(TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Kari-Out Company, a leading manufacturer, importer and nationwide distributor of sauces, paper, aluminum and plastic products in the restaurant takeout industry today announced a series of important hiring moves that will significantly contribute to Kari-Out’s strategic efforts to accelerate growth through product innovation, strong supplier relations, and talented leadership.
Kari-Out has been very fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team focused on customer service and growth. As we continue to expand our business, we have been aggressive with our talent acquisition and we are excited to bring in three critical leaders to our organization.
I am delighted to welcome these new leaders to the Kari-Out team as we build for the future. Like any successful company, finding the best talent for our organization—the best fit for our organization—is a top priority. It’s equally important that we take care of our employees at every level, fostering a work environment and providing opportunities that help us keep the best people once we’ve found them. The high caliber of these new associates is evidence that our People-oriented approach is working.
–Paul Epstein, President & CEO
In January 2021, Kari-Out hired Jason Geck as Vice President of Sales. Jason started his career in the food packaging industry as a District Sales Representative with Dart Container. During his 22 years at Dart, he advanced through multiple roles including: Senior Market Research Analyst, Corporate Account Manager, Supermarket Sales Specialist, District Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager, and Director of Sales – National Accounts. In these positions, Jason was charged with growing sales, new product development, front end innovation, navigating sustainable demands, developing people, and implementing strategic sales plans.
Mr. Geck’s honest and practical approach, balanced with a drive for excellence and delivering results will be a strong asset as Kari-Out targets increased sales performance. Jason resides in Scottsdale, AZ.
Aaron Jaras was hired in December 2020 to lead Kari-Out’s Sourcing & Procurement team after managing the Retail & Promotion category at L’OREAL USA. Mr. Jaras is educated as a packaging engineer and began his career in food manufacturing at Nestle & MasterFoods. In 2006 he changed careers, joining a startup effort in Southern CA as a buying manager and launching packaging for a fresh food retail line. In addition, Mr. Jaras has experience in Capital Expenditure & Infrastructure with Bumblebee Foods. He also led strategic sourcing teams in the nutritional supplement industry. Mr. Jaras resides in Morristown, NJ.
In November 2020, Kari-Out hired an accomplished Marketing executive with diverse leadership experience to lead the Marketing team. Kimberly Cassar comes to Kari-Out Company from Kayco–the largest manufacturer and distributor of Kosher food in the world. At Kayco, Ms. Cassar built a marketing department, a Kosher entertainment network, and created 5 unique brands for the specialty food and beverage market.
Ms. Cassar started her marketing career in 1994 at the U.S. headquarters for Twinings Tea before advancing through various leadership roles at The Hartz Mountain Corporation including regulatory affairs, quality control, customer care and research and development. With Ms. Cassar’s experience and record for success, she will lead Kari-Out’s innovation and branding strategy. Ms. Cassar resides in Fair Lawn, NJ.
The addition of Kimberly Cassar, Aaron Jaras, and Jason Geck represents a bold step forward–strengthening our commitment to investing in capabilities and talent to drive aggressive growth and operational excellence, securing our status as a leader in the foodservice industry. These talented thought-leaders are a great complement to the rest of our Executive Leadership Team; Paul Epstein (President and CEO), Charley Kummel (VP and CFO), and Dom Fontana (Director of Manufacturing).
–Adam Epstein, Chief People Officer
About Kari-Out:
Founded in 1964, Kari-Out is a family-owned company with over 55 years of diversified manufacturing experience in to-go food packaging in the United States. The company employs over 500 people and has six facilities throughout North America supplying independent and national food service distributors. In line with the company’s mission to be environmentally responsible, two of Kari-Out’s largest production facilities are powered by solar energy. For more information, please visit www.kariout.com.
