Team

MIKKO LAITINEN

Chief Executive Officer

Mikko Laitinen is President and Chief Executive Officer of PMG Corporation, and a member of the company’s board of directors. Mikko joined PMG in 2016, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience to his role...

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Mikko Laitinen is President and Chief Executive Officer of PMG Corporation, and a member of the company’s board of directors. Mikko joined PMG in 2016, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience to his role with the company.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mikko is committed to creating shareholder value. Moreover, he is primarily responsible for corporate direction and strategy and in unifying the team to accomplish the business objectives as set forth by the executive management team and board. Since joining PMG, Mikko has focused to share PMG’s vision with its customers, partners, shareholders, and investors.

Mikko brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to PMG. Mikko has a proven track record in delivering consistent and sustained growth for both emerging and established companies. Prior to joining the company, Mikko was active with multiple capital network groups where he was first introduced to PMG. Previously, Mikko held a series of leadership positions at Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest research-based biopharmaceutical company. Prior to his tenure at Pfizer, Mikko founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of Commemorative Books Inc., an official marketer of the United States Olympic Committee publications. Mikko actively serves as an Affiliate Faculty Professor at Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business.

Mikko holds an MBA from Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business and Management and a BS in Marketing from Brigham Young University, Marriott School of Business.

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Paul Miller

President and Chief Operating Officer

Paul Miller is an executive with over 35 years experience in the food industry. Paul’s passion for the food industry was deeply rooted in the agricultural area of the Red River Valley where he grew up in...

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Paul Miller is an executive with over 35 years experience in the food industry. Paul’s passion for the food industry was deeply rooted in the agricultural area of the Red River Valley where he grew up in Northern Minnesota. His summers, during his youth, were spent working on farms and in agribusinesses.

Paul has a wide variety of experience in the food industry. He has served as the President of GoFit Foods and Sterling Foods. He has also been Sr. Vice President at MarketFare Foods and ConAgra. He was a national industry advisor for the American School Food Service Association. He has worked with and developed products for well known companies, such as Starbucks, Wal-Mart, Costco, Walgreen’s, Safeway, 7-Eleven, Jack in the Box, P.F. Chang’s, and Chili’s. These products include processed meats, frozen pizza, french fries, burritos, fruit and vegetables and gourmet desserts..

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Kari Laitnen

Chief Financial Officer 

Mr. Kari M. Laitinen, Executive JD/ MBA is a Member of PMG Corporation’s Board of Directors. Kari was responsible for originating, valuing, advising, and structuring the PMG transaction and oversees the go forward...

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Mr. Kari M. Laitinen, Executive JD/ MBA is a Member of PMG Corporation’s Board of Directors. Kari was responsible for originating, valuing, advising, and structuring the PMG transaction and oversees the go forward corporate finance strategy of the firm. As the Managing Partner of Plutos Capital Group, LLC, (“PCG”), a full-service investment bank, Kari leads the banking team in merger & acquisition (M&A) transactions and raising growth capital for established companies. Kari has 20+ years of experience working with private equity firms, asset management, hedge funds, and investment banks – with a solid track record of originating complex financial transactions. Skilled at launching and capitalizing companies, he has created structured product(s) with international investment banks, acquired and sold businesses (buy/sell-side M&A), reorganized/ recapitalized companies, performed business valuation(s), and raised over one-hundred million dollars for start-up funds/ organizations. Kari is known for his creativity in finding and creating new sources of revenue – often through grant writing – for companies. As a dynamic lecturer, he has taught thousands of business professionals seeking financial security licenses (e.g. Series 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 24, 26, 27/28, 51, 52, 53, 55, 63, 65, 66, 72), and currently teaches business courses (e.g., Financial Mgt. of the Firm, Business Law, Global Strategy, Operations Management, International Marketing, etc.) as an adjunct professor within a local MBA program. Accordingly, he is skilled at building dynamic financial models which investors, company executives, and business owners rely on in making intelligent, informed financial and strategic decisions. 

Kari earned his Executive Juris Doctorate from Concord Law School, holds an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management, and a BA in History with a minor degree in Business Marketing from Brigham Young University.


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MIKE POGUE

Senior Vice President

Mike handles key national, regional and industrial accounts. Mike initially joined PMG in 1996 as Vice President of Operations and was responsible for the company’s business management and sourcing functions....

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Mike handles key national, regional and industrial accounts. Mike initially joined PMG in 1996 as Vice President of Operations and was responsible for the company’s business management and sourcing functions. Previously, Mike spent over 12 years in the operations end of the industry managing restaurant, catering and contract food service operations. Most recently, he served as Vice President/General Manager of the Contract Food Service Division at Pinnacle Industries. Mike was also the Food and Beverage Director for Riviera Country Club, and the General Manager at Morrisons Food Service Commissary and Catering Operation. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Davis and completed additional course work in Hotel/Restaurant Management at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

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STEVE GASPARI

Executive Vice President, Sales

Steve came on board PMG in 1999, and is actively involved with the company’s key national, regional and industrial accounts. Steve specializes in product development and strategic sourcing, and has extensive knowledge of...

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Steve came on board PMG in 1999, and is actively involved with the company’s key national, regional and industrial accounts. Steve specializes in product development and strategic sourcing, and has extensive knowledge of proteins, breads, sauces, dressings, desserts and specialty items. His blend of executive–level expertise and practical business knowledge was honed over his 23 years in the hospitality industry, which included food and beverage management. Prior to joining PMG, Steve was General Manager of San Diego Paradise Point Resort (previously known as Vacation Village and San Diego Princess Resort) for 13 years, where he managed over 500 employees and sales exceeding $35 million per year.

Steve holds a Bachelors of Arts in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles.

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MARK COSTA

Vice President of National Accounts

Mark has been with Patman Meat Group since 1993. In his current role as Vice President, he handles all facets of project management for PMG’s regional and national chain customers. Mark began his food industry career at PMG, ...

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Mark has been with Patman Meat Group since 1993. In his current role as Vice President, he handles all facets of project management for PMG’s regional and national chain customers. Mark began his food industry career at PMG, and over the past 13 years has acquired immeasurable knowledge of meat processing plants, protein markets and consumer preferences. Mark knows how to analyze a client’s needs in order to pursue the right manufacturer to develop products that meet the client’s expectations and enhance its menus.

Mark attended the California State University at Chico where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education.

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JANET GASPARI

National Account Manager

Janet joined Patman Meat Group over 15 years ago and has worked with chains of all types and sizes. Before joining PMG, Janet was Western Regional Manager for the New Zealand Lamb Company. Prior to that, she worked in food...

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Janet joined Patman Meat Group over 15 years ago and has worked with chains of all types and sizes. Before joining PMG, Janet was Western Regional Manager for the New Zealand Lamb Company. Prior to that, she worked in food distribution sales and the food brokerage business. With over 23 years of experience, Janet has honed her expertise in all facets of the food industry, including production, brokerage and distribution.

Janet holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles.

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ANDREW (ANDY) JACOBS

Sales

Andy has spent 33 years working in the industry and has held many executive level positions throughout his career. Andy previously has served as AGMM/ Director of both the Service Deli and Food Courts at Costco Wholesale,...

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Andy has spent 33 years working in the industry and has held many executive level positions throughout his career. Andy previously has served as AGMM/ Director of both the Service Deli and Food Courts at Costco Wholesale, Senior Vice President of Organic to Go a chain of 40 organic and all natural restaurants and commissaries and Senior Vice President of Sandco Inc a food service management company working exclusively with Costco Wholesale in the late 1980’s. Andy first career restaurant industry job was to manage one of the busiest restaurant locations in Toronto named Mr. Greenjeans. Andy received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University

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RANDELL K. SMITH

National Accounts Manager

Randy joins our team with over 25 years of experience in the food & food service business! With both an undergraduate & graduate degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, he recognized...

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Randy joins our team with over 25 years of experience in the food & food service business! With both an undergraduate & graduate degree in Agriculture Economics from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, he recognized early the influence & importance of research, quality data and information necessary in customer decision making and their subsequent success. After spending five years at Riceland Foods Inc., he was recruited to Tyson Foods, Inc. His nineteen years at Tyson Foods involved Industrial & National Account Sales Management; Sr. Vice President & General Manager of the McDonald's Group; and Sr. Vice President of Food Service Distribution Sales & Marketing. These positions have allowed him to get a global look at the food industry while also gaining experience managing large sales & broker groups and poultry complexes & divisions.

Randy's many years of experience & unique problem solving ability allow him to offer diverse solutions to many issues. At the same time, he continues to know & understand that the customer must be satisfied & successful, in order for all to win.

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BLAKE MILLER

Vice President of Sales

Blake Miller is Vice President of Sales for PMG Corporation. Blake joined the PMG family in 2017 and has brought more than 10 years of sales experience, training and leadership to his role with the company.

Blake...

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Blake Miller is Vice President of Sales for PMG Corporation. Blake joined the PMG family in 2017 and has brought more than 10 years of sales experience, training and leadership to his role with the company.

Blake implemented many new software and system updates to help the PMG office run more efficiently, served as a member of the Customer Service Team to understand how to better serve PMG’s customers and is working to help expand the PMG presence in the Intermountain Region currently.

Prior to joining PMG, Blake served in various leadership positions among multiple companies and across diversified industries; including Software Development, Merchant Services, and Real Estate. In all three ventures, Blake provided quick and consistent growth to exceed company objectives and financial goals.

Blake holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah.

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Nick Begg

Sales Associate

Nick joined the PMG family in 2021 as a sales associate. He handles key national, c-store, retail, and industrial accounts. He brings with him multiple years of extensive sales training, leadership, and experience. ...

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Nick joined the PMG family in 2021 as a sales associate. He handles key national, c-store, retail, and industrial accounts. He brings with him multiple years of extensive sales training, leadership, and experience. Prior to joining PMG, Nick had success in the Wine and Spirits industry. Quickly climbing to the top of his company as he took on multiple leadership roles and conquered various territories throughout Southern California. Before that, Nick served at an NFL Agency, helping to prepare the players for the NFL Combine and prepare agents for contract negotiations.

Nick is a graduate of Washington State University, where he was a member and leader of the Washington State University football team from 2014-18. He left Washington State with degrees in Business Marketing, Strategic Communications, and Sport Management.


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NICOLE LAITINEN

CMO Chief Merchandising Officer

As Chief Merchandising Officer, Nicole has the responsibility of overseeing the organization's buying and selling activities and the development of purchase decisions. Nicole’s experience drives decisions on...

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As Chief Merchandising Officer, Nicole has the responsibility of overseeing the organization's buying and selling activities and the development of purchase decisions. Nicole’s experience drives decisions on behalf of the company and steers the direction or vision of the company’s merchandise strategy.


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MARLENA PRICE

Supply Chain Manager

Marlena comes to PMG with over 12 years of Accounting experience. She started her professional career in the freight forwarding business where she handled both domestic and international accounts. More recently, Marlena was...

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Marlena comes to PMG with over 12 years of Accounting experience. She started her professional career in the freight forwarding business where she handled both domestic and international accounts. More recently, Marlena was a direct assistant to an aviation company president. Marlena assisted in business development, set up accounting architecture.

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KAREN PATRICK

Administrative Associate- Human Resources

Karen joins PMG to strengthen the accounting and customer service team. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising.  Before joining PMG, she managed seminars and...

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Karen joins PMG to strengthen the accounting and customer service team. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising.  Before joining PMG, she managed seminars and events for...

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