Brian Wagner, PTIS Co-founder

Brian Wagner is an entrepreneurial business and technical leader with over 20 years of experience across PTIS, GSSI, Kellogg, Sara Lee, Multiform Desiccants, Carton-Craft Corp., Burger King, and General Foods. In 2008, Brian was inducted into the Michigan State University School of Packaging Hall of Fame, named with PTIS as Packaging Strategies Most Influentials and recognized by Western Michigan Business Review 2008 Thought Leaders.

Brian's career spans packaging, business development, sales, marketing, and operations. He has a track record of consistently increasing top-line and bottom-line dollars for both privately and publicly held companies. Brian encourages out-of-the-box thinking as his standard approach. His effectiveness as a change leader has contributed to the success of many companies. He can be relied upon to communicate practical solutions to complex problems in an ever-changing environment. He recognizes how things really work in consumer packaged goods companies, as well as for suppliers, and works extensively with the integrated value chain model to bring all key stakeholders together early in the development process. This process is driven by consumer and retailer needs, and Brian has led cutting edge consumer insight programs and worked to drive new methods to quantify the value of packaging in the marketplace.

Brian started his career with General Foods, leading efforts in frozen foods and in the Entenmann's bakery division. From there, he worked in packaging and supply chain management for Burger King. In addition to Brian's experience in the Fortune 100 sector, he has been successful in growing smaller organizations. After a brief stint in folding-carton general management with Carton-Craft Corp. (a 100-employee unionized converting operation), Brian worked in active packaging and led global modified- atmosphere-packaging market development for seven years with Multiform Desiccants. Brian established and grew food market sales to over $3MM. He was instrumental in the company, achieving an annual growth of over 20% revenue and 20% operating profit by establishing sole-source agreements and global distribution partnerships.

Brian combined his business development, packaging innovation, and active packaging expertise to return to the bakery world in business development and innovation roles for Sara Lee. As Manager, Global Cereal Packaging Innovation for Kellogg, Brian helped to staff and develop the organization and to drive numerous innovation initiatives. He built critical relationships with other functions, including sales, marketing, and market research. In less than 15 months, Brian's team implemented several novel commercial packages, including SnackUms composite canisters, Special K Plus resealable milk cartons, Country Inn Specialties gable-top cartons, Smart Start flip-top-shaped canisters, and Racing Apple Jacks in the first-ever holographic foil cereal carton. Following his departure, market introductions influenced by Brian included Kellogg Cereal-in-a-Cup and patented Drink 'n Crunch. Patents from a cereal carton pour spout were donated by Kellogg to Michigan State University.

Brian earned a bachelor of science degree in packaging from Michigan State University. He served on the MSU National Alumni Board from 2007-2009, is past president of Michigan State University's School of Packaging Alumni Association and served on the Industry Advisory Committee and on the Dean?s Stakeholder Board. He currently serves on the Shelf Impact Editorial Advisory Board. Additionally, Brian has participated in Executive Development Training, S.P.I.N. Selling, Dale Carnegie Sales Training, and International Learning's Professional Selling Skills. He is an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) and is a past board member of the Research & Development Associates (R&DA). Brian supports academics through student mentoring and the PTIS Packaging Endowment at Michigan State University, and also lectures at both Michigan State University and Western Michigan University in their packaging and food marketing programs. He co-developed and instructs an online masters course, Value Relationships in Packaging. Brian serves on the advisory board of Advanced Global Sourcing. In 2009, Wagner cofounded the ARK Angel Network, a volunteer fundraising charity working to help efforts aimed at assisting needy, under-resourced and At Risk Kids.

Brian is also a keynote and special topic speaker at corporate events, seminars, and sales meetings on many subjects including entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and opportunities across the global value chain.

Brian, and his wife Dawn have three children and reside in Kalamazoo, Michigan.