Experience

Packaging Solutions for Today's Industry

• United States
• Packaging and Containers Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Owner and Chief Executive Officer

  • Sep 2020 - Present

  San Diego, CA, United States Packaging Solutions is a proven leader in creating sustainable packaging products for B2B customers from Coast to Coast. Creating custom packaging from cardboard, foam and other materials, the company excels at creating award-winning custom designs, identifying cost-saving manufacturing solutions, and inventory management. Located in Southern California, Packaging Solutions is a 20-year old company which also provides a full suite of mil-spec packaging services for defense-related… Show more Packaging Solutions is a proven leader in creating sustainable packaging products for B2B customers from Coast to Coast. Creating custom packaging from cardboard, foam and other materials, the company excels at creating award-winning custom designs, identifying cost-saving manufacturing solutions, and inventory management. Located in Southern California, Packaging Solutions is a 20-year old company which also provides a full suite of mil-spec packaging services for defense-related customers. We acquired this company in early 2020 and Packaging Solutions is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business. Show less



U.S. Air Force Reserve

• United States
• Armed Forces
• 700 & Above Employee

• Major General

  • May 1990 - Present

  Pentagon Key Senior Leader, serving as the Senior Reservist (Mobilization Assistant) to the Air Force Chief of Staff at the Pentagon. He assists the Chief with the organization, training and equipping of 685,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas, developing global Air Force policy and working across the entire US government at the highest levels. Prior to this he was assigned as the Senior Reservist to the Director for Logistics… Show more Key Senior Leader, serving as the Senior Reservist (Mobilization Assistant) to the Air Force Chief of Staff at the Pentagon. He assists the Chief with the organization, training and equipping of 685,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the United States and overseas, developing global Air Force policy and working across the entire US government at the highest levels. Prior to this he was assigned as the Senior Reservist to the Director for Logistics, Engineering and Security Cooperation (J4), Headquarters, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. In this role he led policy development with senior-level allies across the entire pacific region, improving inter-operability and operational synergy. Prior to that assignment, as Mobilization Assistant to the Commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, he led the production focus on producing and delivering 148 aircraft, 323 engines, and 68K in commodity items to the Warfighter. The Complex oversaw 9,200 people, 60 buildings/3M sq ft and a $3 Billion annual operating budget. He served on Air Force active duty for 7 years following graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, then become an Air Force reservist. 3 years as Squadron Commander of 215 people--led diverse group of Airmen to award-winning performance. Promoted to Major General (two-stars) in Apr, 2021. Awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal for work in the Asia Pacific theater. Show less



Caymen Ventures, Inc. (CVI)

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Jun 2006 - Present

  Greater San Diego Area Caymen Ventures, Inc. (CVI) provides world-class logistics solutions and management consulting. Forged from over 33 years of experience, our leadership team has worked in all aspects of management consulting, food marketing, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management, bringing unparalleled expertise to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We work with clients ranging from small entrepreneurial startups, to middle market PE-backed firms, to the Fortune 100. The company also… Show more Caymen Ventures, Inc. (CVI) provides world-class logistics solutions and management consulting. Forged from over 33 years of experience, our leadership team has worked in all aspects of management consulting, food marketing, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management, bringing unparalleled expertise to meet the evolving needs of our customers. We work with clients ranging from small entrepreneurial startups, to middle market PE-backed firms, to the Fortune 100. The company also provides outsourced executives for operating roles with CPG companies, including roles such as President, on two different occasions for periods of one year each. We are a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business. Show less



The Exchange

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Board Director

  • Jan 2014 - Present

  Dallas/Fort Worth Area Director on the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. Previously on the Audit Committee. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is the 56th largest retail organization in the U.S., with annual revenue of $8.3B and employing 34,000 civilian and military personnel. The Exchange operates retail and convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, theaters, vending and other businesses on military installations in all 50 states, five U.S. territories and more than 30 countries.



Valudor Products, LLC

• United States
• Chemical Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Jun 2018 - Jun 2020

  San Diego, California, United States Valudor Products, LLC, is a global special chemical distributor. A leader in the specialty chemical industry, they provide compelling value to their customers. They focus on Agriculture, CASE, and Process Performance Chemicals. They were ranked #66 in the Top 100 Chemical Distributors in North America. The company is owned by a large Private Equity Firm.



Raymond Express International

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Mar 2013 - Sep 2017

  Greater Los Angeles Area Raymond Express International (REI) was a global leader in produce and cold chain logistics, specializing in the procurement, distribution, transportation, marketing and merchandising of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a special focus on the western U.S., Asia, and Australia. This $150M company was acquired by HIG Capital, a leading private equity firm in Feb 2013, as a leveraged buyout of the sellers (LBO). I was brought in by HIG Capital as the CEO at the closing of this transaction to… Show more Raymond Express International (REI) was a global leader in produce and cold chain logistics, specializing in the procurement, distribution, transportation, marketing and merchandising of fresh fruits and vegetables, with a special focus on the western U.S., Asia, and Australia. This $150M company was acquired by HIG Capital, a leading private equity firm in Feb 2013, as a leveraged buyout of the sellers (LBO). I was brought in by HIG Capital as the CEO at the closing of this transaction to leverage my unique background of CPG/Food brand management combined with global supply chain experience with U.S. military. Responsible for all global revenue and EBITDA. Established the objectives, goals, and strategies for annual growth and owned the long-range business plans. Tracked performance and held employees accountable. Led executive management team and reported to the Board of Directors. Grew EBITDA from an initial $15M at closing to a high of $22M/yr in less than three years. Led all M&A activities, including identifying roll-up opportunities and due diligence. Show less



Friends of John Tree

• Candidate for U.S. Congress in the Illinois 10th Congressional District

  • Nov 2011 - Mar 2012

  Illinois 10th Congressional District "Friends of John Tree" was the committee to elect John Tree to the United States House of Representatives from the 10th Congressional District in Illinois. It consisted of 2 full time staffers as well as hundreds of volunteers. The campaign generated substantial interest and enthusiasm for the candidate, both at the local level and nationally, as well as endorsements from national politicians and a local newspaper. On election day, however, the voters went in a different direction.



Metrefood Company

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services

• Co-Founder and Managing Partner

  • Jun 2004 - May 2006

  Schaumburg, IL Responsible for all business operations for a new startup company in the $1.3 billion adult nutritional beverage category. Acquired the dormant brand, Metrecal, and developed the entire revitalization plan to bring the brand back to American consumers. Created a virtual company for unlimited scalability with outside sales force and supply chain. Result: Starting as just an idea, Metrecal got to the shelf at over 3,000 stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Albertson’s, and other leading… Show more Responsible for all business operations for a new startup company in the $1.3 billion adult nutritional beverage category. Acquired the dormant brand, Metrecal, and developed the entire revitalization plan to bring the brand back to American consumers. Created a virtual company for unlimited scalability with outside sales force and supply chain. Result: Starting as just an idea, Metrecal got to the shelf at over 3,000 stores nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Kroger, Albertson’s, and other leading retailers. Additional capital was needed to fund the business, and the company was then sold to enable further growth. Show less



Kellogg Company

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Marketing Director

  • Jan 2002 - May 2004

  Elmhurst, IL Responsible for all US volume and profit for $400 million portfolio of leadership brands, including Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies Treats, Special-K bars, and Cereal&Milk bars. Portfolio was growth driver for U.S. business, up +75% over prior 2 years. Growth was driven by superior product innovation, award-winning advertising, and outstanding sales force execution. Created portfolio vision and 3-year business plans, including market segmentation, marketing plans, sales objectives and profit goals… Show more Responsible for all US volume and profit for $400 million portfolio of leadership brands, including Nutri-Grain, Rice Krispies Treats, Special-K bars, and Cereal&Milk bars. Portfolio was growth driver for U.S. business, up +75% over prior 2 years. Growth was driven by superior product innovation, award-winning advertising, and outstanding sales force execution. Created portfolio vision and 3-year business plans, including market segmentation, marketing plans, sales objectives and profit goals. Championed the brands internally and externally, and owned the portfolio P&L and $112 million marketing budget.

• Senior Brand Manager

  • Jan 2000 - Dec 2001

  Battle Creek, MI Responsible for all US volume and profit for $175 million Rice Krispies Treats franchise. Owned the brand P&L and $22 million marketing budget. Sales exceeded budget for first time in 3 years! Selected by Kellogg Chairman and CEO to serve as 1 of 2 marketing experts on a special 12-member acquisition team to conduct all due diligence and negotiations for the biggest acquisition in Kellogg history: Keebler. (Purchased by Kellogg’s for $4.4 billion in 2001)



Procter & Gamble

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Brand Manager

  • Mar 1997 - Jan 2000

  Cincinnati, OH Assistant Brand Manager in the Pharmaceutical Division of the Health Care Sector. Left P&G and followed the Marketing Director who hired me to Kellogg's.