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Our Team

Tom O'Brien

Tom O'BrienCEO & Co-Founder

I am the co-founder of Global Resources Direct with 16 years of experience in the industry. We are your solution for availability, pricing, and customer service for everything related to ingredients. Contact my team today to assist in the development of your R&D project or to improve margins on current needs.  

Brendan Laird

Brendan LairdVice President & Co-Founder

My name is Brendan Laird and I am the VP & Co-founder of GRD. Prior to leading this company, I forged my leadership capabilities in the military followed by 15 years in finance. My mission here is to bring outstanding products to our customers, optimize their margins, and ensure a timely production run. Please contact me for help with product development or competitive quotes.

Vinnie Patti

Vinnie PattiNational Accounts Manager

My name is Vinnie, I was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Business. I followed my passion for food after college and got a Culinary Certificate, where I learned the importance of quality ingredients. After long hours in the front and back of the house, I decided to use my knowledge of food ingredients on a larger scale. I am now the National Accounts Manager of GRD and I get to talk about high-quality ingredients every single day!

Ryan Walsh

Ryan WalshNational Sales Manager

My name is Ryan Walsh and I am one of GRD’s National Accounts Managers. I graduated from Dayton University with a degree in Business Management and a focus in Marketing. I bring more than 10 years of experience in E-commerce to GRD. My knowledge and expertise in sales and product development in E-commerce made it irresistible the limitless potential of GRD! Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Milly Drobnjak

Milly DrobnjakOperations Manager

My name is Milly Drobnjak. I currently live in the Western suburbs of Chicago, however, I am originally from Serbia and have spent the last 20 years living in the United States. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Finance and I am excited to be a part of the GRD team! I pride myself on being organized and personable. I genuinely enjoy mathematics and love using numbers to optimize business operations. If I am not working, I am enjoying the time with my family. I would be more than happy to help out with any questions you might have.

Barb Clark

Barb ClarkExecutive Administrative Assistant

My name is Barb Clark. I am Global Resources Direct’s Administrative Assistant. With many years of experience in managerial positions, I am here to help with anything you might need! I have worn many hats over the years, and will successfully solve many of the internal system’s processes in GRD. I am honored to play such a pivotal role in this exciting and growing company!

Don Schene

Don ScheneAccount Manager

Hi, my name is Don Schene and I am an Account Manager here at Global Resources Direct. I was born and raised in St. Louis before moving to Colorado where I reside to this day. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Economics, and bring with me years of success in customer service and sales. I look forward to continuing to help grow GRD and working with all of our amazing partners.

Spenser

Spenser Account Manager

Hello, my name is Spenser Bednarik. I am a seasoned in the food industry with over 10 years of experience that includes time with beverages, factory management, sourcing, sales, and production. My diverse background enables me to navigate the complexities of supply chains and ensure the best quality ingredients and materials for every project. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring new destinations or getting lost in the great outdoors on a hike. I am passionate about bringing the world’s best ingredients to your doorstep.

Jake Wald

Jake WaldAccount Manager

My name is Jacob. I grew up in the DC area before moving to Colorado. I'm a Business Intelligence graduate from Metropolitan State University of Denver, passionate about using data-driven strategies to increase sales and market share. I'm eager to apply my data analysis skills at GRD to improve decision-making and drive sales growth.

Iris Prangchat

Iris PrangchatAsia Pacific, Account Manager

I'm Iris Prangchat, I manage the Asian Pacific Market for GRD. I have a deep passion for sourcing and supplying food and beverage ingredients to the global markets. I have over15 years of experience in the conventional and organic Asian ingredients sector. I am fully an expert in food and beverage audits, production, and quality control systems. I look forward to contributing my knowledge and network to your next project!

Kaygee Oflias

Kaygee OfliasCustomer Service

Hi, I’m KG Ofilas! Originally from the Philippines, I’ve lived across the U.S., gaining diverse experiences along the way. I bring a decade of experience in customer service. Previously working in the security and healthcare industries. I’m excited to bring my skills to GRD and explore the food and beverage industry. Outside of work, I love discovering new cuisines and exploring Tampa with my husband and our two boys. Let me know how I can support your projects and ingredient needs!

Wes Sitser

Wes SitserOhWa | CPG

Hello! I am from Washington State with a marketing degree from Whitworth University. I've started multiple successful CPG businesses. These startups gave me extensive experience in CPG for sales, marketing, and project management. I can solve any problem in CPG from the ground up! In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, filmmaking, and hanging out with my dog, Maya. I get excited about building mutually beneficial relationships, reach out if you need anything or just want to connect. Cheers!

Ali Gunduz

Ali GunduzTurkey, MENA, Account Manager

My name is Ali Gündüz and I manage the Turkey and MENA Market for GRD. I was born and currently live in Mersin, a vibrant port and trading city on the southern coast of Turkey. I worked as an operations coordinator for third-party inspection companies, organizing and managing trade operations. Over time, I specialized in import and export, and for the last few years I have been a team leader in sales and procurement projects in various regions. At GRD, I manage the Turkish and MENA markets. My role has two main focuses: Helping companies in Turkey, North Africa and the Middle East source food and agricultural products from the US - especially those that are hard to find locally. Coordinating the sourcing process for international customers by finding the right producers in Turkey, MENA and managing the entire commercial workflow.

Andrew Henshaw

Andrew HenshawAccount Manager

My name is Andrew Henshaw. As an Account Manager at Global Resources Direct, I bring more than 14 years of experience in the food and beverage industry to the team. Prior to joining GRD, I spent 11 years in broadline food distribution, where I developed excellence in customer relationships, foodservice operations, and strategic account management. I studied Nutrition at Montana State University, where I built a strong foundation in food systems and industry trends. This foundation ensures I will bring a practical, relationship-driven approach to my clients and deliver solutions tailored to their operational needs. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time fly fishing, golfing, and snowboarding throughout the Rockies and the Midwestern U.S.

Daniel Vazquez

Daniel VazquezMexico, LatAm, US, Account Manager

My name is Daniel Vazquez, and I am a Commercial and Operations professional from Mexico City with over 16 years of experience in commodities and international trading. I hold a degree in Industrial Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive experience in sales, customer service, trading, logistics, and international customer management, working across markets including food ingredients, with an expertise in citrus oils and juices. At Global Resources Direct, I manage business development and customer relationships across Mexico, Latin America, and the United States, focusing on building long-term partnerships and providing reliable sourcing solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.

Heidi Salcido

Heidi SalcidoInventory & Operations

Hi, I’m Heidi! I bring over 20 years of experience in inventory control, order management, and operations across retail, technology, and distribution. At GRD, I help keep orders and inventory moving smoothly, improve internal processes, and support the team in providing customers with accurate, reliable service. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, cooking, crocheting, and going to concerts.

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What our customers say

Hear directly from our great customers!

We were amazed by the service of Global Resource Direct. We run a macaron delivery business, and after a lot of research, I came across Tom and his team. Super responsive and very nice. The prices are frankly affordable and the almond flour is of very great quality. My next order is coming soon!

- Jean C

Speedy responses!! Our manufacturing facility purchases our flours, oils, and IQF items from GRD.  Excellent service, full shipping dept, credit terms, make it easy to work with them. 

- John D.

It's been great working with GRD - They have been so patient, and accommodating to my needs as a small business. They have provided me with my requests of finding organic, high-quality products at prices that work for my business. Grateful to be working with them!

- Pamela W.

About Us

Learn More

GRD is a full service wholesale food ingredient supplier. Our customers range from small businesses, to distributors, and industrial producers in North America, and across the world. GRD prides itself on getting straight to the source of our ingredients, and maintaining strong relationships with growers. Our customer service specialists will gladly help you with quotes, delivered costs, specifications, and plenty more to ensure your project is successful.

We specialize in securing quality ingredients, at very competitive prices, resulting from our international network of certified farmers. We challenge you, to challenge us to find your ingredients.