Your browser is out of date.

You are currently using Internet Explorer 7/8/9, which is not supported by our site. For the best experience, please use one of the latest browsers.

Our Team

Tom O'Brien

Tom O'BrienCEO & Founder

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 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.

Vito Loiotile

Vito LoiotileAccount 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!

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.

Heather Shearer

Heather ShearerSales Assistant

Hi, I’m Heather Shearer, I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Having over 17 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, I hope to bring extensive experience in administrative support, process optimization, and client communication. I am very happy to join the GRD team as a Sales Assistant. Being a self-proclaimed “foodie”, I am excited to learn more about the food commodity market. When I'm not working, I enjoy the joyful chaos of family life with my husband and our two boys. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

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.

Ben Doegan

Ben DoeganAccount Manager

My name is Ben Donegan and I'm an Account Manager here at Global Resources Direct. I was born in Texas but grew up in the Denver metro area. I graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in Economics and Political Science. I'm passionate about enjoying great food with friends, and love exploring new ingredients to use in my home kitchen. After 9 successful years in the financial services industry, I eagerly grabbed an opportunity at GRD to take the next step in my career! Please reach out to me for all your ingredient needs and questions!

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

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!

Bulk Contact Form

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.