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Meet Our Team

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 28 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 8 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 Wixson brings over 10 years of print and web design experience to RS Associates. He entered the 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 Art Director for RSA since it was founded in 2007, building the brand from the ground up. His focus has been to create a cohesive face for all aspects of the company including print, web and email communications. Peter is responsible for the “look and feel” of everything from RSA’s website to its industry leading monthly publication, Retail Shipping News.

Peter 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.

His passion for eye-catching design and effective marketing will help RSA and its partners continue to be leaders in this industry.
 

 

RS Advisory Council Members

Retail Shipping Associates established the RSA Member Advisory Council in 2014. The stated purpose of the council was for the management team at RSA to gain insight, critique, and counsel from a group of experienced and respected store owner/ operators from around the country. The feedback and input from the council has been instrumental in guiding efforts by RSA to develop relationships, programs, and a strategy that will best-serve our Members and the industry at-large. In fact, the council played a major role in the development of the new RSA national store network (PBC). PackageHub Business Centers™ are 20 Member seats on the council and as owners retire and/or sell their stores, we identify potential replacements from a large group of eligible, qualified owners.

Bruce Bernstein

Parcels Plus | Pompano Beach, FL

Bruce Bernstein has had 40 years of retail experience with 22 years in the mail and parcel industry. Bruce has managed Parcels Plus for 22 years, selling it in December 2019. His education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and many industry related education courses. Bruce has been an instructor for RSA for since 2011 and has taught CMRA , Domestic Shipping, International Shipping, and Freight Shipping. He has been a member of the RS Advisory Council since its inception, and plans on remaining active in the industry as an instructor and any other roles where he can add value to the store owners and members of both RSA and PBC.

 

Cory Blankenfeld

Total Choice Shipping | Des Moines, IA

Cory and his wife Alicia opened Total Choice Shipping in November 2004. After their first year in business, the customer focus began to shift, and a need for business and printing services emerged. Thus began their effort to expand printing capabilities and gain a business partnership with a 30-year local graphic design & printing company. In 2007, they purchased Grinnell Graphix & Printing and merged the two companies, calling it Total Choice Shipping & Printing. For the last 15 years Cory and his wife have successfully expanded their little pack and ship store into a full-service print, design, package, shipping, and business services operation.

 

Charlie Bournis

Office 11211 | Brooklyn, NY

Charlie Bournis is the owner and operator of Office 11211 & Office 11206 in Brooklyn, New York. Office 11211 started as a cell phone store in 2001 and eventually morphed into a full-fledged packing and shipping store. In 2013 Charlie bought out his competition and expanded to the other side of the neighborhood opening Office 11206. Office 11206 as well as being a FedEx Approved Shipper is also a CPU (Contract Post Office) and a UPS ASO.

 

Jim Brown

Total Choice Shipping | Ottumwa, IA

Jim is President of Granneman – Brown Enterprises Inc., the owners of the Total Choice Shipping trade name. Granneman – Brown opened their store in Ottumwa Iowa in 1994 where Jim actively operates that location on a daily basis. In addition to the Ottumwa store, Jim provides training and support to all the other licensed Total Choice Shipping locations. Jim is a member of YESS, RSA, NARSC, AMPC, NPC, and the National Notary Association. He is the current President of YESS, the local chapter organization.

 

Cesar Carranza

South Gate Pack N Ship | South Gate, CA

Cesar Carranza started an ecommerce business out of his garage with his wife, Lupe Carranza. After outgrowing this workspace, they decided to open a retail shipping store. Unsure of how to begin, Cesar and Lupe both attended the 2015 RS Expo and were swiftly able to develop a strong business foundation based off everything they learned at the Expo. Cesar’s business knowledge has helped their business, South Gate Pack N Ship, keep growing and surpassing all of their goals and expectations. Cesar hopes that his input as an RS Advisory council benefits fellow members nationwide.

 

Lupe Carranza

South Gate Pack N Ship | South Gate, CA

Lupe Carranzo originally started an Amazon and eBay ecommerce business with her husband, Cesar Carranza. After outgrowing their workspace, they decided to open a retail shipping store in the community they both grew up in. Lupe’s community outreach and social media experience has helped their business, South Gate Pack N Ship, keep growing and surpassing all of their goals and expectations. As part of the RS Advisory Council, Lupe trusts that her contributions will help all other store owners in this industry.

 

Mike Castillo

PostalMax | Scottsdale, AZ

With over 30 years of experience, Michael Castillo is a successful entrepreneur and highly regarded expert in corporate structuring and growing startups in different industries. Moving to Arizona from Chicago created a new opportunity for Michael—he started thinking about Mail Business Centers. He liked the idea of local business centers and knew it was his future. Michael is active in the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Business Referral, and MOT AZ networking group, all of which have been key to the growth of his business.

 

Rajan Dorasami

Box & Ship | Fort Worth, TX

Rajan and Martha have owned Box & Ship in Fort Worth, Texas since 2002. During that time, Box & Ship has experienced phenomenal growth and continues to improve year after year. Rajan has taken part in numerous industry forums, educational classes and conventions and is proud to serve on the RSA Member Advisory council.

 

Megan Fischer

Goin’ Postal | Definace, OH

Megan’s family started the business in 2004, and she took over in 2014. The location grew a fantastic customer base in those 10 years, but there was still room to grow. In Megan’s own words, this is where the knowledge she gained from RSA’s Expo comes into play. Megan attended her first convention in 2015 and remembers feeling incredibly optimistic after it was done. Her sales have since tripled—and are still growing.

 

Manoli Kokologiannakis

Mail Depot | Riverbank, CA

Manoli Kokologiannakis opened Mail Depot Business Center in 2008. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems from California State University Stanislaus, and an Associate's Degree in Business Administration. Prior to starting Mail Depot, Manoli owned and operated all aspects of an online marketing company. He enjoys using his IT background to bring technology and innovation into his retail business center. Manoli gladly accepted the invitation to join the RS Advisory Council when it was first formed and will continue to contribute his knowledge and expertise for the betterment of the industry. Manoli has a firm belief that together our stores can and will thrive.

 

John Koplos

Postal Dispatch | Bloomington, MN

John Koplos opened Postal Dispatch Business Center in October 2005. Since that time his business has steadily increased, and he has seen the mix of business change from mostly shipping to a mix of 50% printing and 50% shipping. He has added three high-speed digital printers, a wide-format printer, and other equipment to accommodate his ever-growing base of printing customers. In order to better serve his customers, he also has added a graphic designer a technical writer to his staff.

 

H.W. Kuecklhan

Postal Options | Paris, TX

After four years in the Navy, H.W. Kueckelhan went to work for Southwestern Bell and married his wife Loreta. After 32 years with SBC H.W. retired. H.W. and his son and daughter started Postal Options in May 1995 in Paris Texas. Now almost 20 years later they have outgrown one location. Lost the second location to a fire, and have been in the third local for 10 years.

 

Ray Norton

Mail-Pak Your Box Store | McAllen, TX

After successful careers in television news broadcast/management and his own Advertising-Public Relations Agency, as a change of pace, Ray purchased Mail-Pak 21 years ago and found a new calling. He successfully turned a business barely breaking even to one that is unquestionably the industry leader in South Texas. His effort and expertise have led to several national shipping awards highlighted by placing 3rd in the nation one year in the UPS Top 100 Shipper awards program. Ray attributes much of his success to the contacts made during his 4 decades of civic and charitable work in the McAllen area and recommends all store owners/managers do the same. It can reap huge benefits.

 

Andy Nyhart

Lind-Hart Mini Ship | Hamburg, NY

Andrew Nyhart, president of Lind-Hart Logistics, Inc is a second-generation store owner. As a graduate of St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, he loves working with other stores in the industry. His father, Dave Nyhart (now retired) opened Lind-Hart Mini Ship in 1982. Andy, has been working in the industry since he’s been able to tape a box. Andy also owns a cash register & point of sale business, called Lind-Hart Business Systems. From tracking customer sales over the counter to delivering product to customer’s door, his experience and passion for logistics runs deep.

 

Kay Omer

Box It | Spring, TX
Almost 30 years ago Omer purchased the first of three Box It stores in the League City, Texas area. Then, moving on to The Woodlands, Texas Kay started two additional stores. Kay has enjoyed many UPS and FedEx accolades along the way, and has also enjoyed the terrific ride of this industry over the years—she is looking forward to continued success in the future. Kay has also greatly enjoyed the comradery of her customers as well as other like-minded business owners who have been involved with industry organizations over the years.
 

Dave Shira

More Than A Mailbox | Folsom, CA

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Kim Shira

More Than A Mailbox | Folsom, CA

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Bobby Walker

Postal Center USA | Milford, MA

Bobby has been partnered in the Mail and Parcel industry with his father, Robert Sr., since they opened their first location in 1994. They have owned multiple locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire since 1995. Bobby has served as the New England Chapter President for NARSC for five years and also as Treasurer on the National board for two years. Bobby has also been a presenter and break out session leader for multiple conferences throughout the years.

 

Rita Warren

Beach Mailbox & Gifts | San Diego, CA

Rita Warren purchased Beach Mailbox of San Diego in 2015 as a career change. Her previous background was as an independent consultant in the area of marketing and software/website content management for large companies. She was drawn to the retail shipping industry because it’s draws on a mix of organizational skills and creativity. Plus, she loves to be a resource for neighbors in her local community. Rita is excited to be part of the RSA Advisory Council, to learn from veteran store owners, and to share her experience in technology and online marketing to help fellow store owners take advantage new opportunities.

 

Joe Wightman

Greenwich Village Mail Center | Greenwich, NY

Mike is a former store owner and the principal of OLSON & IVES, provider of P.O.S hardware, supplies and services for retail mail and parcel centers. Atur, qui cumque occus, invel ini optatem qui ommolum faccum simenim agnisiti tes dole nvel ini optatem qui ommolum faccum simenim agnisiti tes dole. Mike is a former store owner and the principal of OLSON & IVES, provider of P.O.S hardware, supplies and services for retail mail and parcel centers. Atur, qui cumque occus, invel ini optatem qui ommolum faccum simenim agnisiti tes dole nvel ini optatem qui ommolum faccum simenim agnisiti tes dole.