Our Story

The Packaging Lab was founded on the principle that everyone should have access to great quality packaging.

We've been in the packaging industry for many years—long before The Packaging Lab ever existed. During that time, we consistently heard these questions from customers:

  • Why do I have to order such large quantities?
  • Why is the process so difficult and confusing?
  • Why does it take so long to get our order?

Rather than complaining, we decided to see if we could find a solution. With a healthy mix of ignorance and confidence, and the help and advice of some amazing people, we launched a company that is rapidly changing the packaging market.

We love what we do and are proud of our business, but more importantly, we hope you love your packaging!

Our Values

(aka: stuff we talk about all the time)

  • Ordering should be easy
  • Your order should be produced very quickly and carefully
  • Only order what you need. You might not want a truckload of packages
  • You should be able to talk to a person when you need help
  • Things change. There shouldn't be a penalty to change your artwork with each order
  • Packaging is your brand. It should be spectacular
  • Always do what you say you will do
  • Occasionally, mistakes happen. We're better than anyone at fixing them right away.

Meet Our Team

Click the card flip buttons for more!

Dan — Co-Founder

I mostly work with our production team to make sure they have the tools they need to meet our customers' expectations.

In addition, I spend quite a bit of time in our innovation and R&D area testing new ideas to improve our processes.

Dan

I love spending time with my family doing things in nature. Everything from mountain biking, to backpack camping, to just about any water activity.

Jeff — Co-Founder

I have a lot of roles at The Packaging Lab, but my favorite is interacting with customers.

If you contact us, there's a very good chance you'll talk with me or we'll exchange some emails.

Jeff

My family and I love traveling, especially to National Parks around the U.S. We've ventured to 16 of them so far!

In memory of
Peter — Co-Founder

Peter was more than just a partner; he was a close friend and instrumental in launching The Packaging Lab.

He continued to be engaged in the business until his passing on September 8, 2023. He will be deeply missed.

In memory of
Peter

“Peter loved the outdoors and traveled extensively throughout the world. He was an accomplished pilot, and one of the smartest people I've had the opportunity to know.”

—Dan

Abbey — Design

I create Design For Me and Sample Pack pouch designs, and design imagery for our website.

Abbey

When I'm not working, I love to be outdoors... exploring, horseback riding, fishing, gardening.

I'm also a self-proclaimed great cook and a music lover of all genres. Drawing is my passion!

Alex — Design

I help to design packages and create layouts for customers of our Design For Me program.

Alex

One of my favorite things to do is to create sculptures out of cardboard and other pieces of scrap I find. I also love livestreaming myself drawing and talking to viewers!

Charlie — Production

Press operator, responsible for operating and maintaining our HP Indigo 20K digital press.

Charlie

In my free time I enjoy fishing, hunting, and random outdoor adventures with my wife and kids.

Chris — Production

I work on the production floor doing a variety of different jobs, but my main area of focus is operating one of our pouch machines that produces our stand-up pouches.

Chris

I enjoy being outdoors, whether that's camping, golfing, or just out in the yard with my kids. Still active playing recreational hockey.

Also becoming an expert at assembling and fixing kids' toys!

Damin — Design

Design team member and DFE (Digital Front End) specialist. My primary tasks include order processing and preparing artwork files for our press.

I also assist with the Design For Me program.

Damin

Outside of work I enjoy golfing, working out, spending time with my family, and playing board & video games with my friends.

My favorite place to visit is the Minnesota North Shore!

Dom — Production

I'm a machine operator here at The Packaging Lab.

My job entails making sure all the seal bars are in the correct spot to ensure our pouches become completely sealed by the time they reach the end of the machine.

Dom

I'm an avid PC gamer and anime watcher in my spare time.

I also enjoy spending time with my son who has orange fur and very chubby cheeks—his name is Will (Chonky). He's very loving and demanding when he wants attention.

Duane — Production

I support all aspects of The Packaging Lab, from production manufacturing to the front office.

Duane

I keep busy in my retirement with woodworking and spending time with friends & family.

Gabby — Financial

I review sales receipts and enter sales data into our accounting system.

Gabby

I love being outside and hanging out with my dogs.

Greg B. — Design

I help set up artwork files and handle some Design For Me orders. I also help with our system that handles incoming orders.

Greg B.

I do a lot of reading, board gaming, hiking, and camping. All fueled by coffee!

Greg W. — Production

I rewind film to make the pouching process more efficient. I also help pack, ship, and clean.

Greg W.

I golf a bunch! I also like to travel, volunteer at food shelves, and follow local sports teams.

Jason — Production

I run the digital printing press. I also help with laminating and slitting before the printed film is turned into pouches.

Jason

I enjoy going to car shows in the summer, and I like ice fishing in the winter.

Jen — Financial

My primary role is overseeing all things financial. However, if I had to pick a favorite responsibility, it would be chatting with customers.

It's awesome to answer the phone, hear a customer's story, and then be able to partner with them to bring their packaging vision to life.

Jen

Adventure outside makes me smile. Exploring nature through camping, hiking, backpacking, biking, paddleboarding, etc with my family and our doggos makes my heart happy!

Katelyn — Production

Different belts are used to make the product. FedEx ships our product off to our customers.

Katelyn

Dogs attach to me, they know I love them. I love my grandparents too, I love to spoil them.

Luke — Production

I help in all aspects of the business from print quality, lamination, pouching, and shipping.

Starting here gave me a great experience with understanding the process and explaining it to our customers.

Luke

In the summertime, I enjoy golfing and doing as many activities outdoors as possible. I also love spending game nights with my family.

Mikki — Social Media

I'm fortunate to handle social media marketing for The Packaging Lab. My goal is to effectively increase our brand presence, awareness, and recognition on our social platforms!

If you're on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook, please give us a follow!

Mikki

In my free time, you can find me spending time with my beautiful daughter, husband, and fur babies!

One of our favorite hobbies involves spending many nights out on the golf course, and let's just say I'm not afraid to bust out my "birdie" dance when it's deserved!

Nyla — Design

I work with all things creative at The Packaging Lab, from file review, to designing custom packaging, to website branding.

If you have a question about your artwork, you can ask me!

Nyla

My husband and I own a winery as our "side hustle". When I'm not being creative at The Packaging Lab, I'm at home doing wine labels and leading winery tours & tastings.

Pat —
Production Manager

Working with an outstanding team to ensure all our customers' orders are completed on time.

Pat

Enjoying endless entertainment watching my two cats, Cheese and June. Avid tennis player and outdoor enthusiast. Amateur chef.

Steve — Production

I'm a part-time employee with a primary focus on pouch production. My activities include film rewinding, product packaging, quality control, and shipping.

Steve

I'm an avid golfer and enjoy traveling, particularly internationally. I also enjoy spending time with my grandchildren.

Tom — Production

I'm a retired old worker who enjoys keeping busy. The Packaging Lab employs me to fill in on several different machines part-time as needed.

Tom

I enjoy reading, golfing, and spending time with my grandchildren.