At MJS Packaging, our 140th anniversary is more than a milestone— it’s a testament to our enduring legacy. Director of Marketing Cindy Vogel interviews our CEO & Chair of the Board Matt McDonnell and President Nick Haratsaris to share more about what this anniversary means for our company, team members, stakeholders, partners, and community.
PRIDE IN LONGEVITY
MJS Packaging’s journey began in 1885, and our longevity is a defining strength. Matt opens up the conversation with the immense pride he feels for our accomplishment. “140 years is something to be proud of. I believe it’s a differentiator in the entire industry.”
As a fifth-generation leader, Matt tells us about his introduction to the business. His great aunt and mentor, Elaine Jacob, was a trailblazer at MJS Packaging. “Elaine Jacob was very well respected, brought plastics to our company, hired several of our most incredible salespeople and really did more for the industry as well, not just MJS Packaging.”
RESPECT FOR LEGACY
Nick’s journey at MJS Packaging started as our Controller and has taken him all the way to serving as our current President. “We’re excited for the future,” he states, “and what we can do to continue to make an impact.”
His connections and memories made with our former leaders are special. Nick shares his favorite quote from Marty Jacob, “There are no yesterdays, only todays and tomorrows.” Learning from Marty’s drive for continued improvement, and David Lubin’s passion for our history has really stuck with him, and continues to inspire him today.
RESILIENCE AND GROWTH
In 140 years, MJS Packaging has shown resilience in weathering economic shifts and growth despite change and challenges. “We delivered packages on horse and buggy, have been through two world wars, and several other wars and conflicts… inflation, pandemics,” Matt explains.
Additionally, we have seen growth through acquisitions and hiring salespeople all over the country. We’re thankful for our Board of Directors in supporting our team to help keep the business moving. Nick remarks, “I think continued focus on growth is what will help us catapult for another hopefully 60 years.”
STRENGTH IN STATURE
140 years in business reflects the trust we’ve built with customers and manufacturing partners alike. At MJS Packaging, we believe that trust and reliability are the foundation of long-term success.
Nick emphasized the importance of consistency and integrity in these relationships: “People respect us. People know what we say is what we’ll do. And that’s important, not only for our customers, but for our supply partners, because we’re there representing them and also driving success for our customers.”
GETTING INVOLVED
Community is a core value at MJS Packaging, and we actively give back to organizations like The Friendship Circle and Ronald McDonald House. We are committed to making a meaningful difference by offering our volunteer time and donations to organizations that assist community members.
We have an energized group of team members that works hard and plays hard too. Our team stays connected and interacts through events such as hot dog eating contests, Movember mustache challenges, and team building activities. Industry partners are always excited to see the latest happenings on our LinkedIn profile.
INVESTING IN TEAM
Which key elements create winning results? Hiring the right team members and building the right culture. Matt points out, “We really talk about our core values every day, every moment. They’re equally as important as our actual overall business and what we’re doing in our roles and functions and responsibilities.”
Building the team will support our 140 years of legacy and continue providing success. Nick expresses, “We’re super excited for the impact that we can make to help our customers grow.” It’s evident that our leaders are invested in growing our team’s talents and enhancing our ability to deliver.
POISED FOR SUCCESS
While we celebrate 140 years, we remain focused on the road ahead. “We’re well weathered and the sky literally is the limit. When I wake up in the morning, that’s what really excites me, the ability to have everlasting continued success in this packaging space.,” Matt shares.
Our core purpose is to advance our legacy by listening, caring and delivering to elevate our employees and customers. We are constantly looking for ways to build success for our customers as well as ensure success for future generations to come.
THANK YOU
As we mark this incredible milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to our customers, team members, board, partners and community members who have been part of this journey. Nick emphasizes, “I truly believe that none of this can be possible without everyone’s contribution.”
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