|
Born: I was born on July 21, 1980, in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Education: In 2006, I earned an associate degree in business administration from Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Massachusetts.
Family: My wife, Rachel, and I have been married for almost 10 years. No kids, but we love spending time with our black lab/mix, Mia.
When and how did you start working in the recycling industry? My entry into the recycling industry started back in 2011. At the time, I had spent over 10 years in the Powersports retail world selling motorcycles, snowmobiles and off‑road vehicles. I reached a point where I was ready for a new challenge and a more purpose-driven career path. I was looking for something that offered long-term growth and a chance to work more directly with people and businesses in a problem-solving capacity.
I found an opportunity with a brokerage firm that was just beginning to work with recovered fiber and plastics. It was my first real exposure to the recycling supply chain. Although the business faced challenges and closed after a couple of years, it opened doors for me. That experience helped me understand the industry’s potential and made me want to stay in it.
After weighing my next steps, I joined The Newark Group, working as a procurement representative in Salem, Massachusetts. About a month into that role, Caraustar acquired Newark and, later, Greif acquired Caraustar. I started in procurement, expanded into a combined procurement and sales role, and later moved into operations. I’m grateful for the perspective and well‑rounded understanding of the industry that this progression has given me.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with an amazing group at Greif, and that team has been a big part of what’s kept me energized and committed to growing in this industry.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe it has been 15 years. It still feels like yesterday that I was stepping into my first mill, trying to understand the grades and the flow of material. What started as a career pivot has turned into a path I’m genuinely grateful for.
What was it about the industry that inspired you to build a career in it? What first drew me to the recycling industry was the people. Early in my career, I realized this is a relationship‑driven business. You meet individuals from every corner of the supply chain, each with their own story about how they got here. I enjoyed networking, hearing those perspectives and learning from people who built their careers by solving real‑world challenges. That sense of community and shared purpose is something I found inspiring from day one.
At the same time, I became passionate about the industry’s impact. There’s something meaningful about taking what was once considered waste or a cost burden and turning it into value, both for the companies I work with and for the environment. Helping customers divert material from landfills, improve sustainability and close the loop gave my work a sense of purpose beyond just day‑to‑day operations.
Over time, the combination of the people, the relationships and the chance to make a tangible impact is what made the industry more than just a job. It became a career I wanted to grow in and contribute to long term.
What have been your most rewarding professional achievements? Personal achievements? Some of my most rewarding achievements, both professionally and personally, have come from the same place — the relationships I’ve built and the impact I’ve been able to make through this industry. Professionally, being a leader at Greif has been especially meaningful. Watching colleagues grow, step into larger responsibilities and support one another has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about continuous improvement. Whether that’s strengthening partnerships or finding new ways to innovate within the recycling ecosystem. I believe in pushing things forward and building systems that leave the business, the team and the industry stronger than when I found them.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people. Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I guess I’d say that I’m a pretty handy guy. I can fix things around the house, and I enjoy DIY projects—like doing a Saturday morning brake job or cleaning the carburetor on the lawn mower instead of taking it to a shop.
If you could improve anything about yourself, what would it be? I’m always working to better understand other people’s perspectives. We all come from different backgrounds, and taking the time to listen and learn from others helps me be a stronger partner, a better colleague and a more well‑rounded leader.
What do you like to do in your free time? Rachel and I love to travel. We find it inspiring to see how people live in other parts of the world. My favorite trip so far was The Walled City of Cartagena, Colombia. It’s a beautiful city rich in history, culture and friendly folks. More locally, we spend time hiking with Mia, and basically doing anything outdoors.
You recently became PSI’s Membership Chair. What motivated you to become a PSI volunteer leader? For me, getting involved with PSI felt like a natural next step. I’ve been part of the Eastern Paper Mill Suppliers Association board for a few years, and I’ve enjoyed the relationships and connections from that experience. When the chance arose to participate at a national level with PSI, I knew I wanted to be part of it.
What motivates me most is the people. This industry is tight‑knit, and there’s something special about being able to learn from those who have been doing this for decades while also supporting the younger professionals who are just getting started. I’ve benefited so much from mentors and colleagues along the way, and I feel a responsibility and desire to give that back.
PSI is a great community to be part of, and stepping into a volunteer leadership role is my way of staying connected, continuing to learn and helping make the industry stronger for the next generation.
What benefits have you received from your PSI involvement—either as a leader or in general? My experience with PSI is still fairly new, but it’s already been incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the chance to meet some great people across the industry, and it’s energizing to feed off their passion and commitment to what we do. Being part of PSI has broadened my network, exposed me to new perspectives and helped me feel even more connected to the larger recycling community. I’m excited to continue getting more involved.
What are the major challenges facing your company and the overall recycling industry today? From an operational standpoint, safety is always a top concern, particularly fires at recycling facilities. As batteries are included in more consumer products, the risk of them entering recycling streams increases. Addressing that challenge through education, technology and best practices is critical for protecting people, assets and the long‑term health of the industry.
From a commercial perspective, the industry is dealing with fluctuating demand in an uncertain economic environment, which makes planning and forecasting more challenging. Transportation costs have also been a headwind, though we’re hopeful that pressure is short‑lived. The good news is these challenges create opportunity. Companies that invest in people, partnerships and innovation are well-positioned to strengthen the system and drive long‑term value.
| 
