Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this engaging conversation, Larry Grossbard, co-owner of President Container, shares the inspiring journey of his family business, which began in 1947. He discusses the evolution of the company, the challenges faced during the transition to a super plant, and the importance of family dynamics in maintaining a successful business. Larry emphasizes the value of mentorship, the philosophy ...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 36
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode of Breaking Down Boxes, hosts Simona Georgescu and Brian Suarez sit down with Randall Rigsby, Founder of Altex Packaging, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, family, and perseverance in the packaging industry. From his early days in Saudi Arabia to building a thriving packaging business in Alabama, Randall shares the unconventional pa...
Apr 07, 2025•58 min•Ep. 35
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this engaging conversation, George Perreira of Moyy and Mike Schaefer of Tavens Packaging and Display talk with Rich Croce, President and CEO of Viking Packaging. Rich shares his journey from growing up in a family business to navigating the challenges of college and ultimately returning to lead the company. He discusses the evolution of Viking Packaging, the importance of customer serv...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 34
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we dive into the fascinating origin stories of industry leaders who have shaped the packaging world. Join us as we revisit the early days and pivotal moments that set the stage for success for our distinguished guests: Greg Tucker, President and CEO of Bay Cities; Charlie Hodges, who retired as President and CEO of Hood Container in late 2024; Jerry Frisch, President of Was...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 33
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode of Breaking Down Boxes, hosts Jeff Pallini and George Perreira sit down with Mark Jared, Director and CEO of Cumberland Container in Monterey, TN, to explore his unconventional career path and the evolution of his business. From navigating international challenges in China to leading a box plant in Tennessee, Mark’s story is a fascinating tale of resilience, innovation, and...
Dec 02, 2024•56 min•Ep. 32
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Fabien Val, CEO and owner of Cuir. Hosted by Simona Georgescu of Adduco Communications and Mike Schaefer of Tavens Packaging & Display, the episode provides a rare and heartfelt look into Val's journey from closing a textile company to the helm of a corrugated machinery company. Connect with Fabien https://www.cuir.com/en/ New episodes drop the first Monday...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 31
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Justin Hill from Lawrence Paper Company. In this conversation, Justin shares insights into the company's rich history, spanning over six generations. He discusses the importance of customer service, innovation, and employee engagement in maintaining a successful family business. Justin reflects on the challenges faced throughout the years, including economic do...
Oct 07, 2024•39 min•Ep. 30
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this special episode of Breaking Down Boxes , the podcast welcomes a dynamic group of new guest hosts who are set to bring fresh perspectives and engaging stories to the independent packaging industry. Featured Guest Hosts: Mike Schaefer - President, Tavens Packaging & Display Mike shares his unexpected journey into the packaging industry, from his early days as a mechanic to becomi...
Sep 02, 2024•33 min•Ep. 29
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 v...
Jul 08, 2024•46 min•Ep. 28
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 t...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 27
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 ju...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 26
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 effic...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 25
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 h...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 24
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 outsta...
Feb 05, 2024•58 min•Ep. 23
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...
Jan 02, 2024•50 min•Ep. 22
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...
Dec 04, 2023•43 min•Ep. 21
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Jeff Quinn, CEO & Owner, Keith Umlauf, COO & Owner, and Mike Mulroe, President of Haire Group. After decades of working together the four horsemen go down to two and Jeff Quinn and Keith Umlauf knew they needed to bring in a skilled leader to complement their skills. Enter Mike Mulroe. With humor and humility, they candidly talk through their history, t...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 20
In this episode we talk with Kevin Ausburn, Chairman & CEO, and Matt Ausburn, CFO, of SMC Packaging Group. While SMC faced a tough start, like all box plants, Kevin Ausburn’s father and his business partner, Chuck Bachus, worked through it. After becoming a CPA, Kevin worked in Kansas City for several years before feeling the pull of a family business. His son Matt followed a similar path, earning a CPA and gaining experience outside of the SMC before the prospect of new projects also pulled...
Oct 02, 2023•51 min•Ep. 19
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Matt Davis. Matt Davis has corrugated dust in his veins. His grandfather owned and operated successful box plants in Iowa during the 1930s – 60s. His dad, Jim Davis, worked over 30 years with Deline Box before starting Packaging Express with Matt in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1998. This adventure began over a family breakfast when Jim asked his family if anyone w...
Sep 04, 2023•43 min•Ep. 18
Breaking Down Boxes is taking a break in August. We will be back in September with more great conversations. In the meantime, you can hear a sneak peek of this week's AICC Update, AICC's 5-minute weekly podcast that keeps members up to date on benefits and upcoming events. Subscribe to AICC Update and make the most of your company's membership. In This episode: Packaging Industry Trends , Free Webinar, Aug. 10 Workforce Sticky Situations- Prevention Before Investigation, Free Webinar, Sept. 26 T...
Aug 07, 2023•5 min
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode, we are talking with Steve Young, AICC Ambassador at Large. Young has had a birds-eye view of the industry for decades thanks to his storied career at AICC. In this episode, he shares a fascinating history of AICC and the circumstances within the industry that led to its creation. Succession plans rarely go off without some bumps in the road. Young discusses the succession ...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 17
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode, we talk with Charlie Hodges, President and Chief Operating Officer for Hood Container Corporation. Hodges has nearly 50 years in the industry and has held roles at many major companies, but he found his home at Hood Container. Inspired by a high school teacher’s passion for chemistry, Hodges went to Georgia Tech to become a chemical engineer. After graduation, he followed ...
Jun 05, 2023•49 min•Ep. 16
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with John Burgess, President, Pamarco. After earning a chemistry degree, John Burgess saw a tough economy and decided to go abroad for a career. He landed in Bahrain, was told plans had changed, and was shipped off to Abu Dhabi. After five years of pouring concrete into oil wells, Burgess decided to find a different path. With his family now in the US, he decided th...
May 01, 2023•54 min•Ep. 15
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes . We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Gary Brewer, President, Package Crafters, Inc. and Creative Packaging, Inc. Brewer saw his path. The company he was working for was paying for his graduate degree. He and the son of the company President would take over the company from their fathers someday. Then life took a turn. Brewer and his father were let go. After a fruitless six-month job search Brewe...
Apr 03, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 14
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode, we talk with Kim Nelson, President & CEO of Royal Containers. Rather than pursuing a career in law as she had planned, Nelson returned home when her father, the founder of Royal Containers called. It was supposed to be temporary, but she turned it into her career and found her passion in trying to build and grow what her father had created. Founder Ross Nelson, after a...
Mar 06, 2023•53 min•Ep. 13
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Chad Wagner, President of Peachtree Packaging, in Lawrenceville, GA. Wager was recruited by the founder of Peachtree Packaging when we was working after school as a golf caddy. After graduating high school Wagner joined the air force and then studied at UGA, where in his junior year the Peachtree’s founder asked him to come back after he graduated. Working thro...
Feb 06, 2023•58 min•Ep. 12
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Dave Callif, Chairmain & CEO, and Rob Callif, President of BCM Inks. The father/son team share how skills from the fashion industry and P&G translate into corrugated, succession planning, and the challenges of being a start-up. Listeners can hear how their practical, rather than emotional, choices led to a smooth transition and maintained harmony when t...
Jan 09, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 11
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Michael Lafave, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Kruger Packaging L.P. and Charles Malo, President And Chief Operating Officer, Cascades Containerboard Packaging during a special episode of Breaking Down Boxes recorded during the recent AICC Canada/ Canadian Corrugated Case Association (CCCA) Tabletop Conference in Toronto. Listeners can get...
Dec 05, 2022•51 min•Ep. 10
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. In this episode we talk with Jana Harris. Jana has come a long way from being the child rollerskating around the boxplant founded by her parents. Always with an entrepreneurial spirit, she started a business at the age of 29, only to be forced to fire her partner a year later. Later, her compassion and education lead her to a four-year stint in healthcare. Then four years later, she and he...
Nov 07, 2022•56 min•Ep. 9
Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space. Gene Marino, President, Akers Packaging Service Group and AICC Past Board Chair, and Joe Morelli, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Huston Patterson Printers & Lewisburg Printing Company and AICC Past Associate Board Chair, speak with Guy Ockerlund and his son Eric of Ox Box on Breaking Down Boxes . At the age of 26 Guy had to decide if he was going to fight to keep the family b...
Oct 03, 2022•52 min•Ep. 8
