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. 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, E-mail
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 Skolnik 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.
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.
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 the wine making process. Drawing on his passion for cooking, Dean’s understanding of the (wine) aging process has been instrumental in the growth of our stainless steel wine barrel market. Dean is a native of New Mexico, where he graduated from Eastern New Mexico University.
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. As one of the primary participants in our wine barrel sales efforts, Jason is recognized internationally as “Mr. Winedrum” by many of our customers. 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.
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 on many high profile packaging projects. He specializes in working with customers that require engineered packaging inclusing 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
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.
Lisa Jacoby Customer Service and Order Processing, E-mail
Lisa brings to Skolnik 10 years of know-how in customer service and processing. Her experience in both large and small businesses has allowed her to experience the hubbub of a large work environment as well as the dedication and intensity of small business. Above all, Lisa has endless patience and enjoys working as the coordinator between manufacturing capabilities and customer requirements.
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.
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.
Sandy Jacobsen Receptionist (Retired)
CONGRATULATIONS to Sandy on her retirement. In her 40 years with Skolnik she served in many capacities. We wish her many seasons of love, good health and wonderful weather!
Our Whole Team