Thomas L. Coker

Academic
Master’s of Business Administration
Wake Forest University

Bachelor’s of Arts, Political Science
Furman University

Personal
Married, four children
Resides in Charlotte, NC

Career at a Glance

Professional
Market Manager
Sonoco Flexible Packaging

Market Manager
Graphic Packaging

Market Manager
Crown Cork/Metal Box

National Sales Manager
Metal Box

Personal
Languages: Afrikaans, Dutch, French and German
Married, one child
Resides in Charlotte, NC

Our People

The cost pressures placed on consumer product companies are unrelenting. Packaging plays an integral role in driving success in stores and on Wall Street. No one understands this better than Tom Coker, a 20-year veteran of the packaging industry and a leader in packaging supply chain solutions.

Ten years ago Mr. Coker approached a global company in the personal care industry with the idea of outsourcing their North American packaging operation to Sonoco, a $3.5 million global packaging company.  Under Coker’s new model, Sonoco would source, pack, and deliver packaged products to the customer’s distribution center. The company agreed to the revolutionary approach, a decision that eventually slashed overall packaging costs, relieved the pressure of SKU proliferation, and significantly improved response time to retailers. The effort also was profitable for Sonoco from day one. In just four years, Mr. Coker grew the business from zero to $90 million in annual revenue.

This is but one example of how Mr. Coker has helped the world’s leading consumer product companies optimize their packaging supply chains through ground-breaking approaches designed to eliminate cost and inefficiency and enhance the competitive edge. A proven strategist and implementer of big ideas, Mr. Coker is available to consult with large corporations, start-up, and virtual companies in the consumer product, packaging and co-packing arenas on developing and implementing sustainable supply chain strategies.

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John Loughlin - Principal
Mr. Loughlin’s career in packaging spans 36 years on three continents. Assignments include introducing new packaging formats, integrating equipment technologies in customer plants, and growing market share from a minor position to market dominance.

Anyone can sell a package, but there is more to an effective solution than a bag, pouch or box, can or carton. With extensive, hands-on knowledge of numerous packaging formats and the equipment used to fill, seam and seal these various packages, Mr. Loughlin has guided numerous consumer product companies around the globe to packaging success in their plants, on store shelves, and on ledger sheets.

An area of particular expertise is Mr. Loughlin’s ability to introduce new packaging technologies to a customer and assure a seamless start-up. For example, Mr. Loughlin secured a multi-year supply contract with a major international beverage company. A particular area of expertise for Mr. Loughlin is shrink multi-pack of cans and bottles. His in-depth knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to communicate with multiple stakeholders is a significant asset.

This knowledge also allows Mr. Loughlin to help customers break down their packaging supply chains and identify hidden costs that threaten profitability. His insight into alternative strategies helps customers turn their packaging supply chain into a competitive advantage, rather than a financial albatross. Mr. Loughlin is available for consulting and training on sustainable supply chain strategies.