with our vendors and uncover unexpected solutions for our customers' toughest packaging challenges. Scott has made it his personal mission to find opportunities to improve operations here at Ernest Packaging Solutions in whatever way he can. And that's no small feat when you're already working for a world-class organization! Good thing Scott takes plenty of time in the great outdoors, where he fly fishes, golfs, and mountain bikes with his family to refuel. All that fresh air is his secret weapon.
Job Titles:
- Chief Marketing Officer / Los Angeles, CA
Both professionally and personally, Scott has a special talent for rallying people. Whether he's coaching his kids' baseball and soccer teams or bringing all the Ernest offices together under a compelling new brand, he knows the power of a strong, confident message. He's a firm believer in the company's commitment to Moving Packaging Forward and takes the idea to heart even in the way the company markets itself. He attributes this passion for our brand to the fact that the family culture at Ernest makes you always want to do your best. We know it's really because he's a savvy marketer who truly loves his work.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Houston, TX
A career with a Fortune 200 Company has made Shaun Buranakitipinyo ready to build something big in packaging. And he's got the expertise to make it happen. When it comes to sales, he's done it all - store manager, branch manager, sales rep, city manager, sales manager and, district manager. Shaun is a seasoned leader passionate about taking things to the next level. He empowers his teams, gives them what they need to succeed, and challenges them to go further than they ever thought possible. He loves to see people win!
A proud Aggie, Shaun met his wife while both were students at Texas A&M. A devoted family, college football, and Houston Astros man, on the weekends you'll likely find him enjoying a game or at the whim of his three young daughters playing dolls or watching movies. Both professionally and personally, Shaun believes in valuing relationships above everything else. He's all about doing what you say you're going to do and challenging yourself to grow. No wonder he's such a great fit with the Ernest family.
At Ernest, when we think about the phrase "team player" it's hard not to see Stephen's smiling face. During over 24 years working with us, he's shared his passion for living, learning and growing with every employee and many of our customers. Stephen's background as a mechanical engineer plays an important part in developing the functional aesthetics for our customers' packaging solutions. But, in truth, it's his incredible listening skills that ensure he creates package designs his customers love. He asks questions, he explores the brand, and he applies his extensive knowledge of substrates and effective design elements to create the ideal solution. All of his efforts to get things "just right" demonstrate that he's a man with a genuine heart that loves putting his knowledge to work for others. And that makes him the perfect person to have on your team.
Job Titles:
- General Manager / Boise, ID
Stephen's background in construction means he's got all the tools he needs to build the next generation of packaging professionals. He takes prides in teaching his team about the wide range of materials and products in the Ernest catalog, and also about representing Ernest by upholding the strong brand culture that's been an integral part our business for over 70 years. Stephen loves the sense of camaraderie at Ernest. He appreciates the support he receives to help him succeed and the freedom to make his own choices. Most importantly, he loves that people here care about life outside the company-just like a real family. When he's not busy training his crew, you can bet Stephen's keeping busy at home with his wife, Ryann, and their three sons. An avid builder, Stephen loves making things and his wife loves giving him projects-so it's a win-win. Add to that his self-proclaimed geekiness (the force is strong with this one), and his boys' penchant for wrestling, and Stephen is always having fun, whether he's at work or at home. Sounds like a blueprint for happiness, and success.
Job Titles:
- President / Los Angeles, CA
Spending time with family is at the top of Tim's list of favorite things to do. That's an especially good thing as the president of a family-owned business because with over 450 employees, his definition of family is a bit broader than most. He prides himself on the people he has on his team - their passion, the dedication they have to their work, and their willingness to collaborate to help find the best solutions for our customers. In fact, some of his greatest joys come from celebrating the professional successes and personal milestones of his extended family.
Job Titles:
- Regional VP / Portland, or
Travis does everything he can to set himself and the Ernest Packaging Solutions family apart. He uses every opportunity to seek advice, expertise, and perspective from vendors and consultants to cover all angles for his customers. It's this kind of attitude and proactive approach that has helped him and the team excel. Outside of Ernest he takes advantage of all that Portland has to offer. In his spare time you can find him with some or all of his 5 kids fishing, camping, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. And when the weather doesn't cooperate, you'll find him playing the piano and coaxing his kids to sing along.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Talent / Los Angeles, CA
With a record like Mickey Mantle, the charisma of Joe DiMaggio, and the heart of Lou Gehrig, we think if Vince ever decides to retire from us, he has a bright future as a coach. His passion for nurturing success in everyone around him - from his family to our leadership and especially his new recruits - brings new life and energy to Ernest Packaging Solutions every day. Since 2008, Ernest has been the house that Vince built. Vince is not only getting top talent to join our Ernest family, but as keeper of the culture, he is making sure that we maintain the perfect climate for them to prosper and succeed. It's really too bad that his favorite team, the Yankees, haven't discovered him. Their loss is definitely our gain.