Experience and Knowledge you can rely on
Retail Shipping Associates management and support team is a compilation of experience, talent, subject-matter expertise and industry knowledge. Combining these with our shared passion for helping our members reach their success goals makes for a very powerful and comprehensive resource.
Brandon Gale
President
President of RS Associates, Brandon got started in the industry in 1984 as co-founder of Eagle Postal Centers, a 38 store chain of licensed and corporate retail shipping centers located in Texas. As a 29-year veteran, Brandon has demonstrated a long - term commitment to the industry and holds a point of view rooted in extensive first-hand experience in every aspect of the business.
From 2003-2007, Brandon served as president of Associated Mail & Parcel Centers, a business league serving the interests of independent retail shipping center operators. In that role, he co-founded the Retail Shipping Institute and initiated the industry’s first risk management program: the HIPDR Ship Responsibly program. Brandon was also responsible for developing the USPS Approved Shipper Program with Pat Donahoe (now Postmaster General).
Brandon has designed and built stores from the ground up, orchestrated store conversions and remodeling, trained hundreds of store owners and staff, and consulted with Sears, Pitney Bowes, GLG consulting, Archer Management, Southern Methodist University, Brookhaven College, University of Texas at Dallas, and other companies and learning institutions.
Brandon’s commitment to the retail shipping industry is unwavering. He believes RSA plays a critical role in the success of its members by providing programs, training, support, advocacy, and resources that make the difference between mediocrity and excellence.
Rutledge Scarborough
Vice President & IT Director
An industry veteran of 23 years, Rut brings to RS Associates a truly unique set of talents. A mechanical engineer by degree, he spent over 21 years with Duke Energy as a Nuclear Plant Test Engineer and an IT Consultant in Nuclear Information Technology. At the same time, he and his wife Fran owned and operated a chain of six retail shipping stores.
As IT Director for RS Associates, Rut is responsible for the company’s operation through automation. His knowledge of best industry practices provides the backbone for the company’s e-identity. From online Associate registration to drop-off payment administration, his activities insure the smooth operation of all RSA programs.
In addition, Rut is a Senior Instructor and content developer for RS Academy.
Steven S. Weigman
Chief Financial Officer & Business Development
Steve earned a B.S. in Accounting from Northwest Missouri State University and has over 38 years of experience in accounting, financial consulting, business development and strategic planning covering a diverse business base including being part of a start-up company becoming publicly traded and maintaining an executive role. He has worked both in the public and private sectors with over 18 years in the retail packing and shipping industry.
An accountant by degree he has spent 10 years in a public accounting firm, 3 years as the SVP of Finance for a publicly traded company, 1 year as CFO for a multi-state construction company, 3 years as controller for utility construction company and had his own consulting company for 17 years including client’s in the following industries; retail sales, construction, trucking and freight, wholesale sales, retail packing and shipping, real estate developers, childcare, telecommunications and legal firms.
Peter Wixson
Creative Director
Peter brings over 20 years of print and web design experience to the RS Associates and PackageHub® team. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in 2003. While completing his degree, he also worked as the Graphics Manager for the university’s student newspaper and helped found the university’s first student run web department.
After graduation, Peter began his career in Phoenix, AZ as a graphic designer for Leadership Network Corporation. A company specializing in producing conferences and conventions for the convenience retailing and restaurant industry. Here he honed his skills on publication layouts and direct mail marketing for all LNC events.
Peter entered the retail pack and ship industry in 2005 as the Communications Manager for Associated Mail & Parcel Centers and was tasked with re-branding the company, its web presence and monthly publication.
Peter has served as Creative Director for RSA since it was founded in 2007, building the brand from the ground up. He was also instumental in the creation of the PackageHub® brand in 2019. His focus has been to create a cohesive face for all aspects of both companies including print, web and email communications. Peter is responsible for the “look & feel” of everything for RSA & PBC — including the industry leading, quarterly publication, Retail Shipping News.
His passion for eye-catching design and effective and effecient marketing will help RSA, PBC and its partners continue to be leaders in this industry.
Tonya Benton
Membership Support Manager
Tonya R. Benton attended High School in Nuremberg, Germany and Austin, Texas, thereafter, she continued her education in general studies at Lincoln College in Bloomington, Illinois.
In 1996, Tonya began working as a Confirmation Manager with Protect America, where her team generated leads and netted the company profits with excellence; Tonya also further developed her skillsets in outstanding customer service and team leadership.
From 1999-2004, she went on to perform a dual role of Licensed Auto Insurance Agent and Store Location Manager with Best Rate Insurance. Her responsibilities ranged from writing insurance policies, claims, administrative tasks, technical support, employee supervision & training, customer service, and building customer relationships. Her location was the highest earning store out of 5 locations. She also won numerous awards. Because she increased customer base by fifty percent, the owner was able sell the business to a national auto insurance agency.
Through 2005-2011, Tonya continued her career with Austin Gutterman, where she reviewed contracts for accuracy, training, maintained meticulous records and assisted sales consultants and installers with accurate leads. She won 3 Employee of the Year awards during her tenure.
From there, she relocated to Dallas, Texas and began working with Retail Shipping Associates (RSA) as an Associate Services Representative. Her many responsibilities included managing DHL billing disputes and reviewing DHL Authorized Shipping Center Account requests for approval or denial.
In 2014, Tonya Benton had been promoted to the Support Manager with Retail Shipping Associates.
Once RSA launched the PBC franchise at the 2019 RS Expo, she was also promoted to Support Manager for the PackageHub Business Centers® franchise.
At the 2022 RS Expo, Tonya was awarded the Tonya Benton Living Legacy award for Excellence, Commitment and Initiative.