Our People
Just like you can’t have a paper industry without paper, you can’t have Teamwork without a team. People always come first at Case Paper, which is why we celebrate being “On the Case” or going above and beyond for customers, fellow employees, and the communities around us.
Our On The Case Employee Winners
Mike Osmolski
Maintenance Manager
Chicago*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
🤣, 🤔, 👍🏻 (laughing, perplexed, thumbs up).
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
It means always trying to do the right thing.
Mike’s OTC submission highlight:
“When the P3 Sheeter broke down, Mike immediately went to work to find a solution. The initial report said the machine would need a drive costing over $25,000. His work revealed that the real issue was the grounding system, which cost us nothing to fix. The repairs were expected to take four weeks. Mike worked that weekend, and in a few days, it was back up and running. Mike’s experience and tenacity has helped keep our Chicago fleet running. He is an absolute team player, and we’re fortunate to have him as an employee.”
Debbie Merkle
Inventory Processor
Miami*
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would be Sonata™ Rainbow because of the mesmerizing colors. Sonata™ makes packaging pop.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Patron Tequila packaging…preferably with a bottle inside!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I took a trip with my Girl Scout troop from Albany, NY to Wyoming. We toured all the landmarks on the way and got to go horseback riding.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
It means helping my coworkers, especially when I see they have a lot going on and may need a hand.
Debbie’s OTC submission highlight:
“July is a busy month for office & sales coverage because of vacations, business travel and other unforeseen circumstances! Because of our culture, our amazing employees and their team-based mentality, people like Debbie step up to get work done! With her years of experience and knowledge of our systems, Debbie assisted with customer quotes, order entry, production scheduling, and more… you name it, Debbie did it. Her immediate willingness to ensure customers were taken care of demonstrates the core values of flexibility, owning it, reputation matters, and teamwork!”
Bernie McNicholas
Computer Programmer/Analyst
Philadelphia*
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Milk cartons (never plastic!)
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
⚽🎵 🍺 (soccer, music, beer).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Being in the front row for “The Who” at Madison Square Garden!
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Responding to a problem at 5:15pm on a Friday afternoon.
Bernie’s OTC submission highlight:
“Bernie is the man behind the scenes who jumps into action when an issue arises. We can count on him to get it done right. When completing a cost field expansion – a lengthy project – Bernie spent lots of time researching, changing code, testing, and then took part in a go-live on a Saturday. On Monday morning, we had a hiccup where FL and IL were missing grade codes and pricing. Bernie pinpointed and resolved the issue in record time. This was just one of the millions of times Bernie fixed something without skipping a beat. Thank you!”
Carlos Zamorano
Plant Manager
Miami*
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Magazines.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
😊, 🤔, 🏌️ (smiling, thinking, golfing).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I was the coach for both of my kids’ basketball teams.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
It’s a way of living, always pushing yourself to be a better person.
Carlos’ OTC submission highlight:
“Carlos is receiving an On the Case award for the way in which he manages his team. He can accomplish so many daily operations with a team that others would consider a small crew. It’s impressive how his group works together to meet our company goals and get the job done right.”
Martin Raigoza
Forklift Operator
Chicago*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Bad to The Bone” by George Thorogood.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I travel to Mexico every year.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Doing the best job I can do and helping my teammates.
Tell us a joke!
Q: How do you make tissue paper dance? A: Put a little boogie in it!
Martin’s OTC submission highlight:
“It was the start of Memorial Day weekend… the first shift was home, and the second shift just left. As the third shift began their final hours before the weekend, we realized someone was missing: our lift operator! How were we going to load the trucks? That’s where Martin came in. He was already on his way home but turned around and finished loading all the trucks for the night. Martin showed up and was ON THE CASE, returning to work before the long holiday weekend. What a teammate! Thank you, Martin!”
James Srebalus
Plant Manager
Chicago*
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would be 24pt C2S board. Just like me, it’s heavy, shiny, and durable.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without?
Toilet paper 🤣
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I once took a helicopter ride into a volcano in Hawaii.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
It doesn’t just mean being actively engaged, it’s more about going above and beyond. I like to think of it as being the MVP of your team. Always striving to be the best.
James’ OTC submission highlight:
“James goes above and beyond daily. He recently changed his hours to fill in for supervisors on vacation, at times working from 3am to 2pm, 3pm to 1am or 9pm to 6am. James has worked several 16-hour days, and even logs on to his laptop from home to assist after work hours. James has a sunny disposition that could power our solar panels and cheers up the entire team. He treats folks to free lunch when they go above and beyond. Everyone enjoys working with James. He brings humor to Case Chicago, owns his work, and is flexible in the best way!”
Nicole Reppert
Supply Chain Associate
Philadelphia*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Let’s Get This Party Started” by PINK.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
A laminate, because it’s shiny!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Surfing, four-wheeling, horseback riding, and parasailing.
Tell us a joke!
Q: Did you hear about the two people who stole the Case Paper calendar? A: They each got six months!
Nicole’s OTC submission highlight:
“Since the day she joined Case Paper, Nicole has demonstrated teamwork, learned her role as a receiver quickly, paid great attention to detail and kept a great attitude. A few months ago, we were swamped and had a massive number of shipments arriving at Case PA. Nicole stayed late and came in early to ensure everything was received correctly. She’s been a wonderful addition to the team and deserves recognition.
John Meronyck
Maintenance
Philadelphia*
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Closing Time” by Semisonic.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
Paper, because I’m thin!
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Books.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Gone Crabbing!
John’s OTC submission highlight:
“We had a custodial person leave in PA and during the interim Johnny took over. Honestly, you would not have known the department was down a person. One morning, I saw Johnny mopping the floors, which is not a part of his regular job. He said that he saw it needed to be done and took care of it. Johnny stepped up to clean the toilets in 20+ restrooms. They sparkled so much, you almost felt bad using them! On behalf of the PA team, THANK YOU – we really appreciate you taking the initiative and providing us with a clean work environment!”
Dontrell Dawkins
Sheeter Operator
High Point*
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Money!
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
❤️, 😃, 🕓 (love, happy, clock).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I’ve always been there to support my family.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
That my teammates know I’ve got their back!
Dontrell’s OTC submission highlight:
“On March 29th of 2023, one of our shifts was short-handed, with two sheeters running full speed and only two helpers on the floor. A skid came off the first sheeter and needed to be restacked but was put to the side due to time constraints. At the end of the night, the skid was still sitting there. Everyone was exhausted and headed towards the door to go home, but Dontrell didn’t – he owned it! Without being asked, he re-stacked the skid! Dontrell is a team player, and I’m happy to have him on my team.”
Veronica Morales
Inventory Associate
Philadelphia*
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would be paperboard because I have tough skin!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I worked at Case Paper PA throughout my entire pregnancy.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being On the Case means walking into work every day, putting a smile on your face, and giving 110%!
Tell us a joke!
Q: What do you call a paper that can sing? A: A rapper 😂
Veronica’s OTC submission highlight:
“Warehouse work can often come with unexpected challenges. Sometimes, it’s a surprisingly high volume of orders, and other times it’s a machine breaking down. Whatever the case, employees like Veronica take it all in stride and help us stay On the Case! During an especially busy time when we had large orders coming in, Veronica’s label printer broke. That didn’t slow her down, however, as she walked over to our second warehouse multiple times through the day to make sure she got the job done and the labels printed. She’s dedicated, she goes above and beyond, and she’s an asset to the team. Plus, she’s doing it all while expecting a child! We’re all excited for her, and beyond grateful to have her as a teammate. Thanks, Veronica!”
Our Leadership Team
Robin Schaffer
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
New York HQ
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
That’s easy. The Beatles “Here Comes the Sun.”
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
MetsaBoard. I always want to be light-weight and foldable.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
What are emojis?
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Hitchhiking for 12 weeks with my wife (girlfriend at the time) through England, Scotland, France, Switzerland, Germany and Holland in the summer of 1970.
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being available to our customers, suppliers and employees at any time.
Simon Schaffer-Goldman
President
New York HQ
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you in this business?
When I first started at Case, I would go to visit customers in NYC, and one time we had to pick up a payment in Chinatown. The customer proceeded to count out over $15k in cash (using 5’s, 10’s and 20’s), wrapped it in newspaper and put it into a to-go bag. We uncomfortably walked around with it and made it back to the car. On the way home, we stopped to get the car washed and the car washers grabbed it thinking it was trash and almost threw it away!
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I was a big MacGyver fan growing up, so I’d say paperboard because of its versatility and numerous applications.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Vinyl record sleeves.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
I lived and worked on a sheep farm on an island in New Zealand with dirt roads, no tv, cell reception or wifi.
Tell us a joke!
Two muffins were sitting in an oven. One turned to the other and said “Hey, it’s pretty hot in here, isn’t it?” The other turned and screamed “Ahhh a talking muffin!”
Todd Greenwood
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
New York HQ
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
Since it has always been one of my favorite shows since childhood, and most everyone would recognize it, perhaps the theme song to the Andy Griffith show.
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would say paperboard because of its strong and consistent characteristics, plus the ability to be adaptable for many uses.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
I love notepads and notebooks, as I am definitely more likely to write down lists and reminders versus using my phone.
If you could sum yourself up with 3 emojis, which would they be?
🎣 🦌 🏌️♂️ (A fishing rod and fish, a deer, and a golfer).
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
During a mill trip, we went out on a fishing boat and pulled up a cage with Alaskan King crabs. We were able to have a crab leg feast right on the boat. Nothing could be fresher, and it was an awesome experience.
David Barnes
Chief Revenue Officer
New York HQ
If you had a theme song for every time you walked into the office, what would it be?
“Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones
If you were one of the products we carry (paper, board, laminate, etc.), which would you be and why?
I would be SBS Paperboard. It checks most boxes and makes products look much better on a shelf.
Name something made of paper that you couldn’t live without!
Moleskin notebooks!! I have a dozen of them at all times!
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Helped raise two amazing young women!
What does being “On the Case” mean to you?
Being “On the Case” means doing whatever it takes to meet our customers’ needs.
Kristina Nelson
Chief Financial Officer
Chicago*
Kristina has recently joined the Case family, and is currently “On the Case” learning about all things paper. Her Q&A will be available soon!
On the Case Employee Awards
When we say we’re “On the Case” (OTC for short), it’s more than just an impeccable pun; it’s a company-wide initiative that encourages everyone at Case Paper to go above and beyond for customers, fellow employees, and the communities around us.
Now in its 4th year, our internal “On the Case” awards encourage employees to submit stories of exceptional performances by their coworkers. Winners are chosen and rewarded each quarter!
About Case Paper
We’ve learned and changed a lot over the last 80 years. See where we’ve come from and where we’re at today!
