When Nick joined JBB Packaging back in 2020, stepping into the plastics industry felt less like a leap and more like a return home. “My family’s been in plastics for decades,” he says. “When JBB opened, it just felt right to be part of it from the beginning.”
Fast-forward five years, and he’s now the President of the company.
JBB Packaging is a U.S.-based, family-run manufacturer of flexible and consumable polyethylene packaging. While the company is still young, the legacy behind it runs deep—his grandfather founded AEP Industries in the 1970s and now serves as Chairman at JBB. “Working with him every day has been a huge privilege,” he says. “It’s not something most people get to experience, and it’s brought us even closer.”
He also credits longtime industry leader Dave Cron—formerly President at JBB—as another major influence. “Dave coached me for years and continues to be a sounding board. Both he and my grandfather have so much knowledge. They’ve taught me more than I could ever learn from a textbook.”
Like many in the field, he didn’t plan for plastics to be his path. He studied business at Fordham University’s Gabelli School, and joined JBB in a sales role during the pandemic. “I saw potential—not just in the company, but in the industry,” he says. “There’s so much room to grow if you’re willing to put in the work.”
These days, leading the company means managing a little bit of everything: operations, customer relationships, team development. But one of his favorite parts of the job? The people. “This industry is full of family businesses like ours. That creates a really tight-knit, collaborative community—even across competitors. There’s a mutual respect, and you learn a lot from folks in similar shoes.”
Nick joined FLiP earlier this year and is already seeing the value. “It’s a great way to connect with other young professionals and get a broader view of the industry. You start to realize how much there is to learn outside of your own company.”
Outside of work, his involvement in plastics has had a more personal impact too. “Honestly, working side-by-side with my grandfather has been the most rewarding part. I probably wouldn’t get this kind of time with him otherwise.”
But he’s also realistic about the challenges facing plastics. “Public perception and policy are big hurdles,” he explains. “Plastics often take the blame for environmental issues, but the real problem is how we manage waste. If we can improve recycling infrastructure and make it easier for people to do the right thing, we can start to close the loop. That’s where we need better support—from policy makers and industry leaders alike.”
He believes the future of the industry depends on the next generation. “Plastics are essential. But what’s exciting is the opportunity to rethink how we use them—to combine the convenience people rely on with smarter, more sustainable solutions.”
And the one plastic product he couldn’t live without? “Bundling film,” he says without skipping a beat. “Try moving a pallet of beverages without it. You can’t.”
PLASTICS and the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) Committee are devoted to supporting and encouraging the next generation of plastics leaders who will play a crucial role in the innovation, technology and future of the plastics industry. FLiP’s mission is to provide young professionals under the age of 40 the exposure, education and resources they need to build lifelong careers in plastics. Want to join? Want to get your employees involved? Email: [email protected]
