About us :

SNACK SNOB is a division of Exel-Pak, Inc.

The company was started in 1999 by Mark and Terri Silka providing service of packaging (primarily) snacks for other companies. As the (photo) suggests, we are husband and wife team. Combining business and marriage is a difficult enterprise, but we try democratic ways of resolving conflicts. When democracy fails, we try alternative measures of breaking deadlocks. (photo)

Besides hard work, it takes a lot of finances to start up a company. From SBA loan to the sale of personal property, we kept putting in the “dough” hoping to make some “bread”. Mark’s 34’ sail boat turned into ISHIDA 14 head scales, proceeds from the sale of our condominium went into another packaging line, and the small SBA loan started to get bigger as we kept borrowing money and paying it back early. Nothing works better in creating trust with the bankers. While our space and production capabilities grew, we kept looking for opportunities to increase our customer base and to have better control over our future.

In 2002, an opportunity of a lifetime knocked on our door: our first order from Trader Joe’s. Although it was for Private Label, we moved from providing the service of packaging to importing (Mixed Vegetable Chips from Taiwan and Wasabi Iso Peanuts from Japan) and selling the product. It was a fantastic jump forward which provided new experience and challenge, pushed dealings with banks to yet another level and gave us a great deal of confidence. Profits went back into more equipment; a larger facility and creating our new venture “SNACK SNOB”.

Mark’s love of machinery led to an ever-increasing array of packaging equipment and increased production capabilities. Currently, our packaging lines consist of two high-speed Ishida scales combined with Ilapak F/F/S baggers, two horizontal Thermo forming lines and packaging line for volumetric product. We have all of the necessary support equipment including metal detectors needed to accomplish efficient production. In addition to automated packaging, we also provide hand packaging and assemblies. We are rated EXCELLENT by AIB.

Surprisingly, art (not commerce) is the driving force behind our company. In addition to being an engineer, Mark is also an artist (photo). We have been surrounded by friends who are painters, sculptors, actors, illustrators, and ceramists (photo)…. We believe that SNACK SNOB accomplishes our goal of combining creativity with commerce.

Our designs are original and as you can see lack that generic look of “Made in China”. Gayle Reu illustrated the Hearts Anytime and for The Holidays Collections. Both groups have something wistful and reflective of Norman Rockwell, but with enough sarcasm to offset the sweetness. All other designs are the work of Maggie  Schmidt. My favorite is the 60’s DUO with its celebration of life and great sense of humor. Think of Paris Hilton with fake diamonds driving a VW beetle?
We plan to introduce new designs with each Season. We can also hope that SNACK SNOB will be the “IT” line, successful enough to make a significant contribution from profits to the arts. Artists are rare breed of people whose odds of success are horrific. Some are immortal, few on a pedestal, but 95% have to have a job to support their art. We want the 95% to get as much support as possible. We hope that you share that goal and will purchase SNACK SNOB just because you like it, but also because we are not snobs at all.

Terri Silka

> A quote that has changed my life forever:

What is the meaning of Life?
The highest accomplishment: To create.
Second highest: To sponsor those who create.
Third highest: To be an audience.

Dr. David Wiscott

SNACK SNOB
a division of Exel-Pak, Inc.
11212 Bradley Ave.
Pacoima, Ca. 91331
U.S.A.

Tel: 818-897-8660
FAX: 818-897-2429
Email: TerriSilka1@SnackSnob.com

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