Affiliates

Affiliates


The Arbor Strategy Group (ASG) and NewProductWorks (NPW) have formed relationships with experts across a wide variety of disciplines:

  • Industry experts across numerous consumer-driven functions
  • Academic and business leaders advancing innovation in the marketplace
  • Agencies and consultants with specific, relevant specialty focus

At NPW, our focus on new product innovation has led to a strong affiliation with Packaging & Technology Integrated Solutions (PTIS) , a leading packaging and management consulting organization.

Learn More About the Founders of PTIS


Mike Richmond and Brian Wagner co-founded PTIS in January 2001 to help individuals and client companies by delivering focused strategic & tactical results across packaging & technology.

Michael Richmond is a strategic business and technical leader with 18 years experience at Kraft, Inc. and Kellogg’s. Dr. Richmond has successfully developed and staffed packaging organizations at both companies. At Kellogg Dr. Richmond was responsible for developing and implementing start-up departments including Technology Discovery and Global Packaging Innovation. Both organizations were up and running efficiently and effectively within six months. Commercial novel packaging implemented by the group included SnackUm’s® canisters, Snak-Stix® reclosable packaging, Special K Plus® cereal in a milk carton and Country Inn® premium gable top cartons. During his tenure at Kraft, superior new packaging developed included Breyers® rounded rectangular ice cream cartons, easy open/reclosable shredded, sliced and chunk cheese packaging, microwavable squeeze bottles and aseptic multipack dipping packages for cheese sauces.

Dr. Richmond has developed and implemented successful innovation and productivity programs that have resulted in over 40 new growth initiatives and over $20 million in packaging cost reductions, respectively. Mike was instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans and programs nationally and globally. He also led the research and development component of strategic sourcing at both companies resulting in millions of dollars in savings. In addition to strong vendor knowledge, Mike has brought new consumer and trade focus to the development of superior solutions to packaging problems globally. Mike also has considerable expertise in benchmarking and best practices and has utilized these techniques extensively. Prior to industry, Dr. Richmond was an assistant professor at Michigan State University in the School of Packaging. Dr. Richmond’s PhD in Food Science and his tenure in packaging have helped him better understand and provide enhanced integrated solutions for product and package systems.

Dr. Richmond has numerous achievement awards and commendations and is past head of the Industrial Advisory Committee for the Center of Advanced Food Technology (CAFT) at Rutgers University, and he is an active member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). Dr. Richmond is also an adjunct professor in Food Science at Michigan State University.

Brian Wagner is an experienced packaging professional and innovation leader with 18 years in packaging, business development, sales, marketing and operations. He has a track record of consistently increasing top line and bottom line sales for both privately and publicly held companies.

As Manager, Global Cereal Packaging Innovation for Kellogg Company, Brian helped to staff and develop the organization and to drive innovation initiatives. He built critical relationships with other functions including sales, marketing and market research. In less than 15 months, Brian’s team implemented several novel commercial packages, including: SnackUms® canisters, special K Plus® resealable milk cartons, Country Inn Specialties® gable top cartons, Smart Start®flip top canisters, and Racing Apple Jacks® in the first ever holographic foil cereal carton. Additionally, Brian inspired proprietary developments aimed at solving consumer problems and providing new market opportunities for Kellogg’s.Brian encourages out-of-the-box thinking as his standard approach. His effectiveness as a change leader has contributed to the success of many companies. He can be relied upon to communicate practical solutions to complex problems in an ever-changing environment.

In addition to Brian’s experience in the Fortune 100 sector, he has been successful in growing smaller organizations. During his seven years with Multiform Desiccants, Inc., Brian established and grew food market sales to over $3 MM. He was instrumental in the company achieving an annual growth of over 20% revenue and 20% operating profit by establishing sole source agreements and global distribution partnerships. Prior to this, Brian managed a 100 employee unionized converting operation and was instrumental in growing folding carton sales by over 400% in one year. Brian Wagner has experience across the consumer products, package converting, raw material, government / military, academic and non-profit sectors. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging from Michigan State University (MSU), and has also completed numerous graduate level courses. Additionally, Brian has participated in Executive Development Training, S.P.I.N. Selling, Dale Carnegie Sales Training and International Learning’s Professional Selling Skills. Brian is President of the Michigan State University School of Packaging Alumni Association and serves on the Dean’s Stakeholder Board.


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