As a scrappy young sales rep just out of college, future Premier Packaging co-founder and President John Gaynor faced one slammed door after another—that is, until he finally came across the opportunity of a lifetime. In this first episode of a two-part series, John recounts his company’s intrepid origin story, revealing how a bold leap of faith would catapult Premier Packaging to the forefront of the packaging revolution, where it has continued to set the bar for 30 years and counting.

Steve Burmester started in sales for Premier in 1994, when he was still a college sophomore and our company was being created in a dusty old tobacco warehouse out of “hustle and dreams” and grit. Now a National Sales Representative, Steve reflects that what hasn’t changed is Premier’s focus on getting to know customers and their challenges, and being their partner in finding solutions.

Paul Cunningham puts his love of packaging to work as a Supply Chain Specialist for Premier. While sales can be a competitive roller-coaster, he enjoys finding our customers the best solutions at competitive prices and Premier becoming their partner.

Miranda Garcia, a Human Resources Manager for Premier in Southern California, went into HR like her mom (“the family business”). Miranda loves it because her job is about people. She talks about the importance of clear messaging, Premier allowing people to grow in their careers, and the many fun things to do in the area—including the Corgi races at the Santa Anita Racetrack. You read that correctly.

Premier’s Chief Supply Officer Josh Bowman makes sure we can make and ship product to our customers reliably and cost-effectively and be flexible when they need us to. He reflects on the current and future state of supply chain and how working at a health company, a diesel manufacturer, and a scientific manufacturer helped prepare him for his current role. Also: Where to get the best tattoos.

Most safety professionals get into this role by accident,” no pun intended, says Mayra Vega, Premier’s Corporate Environmental Health and Safety Manager. Her days working at a trauma center, needing to have everything ready for the injured person coming through the door, helped set her up for success overseeing safety at our facilities in the United States and Mexico. The key to making work behavior safer is truly caring about our people, she says.

Numbers like batting averages and free throw percentages always came easy to Andy Hennessey as a kid. Today, as our Chief Financial Officer, he makes sure the numbers always work for Premier. During his 13 years with our company, he has seen—and helped—us experience tremendous growth, such as doubling our manufacturing and distribution facilities. Here he offers his insights into where we’ve been and where we’re going.

"We will do whatever we have to do, to get our customers what they need.” That’s the motto of Wali Shaheed, Manufacturing Site Manager for Premier’s Rancho Cucamonga facility. A 30+-year veteran of the corrugated industry, Wali oversees a growing manufacturing facility of about 50 people, average age 22. He talks about what’s important for our customers and our employees.

What does it take to be a successful Account Manager for Premier? For Lauren Bright, who works in Southern California, it’s all about problem solving, being accessible, and helping customers how they want to be helped. She and host Billy Watkins discuss how Premier solved one customer’s challenge, the Premier “difference”—our people, and why you shouldn’t fear “Box Trolls.”

Supply Chain Specialist Luke Smith enjoys building “really cool relationships” with Premier’s customers instead of just trying to sell products. The Premier way, he explains, is getting to know and understand you and your operations so we can find opportunities to help your bottom line. Luke also talks about how much he likes living in his native Utah, with its many outdoors activities like skiing: “If you don’t like the outdoors, you should move.