# ABOUT US

We are changemakers. We started this business with big ideas about changing the food system – because we believe that smaller farms need protecting and that consumers need access to what they’re growing. But change doesn’t happen without teamwork - our success depends on the hard work and continued support of our farmers, retailers, consumers, and staff members. Every member of our team is an integral part of our mission to strengthen communities and create a healthier, greener tomorrow.

## Meet the team

### Patrick Mateer
Co-Founder & CEO [Patrick's Bio](https://sealtheseasons.com/pages/about-us#myModal1)

### Alex Piasecki
Co-founder & COO [Alex's Bio](https://sealtheseasons.com/pages/about-us#myModal2)

### Eric Goldbach
VP of Operations [Eric's Bio](https://sealtheseasons.com/pages/about-us#myModal4)

### Neil O'Rourke
Director of Finance [Neil's Bio](https://sealtheseasons.com/pages/about-us#myModal6)

### Danielle Mercier
Procurement Manager [Danielle's Bio](https://sealtheseasons.com/pages/about-us#myModal8)

### Haley Buggs
Sales Data Manager [Haley's Bio](https://sealtheseasons.com/pages/about-us#myModal10)

xPatrick MateerFOUNDER AND CHIEF ExECUTIVE OFFICER

Patrick Mateer is founder and CEO of Seal the Seasons, the first CPG brand to utilize a distributed supply chain model to bring Americans nationwide "locally grown, locally frozen and locally sold produce". Founded in his dorm room at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Patrick has grown the business to serve 30 states and approx 4,000 retail locations. With a background in political science and economics, Patrick sees Seal the Seasons as a tool to empower farmers in rural economically-depressed communities. Patrick and the company have been recognized with numerous awards, including Forbes 30 Under 30, the Chobani Incubator, Next Award 2019 and the Kroger Zero Hunger Zero Waste Award. In his free time, Patrick serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at UNC-Chapel Hill, rides his motorcycle and is successfully learning to cook everything from scratch.

xAlex PiaseckiCO-FOUNDER & COO

As the Chief Operating Officer, Alex is in charge of running day to day operations at Seal the Seasons. He also assists with strategic development, financial model development and day-to-day cashflow management. He has experience in investment banking with Bank of America and Merill Lynch, management consulting with Deloitte and business development and Groundwork Labs. Alex holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with highest distinction and honors in Business Administration and Global Studies. In his free time, Alex enjoys hiking, biking and eating his mother's cooking.

xEric GoldbachVP of Operations

A native of North Carolina yet raised in Lancaster, Pa., Eric brings 25 years of management, logistics and operations experience to Seal the Seasons. Most of his leadership experience has come in the food and beverage industry, as well as the moving industry. Eric has a knack for analyzing situations and creating the best possible outcome while maintaining the highest integrity and keeping the customer's needs first. When he's not streamlining processes, Eric enjoys spending time with his family, boating and coaching youth sports. He loves sports, especially basketball, and is an avid UNC fan.

xNeil O'RourkeDirector of Finance

Neil has a varied background in business. After eight years in a private law practice with a large firm, he transitioned his career to business. Because he is a "numbers guy," he gravitated towards finance, working primarily with small businesses. Neil holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Heels!), a J.D. from SMU and a Master's in Tax from NYU. In his free time, Neil enjoys being outdoors backpacking and hiking with his son and his dog, kayaking and sailing.

xDanielle MercierProcurement Manager

Danielle joined Seal the Seasons in March of 2020 as the Procurement Specialist. After graduating college, she spent 2 years living and working on small produce and livestock farms throughout the Southeast. From there she spent 3 years getting plugged in at a NC food hub where she went on to manage day to day operations for Firsthand Foods. She is passionate about building and supporting resilient local food economies and connecting consumers to food production. Outside of work, she enjoys doing just about anything outside with her partner and dog, baking all things sourdough, tending to a backyard flock of chickens and rock climbing whenever possible.

xHaley BuggsSales Data Manager

Haley Buggs joins Seal the Seasons in May of 2021 after working in the fashion industry for the past 8 years. Fueled by her passion for understanding healthy life habits she has returned to her roots in the food industry. Haley brings over 20 years combined sales and operations experience to her new role. While balancing her work life she enjoys hiking, camping and raising tiny humans.