MEET OUR TEAM

For more than 45 years with Empire EMCO, Dan Roundy has helped manufacturers throughout the Eastern United States, Ontario, and Québec develop reliable, cost-effective rigid packaging solutions. His primary focus is identifying new strategic business opportunities while helping customers improve packaging performance, strengthen their supply chains, and bring new products to market.

Dan’s decades of experience have provided extensive knowledge of rigid plastic packaging, custom packaging, packaging sourcing, supplier development, and packaging project management. He works closely with manufacturers to understand production requirements, application challenges, and long-term business objectives, connecting customers with the packaging solutions, technical resources, and supplier network needed to support growth.

A graduate of SUNY Oswego, Dan also completed postgraduate business studies at Syracuse University and has participated in numerous packaging industry training programs throughout his career. His combination of business education and hands-on industry experience allows him to guide customers through complex packaging decisions with confidence and practical insight.

Outside of work, Dan is an accomplished ski instructor who has volunteered his time teaching athletes in the Special Olympics. He enjoys spending time with his family at their summer camp in New York’s Thousand Islands and continues to support organizations serving individuals with special needs.

Dan approaches every customer relationship with a simple philosophy:

“Never give up until the mission is accomplished and the customer is satisfied.”

Areas of Expertise

• 45 Years with Empire EMCO
• Strategic Business Development
• Rigid Packaging Consulting
• Custom Packaging Solutions
• Packaging Sourcing & Supplier Development
• Packaging Project Management
• Supply Chain Strategy
• Manufacturing & Packaging Applications
• Eastern United States, Ontario & Québec Territory
• Packaging Industry Training & Technical Knowledge

One of the most rewarding moments in Anne’s work is hearing a customer say, “You can do that?” To her, that question signals the beginning of a collaborative process—transforming an innovative concept into a commercially viable packaging solution.

With more than 30 years of packaging industry experience, including 26 years with Empire EMCO, Anne serves as the connection between brand owners, packaging engineers, manufacturing partners, and emerging technologies. She helps customers navigate complex packaging challenges by combining technical expertise, supplier capabilities, and creative problem-solving to develop solutions that are both innovative and practical.

As Director of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation, Anne works closely with customers to evaluate new packaging concepts, custom packaging opportunities, sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions. Her focus is identifying packaging innovations that can be successfully manufactured, meet performance requirements, and provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Anne’s expertise spans packaging innovation, packaging engineering, custom packaging development, product commercialization, supplier collaboration, material selection, manufacturing feasibility, and strategic packaging design. Her ability to bridge creativity with engineering and manufacturing allows customers to move confidently from concept through production.

Outside of work, Anne enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.

She is inspired by Maya Angelou’s words:

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

That philosophy continues to shape her approach to every project—combining creativity, technical knowledge, and decades of industry experience to help manufacturers bring innovative packaging ideas successfully to market.

Areas of Expertise

• 30+ Years of Packaging Industry Experience
• 26 Years with Empire EMCO
• Packaging Innovation
• Packaging Engineering
• Strategic Initiatives
• Custom Packaging Development
• Product Commercialization
• Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Manufacturing Feasibility
• Material Selection
• Supplier Collaboration
• Rigid Packaging Consulting
• Concept-to-Commercialization Strategy

With 9 years at Empire EMCO and more than 14 years of professional sales experience, Tymothy Takacs partners with manufacturers throughout Ohio, Michigan, and Western Pennsylvania to develop packaging strategies that improve supply chain performance, support new product launches, and create long-term value. His consultative approach helps customers identify the right rigid packaging solutions for their products while balancing performance, cost, and operational efficiency.

As Regional Sales Manager, Tymothy works closely with manufacturers to understand their production processes, packaging requirements, and business objectives. He leverages Empire EMCO’s engineering expertise, supplier network, and sourcing capabilities to deliver rigid packaging solutions, custom packaging, packaging engineering support, global sourcing, and supply chain optimization tailored to each customer’s needs.

Prior to joining Empire EMCO, Tymothy worked as a Marketing Consultant for a national marketing and advertising company, strengthening his expertise in strategic planning, customer engagement, and business development. His combined background in sales and marketing enables him to help customers evaluate packaging opportunities from both a commercial and operational perspective.

Tymothy earned a Bachelor of Arts in New Media Communications from Mercyhurst University, where he was a four-year Division II football player and a member of the university’s 2010 National Championship team. The teamwork, discipline, and preparation developed through collegiate athletics continue to influence his approach to serving customers and managing complex packaging projects.

Outside of work, Tymothy enjoys traveling, participating in local sports leagues, and snowboarding during the winter months.

Areas of Expertise

• 9 Years with Empire EMCO
• 14 Years of Professional Sales Experience
• Regional Sales Management
• Ohio, Michigan & Western Pennsylvania Territory
• New Business Development
• Strategic Account Development
• Rigid Packaging Solutions
• Custom Packaging Development
• Packaging Engineering Support
• Global Sourcing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Solution-Based Selling
• Manufacturing & Packaging Consultation

With 7 years at Empire EMCO and a background in advertising, technology sales, and business development, Andy Smith helps manufacturers throughout Western and Upstate New York, the Northeastern United States, and Ontario, Canada develop packaging strategies that support growth, improve supply chain performance, and strengthen their competitive position.

Andy specializes in custom packaging and stock rigid packaging, working with customers to identify solutions that align with their product requirements, manufacturing processes, branding objectives, and production timelines. His consultative approach focuses on understanding each customer’s operational goals before leveraging Empire EMCO’s packaging engineering expertise, supplier network, and sourcing capabilities to recommend the right solution.

Throughout every project, Andy helps customers evaluate market trends, packaging innovations, supply chain opportunities, and cost-saving strategies that can improve operational efficiency and support long-term business growth. His experience in relationship management and solution-based selling enables him to guide manufacturers through complex packaging decisions while ensuring projects move efficiently from concept through production.

Andy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Buffalo State College. His previous experience in advertising and technology sales provides a unique perspective on customer communication, strategic planning, and business development—skills that complement his work in the packaging industry.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys hunting, playing blackjack, and spending time with his wife, Brittney, and their two children, Weston and Remington.

Areas of Expertise

• 7 Years with Empire EMCO
• Regional Sales Management
• Western & Upstate New York, Northeastern U.S. & Ontario Territory
• Custom Packaging Development
• Stock Rigid Packaging Solutions
• New Business Development
• Strategic Account Development
• Packaging Engineering Support
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Global Sourcing
• Market Trend Analysis
• Manufacturing & Packaging Consultation
• Solution-Based Selling

Liz Sager-Manning serves as Regional Sales Manager for the Midwest, partnering with manufacturers to develop rigid packaging solutions that improve operational efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and support long-term business growth. With more than 20 years of contract manufacturing experience, including over 12 years specializing in packaging development, sourcing, and procurement, and 3 years with Empire EMCO, Liz brings extensive industry knowledge and a practical, solutions-focused approach to every customer relationship.

Her background in contract manufacturing gives her a unique understanding of the challenges manufacturers face when balancing product quality, production efficiency, cost management, and supply chain reliability. Working with customers across a wide range of industries, Liz helps evaluate opportunities for custom packaging, stock rigid packaging, packaging engineering, global sourcing, packaging procurement, supply chain optimization, and sustainable packaging solutions.

Liz works closely with Empire EMCO’s engineering team, supplier network, and manufacturing partners to recommend packaging solutions that align with each customer’s product requirements, production processes, sustainability goals, and long-term business objectives. Her experience in purchasing, procurement, and packaging development enables her to identify opportunities that improve efficiency, reduce costs, minimize supply chain risk, and accelerate new product launches.

Before joining Empire EMCO, Liz built a successful career in contract manufacturing, where she specialized in packaging procurement, supplier sourcing, and packaging development. Her expertise in purchasing and supply chain management provides customers with valuable insight into supplier capabilities, material selection, lead time management, and packaging commercialization.

Liz earned her Bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University. She combines her manufacturing experience, procurement expertise, and customer-first mindset to help manufacturers make informed packaging decisions that create lasting value.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys giving back to her community by coaching youth sports and serving on the board of directors for local athletic programs. As the proud mother of five active children involved in equestrian riding, baseball, softball, volleyball, and football, she spends much of her free time supporting them from the sidelines at games and competitions throughout the year.

Areas of Expertise

• 3 Years with Empire EMCO
• 20+ Years of Contract Manufacturing Experience
• 16 Years of Purchasing Experience
• 12+ Years of Packaging Procurement, Development & Sourcing
• Regional Sales Management
• Midwest Territory
• Rigid Packaging Solutions
• Custom Packaging Development
• Stock Rigid Packaging
• Packaging Engineering Support
• Packaging Procurement
• Global Sourcing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Supplier Development
• Manufacturing & Packaging Consultation
• Strategic Account Development
• Packaging Commercialization

With 2 years at Empire EMCO and more than a decade of professional sales experience, Gordon Bruner helps manufacturers throughout Texas and the Western United States develop packaging strategies that improve product performance, streamline supply chains, and support business growth. His background includes five years specializing in flexible packaging and digital printing, providing customers with a broad perspective across multiple packaging technologies.

As Regional Sales Manager, Gordon works with manufacturers to evaluate custom packaging, stock packaging, packaging engineering, global sourcing, supply chain optimization, and sustainable packaging solutions. He collaborates with Empire EMCO’s engineering team and manufacturing partners to identify packaging solutions that meet technical requirements, production objectives, branding goals, and cost expectations.

Gordon’s experience in flexible packaging, digital printing, and rigid packaging allows him to help customers compare packaging formats, evaluate new technologies, and make informed decisions based on product performance, manufacturing efficiency, and market demands. He is particularly passionate about helping companies incorporate packaging innovation and sustainability into commercially viable packaging programs.

He holds a dual MBA from Southern Illinois University and Grenoble École de Management in Grenoble, France, combining international business education with practical packaging industry experience.

Outside of work, Gordon enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, visiting family and friends throughout Texas and Mexico, hiking, staying active at the gym, and preparing healthy meals for his family.

Areas of Expertise

• 2 Years with Empire EMCO
• 10+ Years of Professional Sales Experience
• Regional Sales Management
• Texas & Western United States Territory
• Rigid Packaging Solutions
• Flexible Packaging
• Digital Printing
• Custom Packaging Development
• Packaging Engineering
• Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Packaging Innovation
• Global Sourcing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Strategic Account Development

With 28 years of packaging industry experience, including 10 years with Empire EMCO, Michele Jura partners with manufacturers throughout the Southeastern United States to develop packaging strategies that improve product performance, strengthen supply chains, and support business growth. Her extensive industry knowledge enables customers to navigate complex packaging requirements with confidence.

As Regional Sales Manager, Michele works with customers across a wide range of industries to identify the right custom packaging and stock rigid packaging solutions for their products. She collaborates with Empire EMCO’s engineering team and global manufacturing partners to support packaging engineering, global sourcing, supply chain optimization, and packaging innovation, helping customers balance performance, cost, quality, and production efficiency.

Over nearly three decades in the packaging industry, Michele has developed expertise in rigid packaging, supplier development, packaging procurement, manufacturing applications, and strategic account management. Her consultative approach begins with understanding each customer’s operational goals before recommending solutions tailored to their specific manufacturing and packaging requirements.

Michele’s experience spans projects across multiple market segments, giving her broad insight into packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and supplier capabilities. She helps customers evaluate opportunities to reduce costs, improve lead times, and bring new products to market with confidence.

Areas of Expertise

• 28 Years of Packaging Industry Experience
• 10 Years with Empire EMCO
• Regional Sales Management
• Southeastern United States Territory
• Rigid Packaging Solutions
• Custom Packaging Development
• Stock Packaging Solutions
• Packaging Engineering
• Global Sourcing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Packaging Procurement
• Strategic Account Development
• Manufacturing & Packaging Consultation
• Packaging Innovation

Janki Amin serves as Regional Sales Manager at Empire EMCO, where she has spent the past year partnering with beauty, personal care, and nutraceutical manufacturers throughout Southern California—from Orange County to San Diego—to develop custom rigid packaging solutions that support product launches, strengthen brands, and improve supply chain performance. She works closely with customers to identify packaging solutions that meet both functional requirements and commercial objectives while building long-term partnerships founded on trust and collaboration.

Before joining Empire EMCO, Janki worked as a Financial Analyst in the gaming industry, specializing in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. Her analytical background provides a unique advantage when helping customers evaluate packaging decisions, balancing product performance, cost considerations, and long-term business goals.

At Empire EMCO, Janki collaborates with customers to explore opportunities in custom packaging, stock rigid packaging, packaging engineering, global sourcing, packaging innovation, and supply chain optimization. She works alongside Empire EMCO’s engineering team and global supplier network to recommend packaging solutions that align with manufacturing processes, branding objectives, sustainability initiatives, and production timelines.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Janki’s role is helping brands she knows and admires bring new products to market. She enjoys learning about each customer’s business, understanding the challenges they face, and seeing the packaging solutions they develop together successfully reach retail shelves.

Janki earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance and brings a customer-first approach to every relationship. She believes the strongest partnerships are built through trust, transparency, and a genuine understanding of each customer’s goals. Her focus is becoming a long-term packaging resource that manufacturers can rely on as their products, businesses, and packaging needs continue to evolve.

Outside of work, Janki enjoys following sports, exploring fashion, spending time with family and friends, and discovering Southern California’s hidden restaurant gems.

Areas of Expertise

• Regional Sales Management
• Southern California Territory
• Orange County & San Diego Markets
• Beauty Packaging
• Personal Care Packaging
• Nutraceutical Packaging
• Rigid Packaging Solutions
• Custom Packaging Development
• Stock Rigid Packaging
• Packaging Engineering Support
• Packaging Innovation
• Global Sourcing
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Strategic Account Development
• Manufacturing & Packaging Consultation
• Product Launch Support
• Brand Packaging Solutions