Meet the Leaders Driving UCB Forward

Marty Metro, Founder / CEO, is an entrepreneurial trailblazer with an unyielding “if at first you don’t succeed” spirit. In 2002, well before the environmental movement took off as we know it, Marty launched Boomerang Boxes, a chain of eco-friendly retail stores that bought/sold USED moving boxes… But just 3 years in, it became clear his attempt was premature, undercapitalized and riddled with logistic flaws. In short, it was simply not “sustainable”.

Devastated but not discouraged, Metro took a “day job” as a technology consultant (leveraging his then-outdated knowledge of SAP) and spent nights and weekends rehashing his mistakes. After revising the business plan, raising capital, and launching a scalable, tech-centric model – UsedCardboardBoxes.com grew to a national reuse logistics firm working with many of the largest, most trusted companies in the country.

Entrepreneur Magazine featured Metro and in an article entitled:

“From Business Failure to Multimillion-Dollar ‘Green’ Niche“

Metro and his team leveraged the knowledge, experience and technology they had created over the years, to tackle ALL solid waste, via UCBZeroWaste. This new asset-light company is a waste reduction firm that helps its clients manage ALL commodities, ALL vendors, ALL logistics, ALL monthly invoicing and ALL reporting, using its own proprietary software called WATER (Waste Analytics & Tracking for Environmental Reporting). UCBZeroWaste’s program and software are now used by some of the largest, most recognizable brands in the country, including McCormick Spice (#14 Most Sustainable Corporation and #1 in Food).

Additions to the portfolio include both UCBPalletSolutions and UCBOrganicWaste… and UCBEnvironmental was created to manage and support all of these offerings.

Metro graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland and holds an MBA in Information Systems & Management from the University of Arizona, before beginning his career as a SAP consultant with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture).

David Krasnow, President, brings a unique venture capital perspective to the realm of sustainable packaging and recycling. Since co-founding UsedCardboardBoxes.com in 2006 David has played an instrumental role in propelling UCB into a thriving enterprise.

David is the financial, technological and operational “architect” of UCB and all of its divisions.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the business world, David has been honored with the prestigious Waste360 “40 Under 40” award, an accolade reserved for individuals who have achieved remarkable success in their careers before reaching the age of 40. His accomplishments focus on the balance of both financial and environmental impact, solidifying his well-deserved place among this elite group of achievers.

David graduated with Honors and Highest Distinction from the University of San Diego with a degree in Computer Science and Management. After graduation, he spent five years in a leading venture capital firm focusing on sustainable investments, where he met Marty.

Zac Fratkin, Chief Revenue & Information Officer (CRO), is a distinguished business leader renowned for his multifaceted expertise in leadership, management, and operational oversight. His journey began at UsedCardboardBoxes in an entry-level capacity, where he swiftly ascended the corporate ladder propelled by his entrepreneurial acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and collaborative ethos.

Zac is a catalyst for global profitability through pioneering advancements in employee development initiatives, corporate frameworks, and cutting-edge technology implementations. His pivotal role in developing UCB’s proprietary software for internal processes and sustainability monitoring has significantly enhanced accessibility within the recycled box marketplace, underscoring his commitment to environmental stewardship.

Notably, Zac’s initiatives have yielded substantial environmental benefits, including the preservation of millions of trees and the diversion of billions of pounds of waste from landfills. His groundbreaking ‘net net’ methodology in waste analytics and tracking stands as a testament to his transformative impact on the waste management and recycling sectors.

Zac holds a BS in Chemistry from Towson University, and dual AA in Business Administration and Accounting. Following the completion of his Chemistry degree in 2010, he initially pursued a career path as a Forensic Trace Analyst, eventually transitioning to a pivotal role at UsedCardboardBoxes after an introduction to Marty Metro, CEO of UCBEnvironmental, where he spearheaded the establishment of their inaugural sorting facility in Baltimore, MD.

Jes Prochaska, Director of Supply Chain at UsedCardboardBoxes, orchestrates the seamless integration of sales and operational processes across the company. Starting her journey at UCB in 2015, she quickly rose through the ranks due to her keen analytical abilities and strategic foresight, from managing national operations to steering the entire supply chain division.

Her role is pivotal in aligning UCB's aggressive sales goals with operational capabilities, focusing on expanding the service reach and enhancing infrastructure from coast to coast. Under her leadership, the supply chain team has not only met but exceeded quarterly goals through innovative strategies that boost efficiency and profitability.

Jes' approach to management is deeply rooted in practicality and a profound understanding of UCB's core operations, ensuring that every team member is as knowledgeable and effective as they can be. Her efforts have significantly reduced inventory discrepancies and optimized supplier contracts, directly contributing to the bottom line.

Jes holds a strong track record of removing barriers for her team, fostering an environment where challenges are met with robust solutions and unmatched tenacity. Her dedication is reflected in her ability to develop and implement growth-focused strategies that have led UCB to new heights in the recycling and sustainable packaging industry.

Terry Nelson, Director of Operations at UsedCardboardBoxes, brings a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to overseeing all people, processes, and products within the Operations Department globally. Known for his palpable commitment and readiness to assist, Terry ensures the company's operations align seamlessly with its ambitious sales goals.

Under his guidance, the Operations Department has excelled in developing and executing strategies that enhance the profitability and efficiency of UCB’s facilities. Terry’s ability to clear obstacles for his team fosters an environment where practical solutions and proactive measures are the norms.

Adept in compliance and injury prevention, his role is critical in maintaining the high standards required for the company’s expansive production capabilities. Terry’s hands-on approach not only extends to strategic planning and process optimization but also involves directly engaging with team members, from onboarding new hires to conducting reviews, always ensuring alignment with the company's growth objectives.

Whether it’s managing the profit & loss of the department or interfacing between sales, facilities, supply chain, and finance, Terry's leadership is characterized by his earnest effort to improve processes and outcomes. His dedication is complemented by moments of levity, making him a well-rounded leader who values both hard work and a positive work culture.