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Our Team

Tom O'Brien

Tom O'BrienFounder - President

I am the co-founder of Global Resources Direct with 15 years of experience in food commodities.  I was born and raised in Chicago the world’s capital of food commodity trading. I have traveled to over 35 countries to ensure GRD can consistently fulfill your production needs with quality ingredients at very competitive prices. Contact me today to assist in the development of your R&D project or to improve margins on current needs.  

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 Accounts 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 DrobnjakAccounting 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.

Vito Loiotile

Vito LoiotileShipping & Account Manager

Hi, my name is Vito. I graduated with a Marketing degree specializing in International Business from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In my spare time, I love to cook plant-based meals, hike with my puppy, and make homemade soaps. I started my career in the logistics world and enjoyed helping companies grow their supply chain. Now, I have the opportunity to help you by managing your ingredient shipments as the Shipping Manager for Global Resources Direct. Working with GRD gives me the opportunity to explore and enhance my passion for food. 

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!

Looking for Smaller Quantites?

Shop our online store to buy ingredients direct in preset quantities.

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Bulk Contact Form

Cases
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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.