This is Mario Antimone, Jr., the president of MDS. Mario has been instrumental in helping the Co-op source affordable packaging solutions for the past several years. Mario started working in packaging at the age of 18, and now, almost 50 years later, is the self proclaimed “Last of the Dinosaurs”. He tells us he is drawn to the social aspect of the job. He loves to say hello to people and make his rounds, and tell stories along the way. It’s a way to forge connections when most of the time he’s on the road picking up product.
Some of you have asked why your co-op has “other” branded bags. Well, one of the main reasons is that customers like Urban Greens recognize the value in repurposing items. Since Mario works directly with 2 of the largest distributors of bags and boxes, he gets a first pick at items that got resized or color changed. That’s how he’s saved our store upwards of 75% on single use paper and plastic products.  It’s a real gift!