Our 140th anniversary celebration continues with a “Pack It Like It’s Hot” podcast episode spotlighting two esteemed 4th generation members of our MJS Packaging Board of Directors. Podcast hosts Director of Marketing Cindy Vogel and Senior Account Executive Greg Clarke had a great conversation with Chair Emeritus and current board member Deborah Jacob and current board member Elyse Jacob. Discover more about our past, present, and future from their perspectives.
A FIRM FOUNDATION
Cindy and Greg are delighted to hear from Deborah and Elyse, who can speak directly on the legacy left by monumental Jacob family figures. Elyse starts us off by telling us more about her father, Marty Jacob.
THE LEGACY OF MARTY JACOB
Did you know that Marty Jacob was our longest-serving company president? Elyse expands, “He was at the helm for over 40 years and had a number of beloved Marty-isms.” But what’s more, he worked at MJS Packaging for 70+ years. “And he started out, as some of you may know, sweeping the floors in the warehouse.”
Putting the customer first has always been our priority at MJS Packaging. In fact, Marty learned that first-hand when he was a driver for our founder, Max Jacob. “Marty talked about when he would drive Max, he’d learn from him because they would go to visit many customers. He’d learn a little bit about the business, but also the importance of regular visits,” shares Elyse.
As a manager, Marty treated all employees well, no matter their position. At MJS Packaging, respect can be felt within and without the office in how we treat one another. One of the Marty-isms that Elyse highlights in particular is: “You don’t lose an account on price, you lose it on service.” We work with integrity and agile response.
Marty Jacob (far left) working at the Lyndon office in Detroit in 1960.
THE IMPACT OF JOEL JACOB
We had the pleasure of hearing Deborah speak about her father, Joel Jacob, and how he formed the legal structure at MJS Packaging. Joel Jacob served as a lawyer in World War II with the Judge Advocate General’s Office, and when he returned to Detroit, he eventually became the Chairman of the Board of M. Jacob & Sons.
Joel Jacob was instrumental in changing us from a C Corp into a Sub S, which was designed for the advancement of small family businesses. Deborah details, “Without him we would not have our current shareholders’ agreement, the amendment to the shareholders’ agreement, our non-disclosure agreements, or any of the legal documents which set the framework for how we operate legally as a company. These are extremely important.”
We owe our thanks to Joel for championing the legal landscape and for also navigating human resources. His foundation planted roots for a successful family business. Elyse chimes in, “I know that Joel would be so proud of Deborah continuing in his footsteps as Chair of the Board.”
Deborah Jacob (left) with her father, Joel G. Jacob (right).
THE INFLUENCE OF ELAINE JACOB
“Elaine Jacob is a true icon, not only to MJS Packaging, not only to our entire industry, but also to women everywhere,” Deborah emphasizes. After Elaine received her degree from Wayne State University in 1942, she began work at MJS Packaging. Deborah remarks, “Elaine Jacob was a very, very strong woman. She was extraordinarily talented.”
Elaine was at the forefront of the polypropylene adoption at MJS Packaging. Her influence is felt in the entire packaging industry, as she was the first female president of the National Association of Container Distributors (NACD). Her path that broke barriers and defied conventional approaches sparks our spirit of continuous improvement that we foster today.
In a male-dominated space, Elaine stepped forward, paving the way for younger generations. Elyse reflects, “I have the fondest memories of her as a role model… she was a pioneer in the industry for women.”
Elaine Jacob (left) at a plastics trade show in the 1950s.
RESILIANCE THROUGH UNCERTAINTY
Despite economic downturns, prohibition, and COVID, MJS Packaging has withstood the test of time. Elyse hones in on the dedication of our employees. “Many have worked for M. Jacob & Sons for a long time, and working there is not just a job. Whether you were born a Jacob or not, you were considered family when you work there.”
Our employees have done whatever it takes to keep things going. Elyse adds, “during COVID, whether they had to come to the office, the warehouse, or they were at home working, the dedication was really there.” Consistency keeps us showing up every day for our customers.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
Surviving and thriving! Some of the key factors Elyse highlights have allowed us to weather and succeed over 140 years. Did you know we were one of Comerica Bank’s first customers? MJS Packaging continues to work with integrity and respect, prioritizing long-term relationships with our banks, manufacturing partners, and customers.
CULTURE THAT WINS
Deborah highlights fluidity, trust, respect, and good communication as crucial factors for successful company culture. “People want to continue to work for us, and people want to be successful, and they want our company to be successful,” she explains.
FOCUS ON FUTURE
For Elyse, a focus on future looks like expanding our leadership with candidates who are experienced in distribution, and harnessing young professionals who are embracing AI. “I would think AI systems, distribution, logistics, we could lower costs, we could boost efficiencies. There’ll be new business models for distribution,” Elyse describes.
The 150th Anniversary is now in our sights. Elyse is looking forward to “the next generation of Jacob family members that will be on the board coming up and continuing what was laid out so many years ago.” Deborah reinforces that succession planning is vital.
140 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
We thank Deborah and Elyse for taking their time to share their personal memories on our MJS Packaging history and their visions for our future. They have certainly made their mark among our generations of excellence.
Tune into the episode Generations of Excellence: Celebrating 140 Years for the full story. You can hear their immense pride in the people, culture, and success that we have built over these many decades. Thank you for celebrating 140 years with us and joining in our excitement for all that is to come.
