Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this engaging conversation, Larry Grossbard, co-owner of President Container, shares the inspiring journey of his family business, which began in 1947.

He discusses the evolution of the company, the challenges faced during the transition to a super plant, and the importance of family dynamics in maintaining a successful business.

Larry emphasizes the value of mentorship, the philosophy of not sweating the small stuff, and the commitment to keeping the business within the family for future generations. The discussion also highlights strategies for growth and the significance of building strong relationships in the industry. In this conversation, Larry discusses the importance of leadership transition, innovation in machinery, and the commitment to work ethic in achieving success.

About Larry

Larry Grossbard is co-owner of President Container Group (PCG), one of the largest independent corrugated manufacturers in the United States.

A second-generation leader, Larry joined the family business in 1986 after earning a B.S. in Management and Finance from Northeastern University, where he also served two terms as President (Master) of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.

From his first days at PCG, Larry committed himself to learning every facet of the company—from machinery and quality control to design, sales, and executive management. In 1997, he and his brother Richard bought out their uncle’s stake in the company. Following the passing of their father, Marvin Grossbard, they became sole owners.

In 2010, Larry helped lead the development of PCG’s cutting-edge “super plant” in Middletown, NY, doubling the company’s capacity and setting a new benchmark for scale and efficiency in the corrugated industry.

Larry has served as a Regional Director for AICC and was President of his local Solomon Schechter school. Deeply committed to reinvestment in people and culture, Larry proudly upholds PCG’s identity as a true family business—not just in ownership, but in how employees are treated. The company recently honored a switcher who retired after 45 years and recognized a roll stock manager who reached 50 years and is still going strong.

A lifelong Mets and Giants fan, Larry is the proud father of two children: Matt, now Plant Manager of PCG’s NY facility, and Arin, who works in finance. His son-in-law is General Manager of President Industrial Products, and multiple members of Larry and Richard’s extended family—including Larry’s fiancée Michelle and her daughters—are also active in the company, continuing the tradition of multi-generational leadership at PCG.

Contact

• web
• Linkedin

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this episode of Breaking Down Boxes, hosts Simona Georgescu and Brian Suarez sit down with Randall Rigsby, Founder of Altex Packaging, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, family, and perseverance in the packaging industry.

From his early days in Saudi Arabia to building a thriving packaging business in Alabama, Randall shares the unconventional path he took—shaped by his time in the Navy, his work in dog training, and a relentless drive to succeed without a college degree. This episode dives into the human side of business, the critical role of family support, and the moments that tested—and strengthened—Randall’s resolve.

Listeners will walk away with real-world insights into building company culture, navigating industry changes, and the mindset it takes to grow a business through both triumph and adversity.

Resources

• AICC CEO Group

About Randall & Altex Packaging

• LinkedIn
• altexpackaging.com

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.

Welcome to Breaking Down Boxes. We have compelling conversations with entrepreneurs in the packaging space.

In this engaging conversation, George Perreira of Moyy and Mike Schaefer of Tavens Packaging and Display talk with Rich Croce, President and CEO of Viking Packaging. Rich shares his journey from growing up in a family business to navigating the challenges of college and ultimately returning to lead the company. He discusses the evolution of Viking Packaging, the importance of customer service, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in his career. The conversation highlights the significance of legacy, leadership, and the impact of personal experiences on professional growth.

About Rich

Richard Croce is the President and CEO of Viking Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of corrugated packaging as well as George H. Swatek Inc., a distributor of packaging products. Rich is proud to be the 5th generation Croce to be leading a packaging company and the 3rd at Viking. He has been published in the industry publication Box Score, as well as featured in Hudson Valley MFG Magazine for his knowledge and expertise.

Rich attended Union College in Schenectady, NY. and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Rich has donated his time to work with the Council of Industry of South Eastern New York, serving as a board member and board president, to help area manufacturing companies improve their businesses. Rich is on the steering committee for Hudson Valley Pathways Academy which is a local P-Tech school which provides high school and associates degreed programs for local youth. Rich has served with the Boy Scouts as a Den Leader and as a coach for many youth teams in Saugerties, NY.

Connect

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• www.vikingpackaging.com

Resources

• AICC Packaging University
• CEO Advisory Groups

New episodes drop the first Monday of every month. Remember to rate, review, and subscribe!

This podcast is brought to you by AICC, The Independent Packaging Association. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.

Breaking Down Boxes is sponsored by Ox Box, offering strength you can depend on.