MEET OUR PEOPLE
We know each other by name and support each other in striving for the best. Meet some of our team.
SEAN LEONARD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
After earning my Marketing degree from Providence College in Rhode Island, my fascination with trends and human behavior led me down an unexpected path. Rather than diving into the world of advertising, I ventured into the heart of Mexico, where I had interned the summer before graduating. There, amidst the machinery and assembly lines, I gained invaluable insight into the intricacies of manufacturing.
Years later, fate led me to join the equity group that acquired the very company where I once interned. In the midst of negotiating deals and navigating the complex world of finance, I honed my skills and discovered my passion for building businesses.
In the late 1990s, my entrepreneurial spirit led me to the kitchenware industry. A chance encounter with an investment banker introduced me to a promising Philadelphia-based company. Impressed by its potential and driven by opportunity, I took the helm as CEO, and the journey began.
Since then, I’ve proudly steered Fox Run Brands through decades of growth and evolution. Our ethos of determination and collaboration has fueled innovation and upheld our commitment to quality craftsmanship for over 40 years.
Embracing the digital age, we’ve not only adapted but thrived. Our ability to conceive and cultivate new brands internally stands as a testament to our strength as a company. With a recent surge in product development, I’m thrilled by the strides we’ve made. While acquiring established brands is rewarding, creating them from the ground up is an achievement unto itself.
As we forge ahead, our mantra remains clear: #ownitrightnow. We’re not just shaping the future; we’re defining it.
OWEN LEONARD
PRESIDENT
Originally an Economics/Psychology double-major at Georgetown University, I knew following graduation that I wanted to be in business, but not of the Wall Street variety that many of my friends were heading towards. My two main choices at the time were pharmaceutical sales at a Fortune 500 company or learning business at a grass roots level via a smaller company. I chose the latter and haven’t looked back since. Although I started out in a sales and marketing capacity including trade shows, cold-calling smaller customers and analyzing our overall sales/market trends, over time I was given more responsibility in operations. I learned a lot about international business, including the process of setting up a wholly owned subsidiary with a focus on manufacturing, buying and logistics. Throughout, I was still involved in sales and marketing activities.
As with life, my career at Fox Run Brands has come full circle and I now spend most of my time on sales and increasingly digital marketing activities, helping to oversee our teams in the US and Canada. I continue to manage the evolution of the Fox Run Brands business and focus energies on how we can service and grow with our customers both online and offline. My MBA from Columbia University has proven to be very useful in navigating through day to day and larger industry challenges that Fox Run Brands faces and has put me in a strong position to help with strategy and execution. I look forward to continue to grow as a manager and to help the company cement its legacy of over 50 years of industry success. #own it right now
JAMIE LYNN RIVERO PHR, SHRM-CP
VICE PRESIDENT OF HR AND OPERATIONS
I entered the field of Human Resources while I was in high school, and aspired to be a lawyer. Although I pursued Pre-Law at Widener University, I ended up working in and developing a passion for Human Resources. This led me to not to apply for Law School. With a Bachelor’s degree and continued experience with Human Resources, I began working for a major grocery chain. Shortly after, I took an HR Coordinator position with a large healthcare company.
For several years I managed their entire onboarding and performance management process. I obtained my Professional in Human Resources Certification in 2013. This led me to a new opportunity with an international company as Site Human Resources Manager. I was brought into various Fortune 500 companies where I managed their Manufacturing and Logistics sites from a staffing perspective.
Working in Corporate had its strong points but I wasn’t fulfilled with my work. It was not a personalized experience and I started having mixed feelings about my role. Making the change from corporate to a small company was a serious concern of mine.
With Fox Run Brands, I saw opportunity. The opportunity to make an impact in a huge way. Fox Run Brands is a global company but still has the feel of something much smaller. A month into my new role I knew I had made the right decision by making the switch out of Corporate, and have not looked back since.
This position has allowed me to rebuild our entire Human Resources Department and make it “my own”. I revamped Fox Run Brands into a best-in-class Human Resources Department, pulling from my education and the best-practices from each of my prior positions. In 2015 I was nominated for “HR Rising Star of the Year” in the Greater Philadelphia Area for my accomplishments. The HR Department won the 2016 HR Department of the Year Award for the Greater Philadelphia Area. In 2016 I earned my Masters Degree from Villanova University in Human Resource Development. In 2019, I was named HR Person of the Year for the Delaware Valley. I have also went on to obtain 6 Speciality Credentials through SHRM. I find my role to be positively challenging and fulfilling. It was everything I was looking for in my next position. #ownitrightnow
PING HE
PURCHASING MANAGER
Growing up in China, my passion for business and international trade blossomed early. Throughout college, as an Education and Economics major, I sought opportunities to immerse myself in the business and international trade world, working at the prestigious China Export Commodities Fairs. It was there that I developed a huge interest in business, honed my skills and gained invaluable insights into the complexities of global trade dynamics.
Eager to expand my horizons, I pursued my MBA degree in the United States, earning acceptance into Seton Hill University in 2001. The MBA program provided a rich understanding of business theory and practice, equipping me with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the competitive business landscape.
After graduation in 2002, I delved into the import and wholesale business, working for a Home Décor Company and a large Packaging company that are both import and wholesale business. Working in various positions, such as sales/buyer, direct import manager, and inventory control manager, has equipped me with valuable hands on expertise in supply chain management. I continued to seek opportunities to learn and grow.
My journey eventually led me to Fox Run, where I now serve as the Purchasing Manager since 2017. I’m not only drawn to the kitchen products industry that Fox Run specializes in, but I also thrive on collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals. The opportunity to be involved in every step of the process, from product conception to delivery, is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that the products we introduce have a direct impact on people’s daily lives fills me with excitement and purpose. It’s more than just a job; it’s a passion that drives me to strive for excellence every day.
This position also allows me to leverage my expertise and passion for improving business profit through data analysis, effective negotiation, building strong supplier relationships, ensuring delivery of products, servicing our customers and driving operational efficiency. Experiencing the tangible impact I’ve made and the transformation of the purchasing process at Fox Run over the years has been incredibly fulfilling.
JIM MC ANALLY
WAREHOUSE MANAGER (U.S. AND CANADA)
When I was probably 12 or 13 years old my mom worked part-time, hand-bending and soldering cookie cutters. I remember helping bend cookie cutters at home and getting paid $0.02 cents each. This continued until I was about 17 when the owner of Fox Run Craftsmen asked me to come work in the factory. They had a cutter called a shape-a-cake. A tough to bend, heavy gauge material. They were having a hard time keeping up with production and needed people to make them. We had a group of about four or five guys being paid by the piece to bend these cutters in-house. It taught me at a young age that the harder/faster I worked the more money I could make. As the company grew, they started designing machines to replace the hand-bending. So, I moved into making some of our sheet-metal items such as cookie sheets, french bread pans, etc. We also assembled wood rolling pins and corn holders, packaged cupcake papers, and made wooden display fixtures.
As sales continued to grow, the owner moved me from production to the distribution side. We outgrew three or four warehouses and kept moving into larger buildings, eventually settling into the 100,000 square-foot building we are in today. The owner recognized the people that worked hard and believed in promotion from within. I worked as a driver picking up and delivering, as an order picker, a packer, shipper and pretty much every job in the warehouse including supervisor. Currently I am serve as Production Manager, heading our US and Canada warehouses.
Our company slogan today is #ownitrightnow. Looking back, I realized that “owning it right now” is the main reason I am in the position I am with this company today. When I started full-time with the company 36 years ago, we were a very small operation with only eight to ten people. Being that small you had to own many jobs in the warehouse. There weren’t many people to ask for help on how to fix something, or how to lay out the warehouse, or which carrier is best to use, who can help manufacture our items, etc. We were growing so fast and we just needed to make it happen. It is hard to believe I have been doing this for 36 years. #ownitrightnow
BRENDA VALENTIN
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST
My journey with Fox Run Brands began in 1998 at Ribble Production in 1998, a company owned by Fox Run. I worked in the assembly lines welding cookie cutters and supervising employees.
Upon returning from maternity leave in 2001, I was asked to move to Fox Run as a Customer Service Representative. I gladly accepted the challenge. Being a quick learner and having a competent trainer helped me to fit into the department. This was the beginning of my career at Fox Run Brands. I didn’t choose Fox Run Brands, rather they chose me and I am so thankful for the opportunity. I had no prior experience in the field but took pride in my work and made sure my customers were taken care of in all aspects.
Understanding the importance of teamwork and communication, I helped the Customer Service department evolve and was promoted to Supervisor.
I transitioned to the Information Technology department in 2006, where I was asked to serve as EDI Coordinator. Currently, I am the IT Project Manager overseeing operations and managing the logistics of the department. It’s a pleasure to manage our ERP software, ensuring smooth-running operations of our system and the success of new projects and initiatives. Whatever title my role may take, I never hesitate to accept responsibility and grasp the opportunity provided at Fox Run Brands. I owe much of my success to all of their support, cooperation and understanding. #ownitrightnow
KIMBERLEY JANSSENS
BUYER
Fox Run has kept my career challenging and interesting for 20 years. In 1995, I was presented with the opportunity to work with our USA offices in taking on the challenge of opening a Fox Run branch in Canada. Starting with only four staff members, we took Fox Run Canada from a company with no office furniture, inventory or staff, and turned it into a major player in the Canadian houseware industry.
Just as Fox Run Canada has evolved over the years, so too has my career. Fox Run has provided to me many different positions within the company. With each new challenge they have been supportive of my ideas and suggestions, allowing me to own and implement my decisions.
There are several reasons why Fox Run Canada has become successful in the Canadian market, one of which is the commitment, ownership and engagement of our employees. I have had the opportunity to work with many fabulous people that make this company successful. From administration, warehouse and sales reps, to suppliers and our USA offices – our employees are passionate about seeing our products’ success in the marketplace and making our customers happy.
I am proud to say that I have been at Fox Run Canada since its inception, and am happy to have had the opportunity to be a leader within the organization. #ownitrightnow
CHRIS BEERS
CONTROLLER
As an accountant, I’ve grown to value a profession often underestimated for its lack of glamour. Beyond the routine tasks of number crunching and financial reporting lies a world of problem-solving and strategic analysis that engages me.
My career started in the fast-paced environments of public accounting firms and Fortune 500 companies. These experiences honed my skills and broadened my perspective, yet I wanted a new challenge— a role where I could more directly influence a company’s direction.
Enter Fox Run, a company that prides itself on its nimbleness and forward-thinking approach. Here, I discovered a collaborative environment where team members share common goals and work together towards achieving them. Over the past three plus years at Fox Run, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to its success and forge new relationships.
At Fox Run, each day brings fresh opportunities to apply my expertise to solve challenges and innovate. I’m eager to continue contributing to the company’s success while continuing to grow both personally and professionally. #Ownitrightnow
KEVIN CHAMPIGNY
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
After graduating from university in Sherbrooke, Quebec with a degree in Marketing, I relocated to Toronto to experience life in a big city and to pursue an opportunity in a multinational corporation. Serendipitously, I landed a role in the tax department at Deloitte, where I spent the three years of my career. Subsequently, drawing from my experience at AB Inbev during my student years, I transitioned into a sales position in Montreal, focusing on servicing Independent retail stores for two years before advancing to the National office in Toronto, overseeing Canadian sales targets.
Several years later, after gaining experience in the food service industry, I accepted the role of National Sales Manager at Fox Run Brands. Reporting to President Owen Leonard, I’ve had the privilege of leading our national accounts in Canada and working alongside a talented team. Over time, my responsibilities have expanded to include overseeing our Canadian sales representatives and coordinators, as well as large U.S. retailers and ecommerce accounts. I’ve also been fortunate to contribute to strategic planning and the launch of our B2B wholesale site.
Under Owen’s leadership, I’ve continuously learned how to navigate industry challenges, from the pandemic to supply chain disruptions and product development opportunities. At Fox Run, our success is driven by our exceptional teamwork both within and between departments including Customer Experience, Shipping, Purchasing, Accounting, Marketing and HR. Our collective dedication to speed, innovation, and customer satisfaction sets us apart and has allowed us to land large programs with many national retailers under our brands and Private Label. Our agile team has demonstrated the ability to meet the varied needs of our customers by swiftly customising product designs and packaging, as well as accommodating shipping solutions from either our North American warehouses or overseas factories.
With promising brand launches and a diverse portfolio, including top performers like Outset, Ironwood and Jarware, I’m excited to see what the future has to offer for Fox Run Brands. Our leadership team has put together a strong plan and internal stakeholders understand it is critical we keep ourselves accountable and ensure we execute everyday #Ownitrightnow
SHARDUL NAIK
IT MANAGER
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, I demonstrated an early passion for technology. Pursuing a degree in Engineering laid the foundation for my future endeavors. Fueled by a fascination for robotics and automation, I began my IT journey as a software engineer and swiftly ascended the ranks, showcasing my technical prowess and leadership abilities. From a technical lead to a project manager, I navigated through various roles seamlessly.
Embarking on a new chapter in my career journey, I relocated to the United States, where I quickly assumed leadership roles, showcasing my ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. My core expertise in JD Edwards became the cornerstone of my career. I played pivotal roles in the upgrade and implementation of JDE projects for manufacturing giants in the automotive parts, construction materials, and elevator industries. With a strong network in the JDE community, I established myself as a trusted authority in the field.
Joining Fox Run Brands in 2018 as an IT Manager, I spearheaded transformative initiatives. Collaborating with core teams, I drove process automation and optimization across various domains, including Warehouse Management, EDI, Sales & Distribution, and Accounting modules. My commitment to collaboration was evident in proactive efforts to achieve departmental and company goals. By fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation, I propelled Fox Run Brands towards greater heights.
At Fox Run Brands, I’ve played a pivotal role in designing solutions and architecting processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. From humble beginnings in Mumbai to leadership roles in the United States, I appreciate the diverse culture at Fox Run Brands. #Ownitrightnow
GOVAN HENRY
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
My time career with Fox Run Brands started in 2006 as an Accounts Payable Specialist. I remember from that first day feeling the family environment throughout the organization. Being a military child & having to move ever 3-4 years, you grow up depending on family. I also remember that time very well because that was the beginning of “turn-around”, as I like to a call it, with our financial reporting. Working along with the Controller, we worked 10-12 hour days to develop & and improve the financial reports & analysis that we continue to utilize today. I was able to gain a vast knowledge of the Fox Run’s operation as whole, seeing how departments were connected within our ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). The company showed it appreciation by promoting me to Jr. Staff Accountant in 2007. I would worked closely with the Controller to ensure our financial reporting was in compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
Working as a Jr Staff Accountant for many years, Fox Run encouraged me to go back to school to complete my bachelor’s degree. With the help from the Tuition Assistance program offer by the organization, I started my journey to obtain my bachelor’s degree in 2013. While it took some time, I received my bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2017. This did not go unnoticed by the company & I was promoted to Senior Staff Accountant later that year. As the Senior Staff Accountant, while continuing to assist with the financial reporting, I began to manage/supervise the various functions within the accounting department such as Accounts Receivable, etc. I assist the Controller in developing, implementing and monitoring internal control procedures utilized to allow the department to work as effectively & efficiently as possible. While I may be bias, I truly believe that is it vital for an organization success to have a thorough accounting department. A company cannot succeed without a solid financial foundation.
Fox Run’s core values are Trust, Strive for Success, Ownership & Leadership. I honestly have to admit that these are values that the organization demonstrates & that I have greatly benefited from. Often at times as I recollect on my career with Fox Run over these past 18 years, I am extremely grateful for the knowledge I have gained & the encouragement of continuous improvement I have received. I have been honored to work with an organization of so many wonderful individuals. Many of which I have worked with for 10+ years! I have seen this company grow so much over the years & know that it would not have been possible without everyone rowing together. I am excited to see how far Fox Run Brands will continue to grow. #Ownitrightnow
Fox Run Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer
EEO is the law.
Fox Run USA, LLC dba Fox Run Brands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Fox Run USA, LLC dba Fox Run Brands will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with qualified disabilities in accordance with the ADA. If you require a reasonable accommodation for our application process, please contact [email protected] or alternatively send a fax to 215.933.6134. Requests will be kept confidential and shared strictly on a need-to-know basis only.
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