Why the Right Banking Partner is Key When Growing Your Business

By Kurt Koloseike, President & CEO, S. Walter Packaging Group | Published: March 2023

S. Walter Packaging is a true legacy brand – a custom packaging solutions company founded in Philadelphia in 1904 by Simon Walter with a focus on kraft paper bags and wrappings. Over the years, the company has weathered significant events from the Great Depression to COVID, but more than 119 years later, the company’s resilience has shown in its ability to transform and adapt to ongoing and transformative industry shifts. When my business partners and I bought the company in 2014, we saw the opportunity to grow S. Walter Packaging into a one-stop-shop for mid-size businesses’ custom packaging needs, and we understood that the right banking partner was critical to helping us meet our growth objectives.

Read the complete article at WSFSBank.com here.

 

 

OUR BRANDS

© 2024 S. Walter Packaging Group

Our Divisions

S.W Packaging

Bags & Bows

LPI

S.W Specialty Papers

Uniflex

Useful Links

About Us

Leadership

Press

Contact Us

Get in Touch

1210 Northbrook Drive,
Suite 350, Trevose PA 19053

800-378-5353

Email Us

Kurt Koloseike
President and CEO

Kurt is a proven and respected leader, managing Private Equity backed growth companies with revenues in excess of $100 million. He is responsible for overseeing all key corporate operations and functional areas. Kurt has led these companies through start-up, early-stage development, growth stages, and transaction stages with specific emphasis on capital formation, allocation, and return of capital. Kurt has spent 25+ years as an entrepreneur, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare technology and services, consumer products, and textile products.

Kurt’s breadth of experience and understanding encompasses several categories of operations including, strategic business development, finance, technology development, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, both domestic and international sourcing channels to name a few.

Kurt earned his MBA from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and Marketing from West Chester University.

Steve Kochanski
Senior Vice President and CFO

Steve Kochanski is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the S. Walter Packaging Group.

Steve is a highly accomplished, financial executive with a track record of delivering results in complex and challenging environments. He is responsible for the finance, human resources, and technology and equipment functional areas of S. Walter. Steve has lead midmarket companies within the industrial manufacturing and distribution industries. He is a trusted, strategic partner with a lean management background that emphasizes the establishment of key performance indicators to maximize capital position and drive operational and financial efficiencies. Steve is experienced in financial analysis, working capital management, strategic planning and business development, acquisitions and divestitures, technology development, and team building and performance.

Steve graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Rider University and is a CPA in the State of New York.

Robert Cunningham
Senior Vice President and COO

Robert Cunningham currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the S.Walter Packaging Group (SWPG), as well as the President of the Uniflex division of the company.

During his 28-year career with S. Walter, Robert has received many awards and is a recognized leader in the sales and operations of the packaging industry. He is currently responsible for all operational functions and oversees sales for the Uniflex division. Robert began his career as a graphic artist and has held multiple leadership roles including: Art director, Production Manager, Plant Manager, and Vice President of Operations. Robert has managed multiple major IT projects and ERP implementations, plant closures, warehouse builds and moves, in addition to process improvements, and strategic buying. He has worked on MMA deals as a seller and a buyer and has experience with three current equity partnerships during his tenure at SWPG. Robert has steadily increased sales and developed key strategic relationships with large distribution customers. He has served on multiple industry committees and understands the importance of being a mentor to other suppliers in the industry.

Robert earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from SVA in Advertising and Graphic Arts in New York City.

Mike Draver
Senior Vice President and General Manager

Mike Draver is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the LPI operations within the S. Walter Packaging Group.

With 25-plus years of demonstrated performance in the print, in-store display and specialty packaging industries, Mike is a results-driven leader who is always striving to position LPI, S. Walter’s packaging and finishing division, at the forefront of growth and innovation. Mike has led various companies through transformative growth cycles by identifying new market opportunities, developing talented teams and driving operational excellence. An authentic leader known for providing front-line leadership, Mike excels at setting a clear vision and goals, attracting and growing talent and providing overall leadership and direction for strategy, operational performance and business development to deliver consistent, sustainable business results.

Mike earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology, Graphic Arts Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Gordon Summerfield
Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Gordon Summerfield currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the S. Walter Packaging Group (SWPG).

With over 38 years of experience, Gordon has seen the development of various products and markets giving him a keen sense of market shifts, technological innovation and product enhancements. Notable events have been the shift from traditional brick and mortar retail to online ecommerce and a greater focus on sustainable packaging products.

As owner and President of Summerfield Packaging, Gordon was responsible for all facets of the company, including sales, finance and operations. During his tenure, revenues tripled through organic growth and three acquisitions.

At. S.W Packaging (SWP), Gordon supervises more than 50 sales representatives, has transitioned four SWP acquisitions and oversees all marketing activities, including digital, for the company.

Gordon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He has been an active member of the packaging industry trade associations, including being a founding board member and past president of the Retail Packaging Association.