Our Team
Howard Z. Skolnik President/CEO, E-mail
Since he acquired the company in 1985, Howard has grown Skolnik's international profile and reputation as an industry leader by broadening the company's product line, innovating best-of-class customer service, and expanding into international markets. He draws on his professional background as an architect and designer to continually innovate new Skolnik products and manufacturing processes. Additionally, Howard works extensively with domestic and international regulatory bodies to promote safety issues for the transportation and disposal of dangerous goods. Aside from his professional activities, Howard is also an avid potter at Lillstreet Gallery in Chicago. View his work at: www.chicagopotters.com.
Ed Elins Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
Ed oversees Skolnik's financial operations and other operational aspects of the business, drawing on a professional background in public accounting. He partnered with Howard to acquire the company in 1985 and brings more than 25 years of experience in directing the financial operations of private companies. Ed's leadership in financial matters, and his understanding of the intricacies of steel container manufacturing, has enabled Skolnik to become a worldwide leader in its class.
W. Dean Ricker Vice President of Sales and Marketing, E-mail
Joining Skolnik in 1991, Dean directs sales and marketing and brings extensive experience in all aspects of the steel container industry, particularly in issues related to radioactive materials and the U.S. Department of Energy. Prior to Skolnik, Dean was at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the nation's first repository for low-level nuclear waste. Dean is a native of New Mexico, where he graduated from Eastern New Mexico University.
Tom Kreiniker Vice President of Finance, E-mail
Tom is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 20 years of financial management experience. He has a substantial role in managing Skolnik's daily operations, which extends beyond finance and accounting issues. Tom also directs Skolnik's computer operations and focuses on helping the company achieve greater manufacturing efficiencies. Tom has an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from Southern Illinois University.
Maria Pantoja Financial Assistant, E-mail
Maria joined Skolnik early in 2011 and very quickly became an essential member of the Skolnik financial team. Prior to Skolnik, Maria served in various financial capacities in the travel industry. While continuing to further her accounting skills, Maria is currently enrolled at the St. Augustin College and is working towards a Associate Degree in Accounting. Away from Skolnik, Maria fills her time with reading and athletics — she is an avid runner.
Bill Fitzgerald Sales, E-mail
Bill joined Skolnik in 1996 and he has 20 years of experience in the steel, warehousing, and distribution industries. At Skolnik, Bill has worked extensively with the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense on many high profile packaging projects. He specializes in working with nuclear and engineered packaging, reconditioners, and distributors. Bill is a native of Chicago and he graduated with a bachelor's degree from Illinois State.
Veronica Crouchelli Sales, E-mail
From her early days of after school part-time work filing and answering the phones, Veronica has worked in several areas of the company, including marketing, customer service, and now sales. Her extensive and well rounded experience has given Veronica a unique understanding of the nuances of the steel container business and the needs of our customers. Veronica is a graduate of DePaul University with degrees in computer science and mathematics.
Josip Petrusic Sales, E-mail
Josip joined our Sales department in 2005, and currently is learning the ropes of our industry. He recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in Advanced Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago where he also successfully played intercollegiate basketball. Josip is a native of Croatia and possesses a positive energy and hard working spirit. In his words: "I just want to become an asset to the already winning combination at Skolnik."
Josip with Vlade Divac.jpg
Jason Snow Sales, E-mail
Jason has been in sales at Skolnik since 1999, after joining the company a year earlier as a customer service representative. Prior to Skolnik, Jason was a sales person in the medical equipment industry where he gained valuable experience in a highly specialized technical field. Jason draws on this experience in maintaining his exemplary level of expertise, service and technical proficiency that Skolnik demands of our entire sales staff. Jason has an undergraduate degree from Indiana University.
Latierra Pargo Customer Service, E-mail
Latierra (pronounced La-tie-ra) joined Skolnik early in 2006 and came to us with over 12 years in Customer Service. Her experience spans both retail and commercial businesses emphasizing the importance of prompt and complete customer care. These skills have crossed over to Skolnik as Latierra is known for having 'fun' with her customers. When not at Skolnik, Latierra practices her vocal skills by performing karaoke around Chicago.
Virginia Villarreal Order Processing and Invoicing, E-mail
Virginia has extensive experience in a fast paced, high volume order environment, having worked in the wholesale food service industry for more than 20 years before joining Skolnik three years ago. Virginia's experience has been invaluable in helping Skolnik to meet the unique and specialized requirements of our customers.
Josh Ford Customer Service , E-mail
Graduating in 2009 from the University of Illinois at Springfield, Josh possesses a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Management Information Systems. Josh's skills were a natural fit when he applied for a position as his personal skills exemplify the Skolnik spirit. Having lived on the ground in Central Illinois for most of his life, Josh is enjoying his new view of Chicago from the 45th floor.
Irma Orozco Customer Service , E-mail
Irma has been an indispensable part of the Skolnik Customer Service team since 2011. Prior to joining Skolnik, she worked for 26 years at a packaging company in metropolitan Chicago. Gifted with many talents, Irma first helped us to shift to a “paperless office.” Today, Irma is interacting with our catalog customers to expedite orders quickly. Away from Skolnik, Irma is busy raising her daughter and taking her to art and dance classes.
Matthew Gibbs Purchasing Manager, E-mail
Matthew joined Skolnik in 2011 as Manager of Purchasing and has a long history of purchasing experience. Of particular strength, Matthew is proud of his negotiating skills and likes to always aim for a win-win or “both win” outcome. Matt graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor's degree in Business but claims the education never ends. When not at Skolnik, Matthew enjoys family life with a new pair of twin boys, and anything athletic!
Jennifer Villarreal Order Processing and Invoicing, E-mail
Jennifer joined the Skolnik Team in 2009 and brings with her an interesting background in a completely different field. After spending 12 years as a licensed professional nurse, Jennifer chose to leave nursing and utilize her technical skills within Skolnik's business IT system. While Skolnik does take up her daytime hours, Jennifer's after-hours time involves any number of her children's softball and baseball activities.
Our Whole Team
