Team Members

Tom Ogonek

Tom joined Close the Loop in 2011 and oversees all aspects of global operations. He has more than 20 years of valuable operations experience and environmental industry perspective and is responsible for driving continuous improvement of operating efficiencies and facility management in all global operating centers, meeting financial growth goals, and growing the business through relationships with new and existing clients. With a background in chemistry and manufacturing, His insight and experience are valuable to the company’s vision to further diversify the business.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology from Northern Kentucky University. He is currently an adjunct professor at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in the Center for Innovative Technology and serves on the Industry Alumni and Student Advisory Board at Northern Kentucky University’s Engineering Technology Program.

Marc Lichtenstein

Marc joined Close the Loop in May 2017 as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of the Group and reports to the Board and is now Joint Chief Executive Officer. For over 25 years Marc has emerged as highly skilled Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Company Secretary providing various services to a range of listed public and large private Companies across a wide range of industries. He has extensive experience in leading businesses through significant periods of change, particularly in the areas of business transformation and performance improvement including IPOs, significant capital raises, exponential periods of growth, and major acquisitions. He is qualified as a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Secretary, and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

David Blaine

David joined Close the Loop in November 2016 and brought with him over 25 years of print and imaging experience. He leads the sales team as Director of Sales for US operations and is responsible for the growth and diversification of the company. David’s experience in operations, supplier management, supply chain, and product development in the printing industries is the result of his previous position at Lexmark International where he managed the worldwide cartridge collection program operations.

David holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Morehead State University.

Jeff Blaylock

Jeff joined Close the Loop in August 2010 and  has held several different positions at the company during which he has gained vast experience with our various machines and operations. In 2013, He was promoted to production manager and in 2017 he became Quality Manager. Jeff’s background includes guiding the company’s line upgrade project and creating the original format for a new process line. He has also assisted in many efficiency initiatives in our operations department. Jeff is now Quality Manager where he is responsible to manage ISO 9001 and continue to educate in ISO 14001, OSHAS 18001 and R2.

Previous to Close the Loop, Jeff had 10 years of manufacturing experience as an IT technician, inventory administrator, product manager, and shift supervisor. He holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.

Joseph Brinker

Joseph joined Close the Loop in November 2010 and brings over 20 years of telecom/network engineering and enterprise IT/security experience. He excels at rapid solutions development by leveraging his combined background in security, systems analysis, systems integration, and project management. Joseph has been a pillar in redesigning CtL’s data and network infrastructure. His technical expertise and accomplishments provide near perfect uptime, robust business continuity, and next generation protection against current and future cyber threats.

As an entrepreneur, Joseph was the founder of a manufacturing company that produced vintage replica motorcycles and has effectively managed a variety of other successful businesses. He regularly gives back to his community by serving as a weekly volunteer to provide public services and relief aid and serves as a teacher/mentor.

Joseph attended Cincinnati State – Mechanical Engineering (JAC/Local 59) and holds the following professional certifications: MCP, MCSE, MCSD, Apple Solutions Architect, eCommerce Security, Adobe & Macromedia Certified.

Bill Eichenberger

Bill joined Close the Loop in May 2018 as Senior Account Manager. He previously worked as account manager and then project manager for a waste and recycling consulting company, which kick-started his interest in sustainability initiatives. He brings this interest and his knowledge of managing clients and their sustainability programs to the company.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Megan Elfers

Megan leads the global marketing efforts for Close the Loop where she helps to increase awareness and secure the company’s global reputation. She joined CtL in 2010 as part of the sales team, where she worked closely with many of our most important customers creating programs designed to meet their sustainability and brand stewardship goals. Her experience on the front lines of the sales force gives her invaluable insight to conceive powerful and strategic marketing strategies that globally promote Close the Loop’s capabilities.

Megan completed a bachelor’s degree in communications at Thomas More College in Kentucky and earned an MBA with a marketing focus from Northern Kentucky University

Greg Elpers

Greg joined Close the Loop in January 2016 and brings over 20 years of experience in the environmental industry. He began his career here as Director of Sales and moved into the Director of Operations position in 2017.

Greg oversees day-to-day operations of the US facility and ensures CtL is delivering the most efficient and effective service to our customers and employees. His experience in teaming with clients to meet sustainability, regulatory compliance, and fiscal goals is key to CtL’s growth and diversification. Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Citadel in Charleston, S.C.

Dan Huth

Dan has been with Close the Loop since November 2010. As the Logistics Manager, he manages the company’s transportation, distribution, traffic, supply chain, inventory, and external warehouses.

Dan has nearly 25 years of logistical management history including 16 years in the retail store display fixture industry. He is experienced in all modes of transportation and excels in the areas of carrier procurement, contract negotiations, international shipping, lean thinking, and cost savings. He has directed departments of fifty employees and more employees and has championed processes and procedures that result in efficient and effective material flow. Dan takes pride in customer satisfaction and fulfillment with consistently high on-time deliveries/receptions and constant successful shipping accuracy rates.

Dan holds a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Tom Kelly

Tom joined Close the Loop in November 2018 as Human Resources Manager and brings over 25 years of human resources management experience. This includes experience in team member relations, communications, training, payroll, benefits, HRIS, assignment support, relocation and safety.  Tom comes to Close the Loop from Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing, North America, Inc. where he held varioushuman resources management roles.  This includes Human Resources Manager positions at Toyota Manufacturing suppliers in Mississippi and Kentucky.  He has also held management positions in operations and human resources with The Gap, Inc.

Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Northern Kentucky University.

Glen Maringer

Glen joined Close the Loop in May 2017 as Business Development & Account Manager for US operations. He brings over 25 years of progressive experience in operations, supply chain, and business development for manufacturing companies in a variety of industries including plastics, food & beverage, and medical devices. Glen comes to Close the Loop from Maringer Enterprises where he facilitated sales in material recovery and recycling of commodity and engineered plastics.

Glen holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Northern Kentucky University.

Don Menke

Don joined Close the Loop in November 2008. Don has held various positions at the company including plant manager and operations manager. His current position is Environmental Health and Safety Manager. Don has over 25 years of manufacturing experience in several industries including metal fabrication, granite fabrication and folding cartons. Don’s skills include plant operations, project management, OSHA and EPA compliance. His other duties are compliance management of ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and R2 (responsible recycling).

Don holds a Bachelor of Science degree in applied science in engineering technology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Geovanny Miranda

Geo joined Close the Loop in October 2011. Through the past years, he has moved within the company to be promoted to Production Manager.

Geo trains and coaches the production floor leads and supervisors. His operations experience has led to the continuous improvement of processes at Close the Loop.

Michele Sanning

Michele joined Close the Loop in May 2010.. Michele has over 20 years of experience in developing processes and policies, compliance, employee relations, performance management, compensation, and training.

Michele holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northern Kentucky University.

Bonnie Sweeney

Bonnie joined Close the Loop in December 2013 as part of the sales department and presently holds the position of Customer Service Manager. She not only provides support to manage our corporate accounts, but also ensures that the customers of our corporate partners are provided with exceptional service. Bonnie’s customer service team ultimately represents our corporate partners effectively manage their environmental take-back and product recovery programs. She brings several years of experience in business to consumer sales with over ten years of experience in providing clients with quality customer service.

Bonnie holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Northern Kentucky University.

Kevin Mackenzie

Kevin joined Close the Loop in May of 2017. He brings over twenty years of electronics and mechanical experience in addition to ten years of experience in service department management. As the Maintenance Department Supervisor, Kevin’s focus is on the technical knowledge to be the recognized expert to guide in all the mechanical processes that are involved in the material recovery process at Close the Loop.