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

In this episode we talk with Paul Centenari of Atlas Container.

Paul shares the unconventional journey that took him from the boxing ring to the boardroom. With humor and honesty, he recalls early lessons from the ring, the risks that built Atlas Container, and the “can-do” culture that continues to drive its success. Listeners will hear how resilience, learning, and strong leadership transformed a leveraged buyout into a thriving independent packaging business.

About Paul

Paul Centenari is the President and CEO of Atlas Container, based in Maryland, and an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Georgetown University. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School, Paul’s path to leadership has been anything but ordinary—he was quarterback at Wellesley High, a Golden Gloves boxer, and later a Procter & Gamble salesman before entering manufacturing.

Over the past 37 years, he has led Atlas through the acquisition and operation of 19 corrugated box companies along the East Coast, consolidating into two facilities totaling nearly 400,000 square feet in Severn and Curtis Bay, Maryland, and growing revenue fifteenfold.

Married for 35 years to Elizabeth McDavitt, a talent agent for models and actors, with two grown daughters Paul stresses the importance of family. He is also an avid athlete and adventurer. Paul has heli-skied in the Canadian Rockies for 25 years and completed the 4.5-mile Chesapeake Bay Swim eight times, along with three Alcatraz crossings.

About Atlas Container

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyWt7JWeef-FXl2i1Adhtpw
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlas-container-corporation/
• https://www.facebook.com/atlascontainercorp/

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, George Perreira, Moyy, and Brian Suarez, Inter-Continental Corp., talk with Howard Bertram about how he built Complete Design & Packaging from a dream and a rented warehouse into one of the most respected independent packaging companies in North America. With honesty and humor, Howard recounts how he created the illusion of a thriving company long before he had equipment or customers—and how faith, vision, and relentless effort turned that illusion into a reality.

About Howard

I was born and raised in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University in 1987

I moved to Conyers, GA in 1988 to work for Jet Corr (now Pratt Ind), and then Statesville NC in 1989. We have been here ever since.

I am married to Donna for 36 years and have three adult children, Sarah, Ross, and Reid. I have one grandson, Lucas and one granddaughter on the way.

I started CDP in 2002 as a grass roots start up. Later that year, Scott Sumner became a partner and is an integral part of our success.

Web & Socials

cdp-usa.com

CDP LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/complete-design-&-packaging/

CDP N LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/complete-design-packaging-north-cdp-north/

BxD LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/boxes-by-design/

BxD Instagram - www.instagram.com/my_bxd

BxD Facebook - www.facebook.com/boxesbydesign

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, Larry Grossbart, 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.