Biographies - AMERICAN NIAGARA, "a family company";and if you work here - you are family!
Scotty Barocas
President & CEO
Scotty is the eldest son of one of the founders, Victor Barocas. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned a degree in Political Science. He was a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity.
He joined American Niagara in 1989. Among his many capacities, he has acted as a laboratory technician where he headed up the spotting lab to test fabric soils.
Scotty travels worldwide and conducts seminars on the "art" of stain removal from all types of fabrics. He has written extensively on spot removal techniques and safety and has been published in the quarterly spanish publication, MEXCOSTURA. He also trains and certifies individuals and companies in the proper safety and handling of halogenated chlorinated hydrocarbons as well as all forms of both solvent and non-solvent spot cleaners.
He married his college sweetheart, Robyn Gerson of New Orleans and they have two daughters. Sophie Grace is the eldest and Lily Sarah (Boom-Boom) is the baby.
IN MEMORIAM
Ervin Barocas our co-founder & President (Emeritus) (shown with wife, Maxine) sadly passed away on July 26, 2011.
When we opened for business in 1971 and for many years thereafter, Ervin was the glue that held the entire comany together through his many customer contacts,superior work ethic and total dedication.
In his youth, he was the lead singer in THE NIGHT SHADOWS BAND. Ervin leaves behind, Wife - Maxine and 4 sons, Sandy, Mitch, Seth, Heath and grandchildren, Ivy and Harrison. He and Maxine suffered the loss of their first born Son, Mickey over 40 years ago.
ERVIN IS MISSED BY US ALL.
Vic Barocas is our co-founder & Chairman (Emeritus). He is the younger brother of Ervin and together they co-founded the company in 1971. He is the father of Scotty and David and the proud grandfather of Sophie & Lily. He is married to Joni Braverman Barocas of New Jersey. In his youth he and a group of friends brought professional Boxing to Atlanta.
His main hobbies are the study of history as it relates to The Atlanta Campaign of 1864 as well as Sephardic History in general. His commentaries have been published on both subjects. Even though he wrote the book on "stain removers", his first love is history (besides his family - naturally!!).
Vic can be reached at:
David (Buck) Barocas is our Domestic Sales Manager and has 15 years sales experience with the company. He also has responsibility for over 1,500 customers. He is the youngest son of Vic Barocas. David was nominated by his customers and awarded the honor of being Salesman of the Month by PRINTWEAR MAGAZINE the most presetgious Screen Printing publication. One customer who nominated David said that when he is "down", he looks forward to speaking to David who tells him some jokes and pick him "up". David is a naturally funny guy!
He proudly served in the US Army during the time of Desert Storm and was an M.P. David knows his "stuff". Give him a call to order or ask questions
David can be reached:
Albert Cohen is our CFO. He is the former co-owner of the famous Atlanta landmark - HAPPY HERMANS DELI. Albert has been lifelong friends with the Barocas Family, and - when he was about to retire after selling his business - The Barocas Family offered him a deal that "he could not refuse". He pays all the bills and tells us all when we spend too much!
He married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Though his wife remains a beauty, Albert surely is not - but his grandchildren surely are.
Albert can be reached:
Mariela Carrasquillo
Coordinadora de Mercadeo para América Latina
(Marketing Coordinator for Latin America, South America, Spain and all Spanish Speaking Countries).
If you have any questions that need to be answered in Spanish, please call her direct phone line 678-429-3952. Mariela travels extensively throughout Central America and the Dominican Republic and just recently, South America..
Mariela is married to Whadzen (a veterinarian) and they have two sons. She also is the first contact to our many Spanish speaking customers.
Mariela can be reached:
Betty Roistacher (sister of the founders) works in our customer service department.
If you have any questions about your orders or need to be headed in the right direction, call Betty.
Betty has three children (Sammy, Lisa and Louie) and 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild (Mckenzie Betty).
Betty is a great lady and full of sunshine and laughter!
Betty can be reached at:
Reggie Morganfield is Plant Manager, Chemical and Distribution Unit.
Reggie is thoroughly trained in HazMat Shipments and supervises all hazardous goods shipments. A former college football running back, Reggie brings the necessary toughness and discipline in dealing with various chemical substances.
Reggie can be reached at:
April May Hofmann is our Florida Star!. She is in an incredible sale rep.
She preaches to us each and every day that "the customer is always right"! April is one of those rare folks that literally lives back in the woods on a lake in central Florida. She has every pet under the Sun. She even has two black bears that rummage through her yard every couple of days. She is dedicated to YOU - the CUSTOMER! She is a wonderful asset who keeps us on our toes 24/7. She can be phoned at 352-685-2000.
April can be reached at:
Mitzi Racioppi
Mitzi comes from an illustrious chemical family. She is also the President of Viper Screen Supply which has become a part of our company. She recently joined forces with American Niagara & Tee Squares. Mitzi came to us because we were in a position to enhance and broaden her high quality Viper product line. She brings years of chemical experience and we are very fortunate to have her working with us. Mitzi has 2 sons and she flashes perfect teeth - thanks to her dentist husband (Jerry)!
Mitzi can be reached:
Lily "Boom-Boom"
ROBYN & SCOTTY
Scotty
Ervin & Maxine Barocas
Vic shown in the early days
PawPaw & Sophie Grace
David Barocas
Ablert & Phyliss Cohen
& Grandchildren
Mariela Carrasquillo
Mitzi Raciioppi & Cary and Brandon
Betty & Mickey
Reggie Morganfield
April May Hofmann
Sophie at the Atlanta Falcons Football Game - Go Birds!
Robyn & Sophie
Mike Maccaroni is our Chief Operating Officer (COO). He heads up Special Projects and Sales Development both nationally and Internationally. In essence, he is the Managing General Partner with decision making responsibilities.
Mike brings a vast knowledge of chemical expertise with special emphasis on aerosol production, sales and marketing. He is also very well known in the Screen Printing Industry where his late Father - Peter Maccaroni pioneered many useful innovations. Formerly President of our Tee Squares Division, Mike will be working with our entire sales staff and more directly with Wayne Gramling, Albert Cohen, Mitzi Racioppi and our CEO - Scotty Barocas.
Mike married his childhood sweetheart - Melody. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren (Brandon, Jake and Michael). By the way, he is an accomplished Bass Guitarist and still enjoys weekend "gigs".
Mike can be reached:
Mike Maccaroni
Joni & Vic at Home in Aruba 2010
Jeff Board
Customer Service / Sales / Ink Formulating
*Special assistant to Mike Maccaroni
Jeff just graduated college and he holds a degree in biology. He has worked summers with us for several years and when an opportunity was presented to him - he said, "when do I start"!
He has a good working knowledge of our product line and will be assisting directing Customer Service as well as contacting our many customers. Jeff was recently promoted to Special Assistant to the COO (Mike Maccaroni). GO JEFF!
Tel 770-441-5900 ext 108
Jee Board
Terri Whitehead
Customer Service / Sales
*Special assistant to Mike Maccaroni
Terri joined us over 20 years ago. She had transferred to our Sister Company, Niagara National. Then, when Niagara National was sold to Zep Manufacturing, we were able to bring her back "home".
She has a good working knowledge of our product line and will be assisting in Customer Service as well as contacting our many customers. We are all very happy that Terri is back on board!
Terri has 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Tel 770-441-5900 ext 117
Terri Whitehead
