Our Team
Jeff Szklarek
President
As of 2021 Jeff is the President and new owner of Producers Chemical Company, completing the succession plan that began with Roger hiring Jeff in 2008. As President, Jeff is responsible for the overall strategic direction of Producers, along with capital planning, HR, Legal, Accounting and monthly price fluctuations. Jeff graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor of science degree in Accountancy. He also holds a master’s degree in Business Taxation from the University of Minnesota and is a Certified Public Accountant. Jeff was a member of the first NACD Emerging Leaders class and is currently the Chairman of the NACD Membership Committee. Jeff is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois, and a Board Member and past Chairman of the Chemical Distribution Network. Jeff resides with his family in Batavia, Il.
Roger T. Harris
Chairman Emiretus
Roger Harris is the former President & CEO. After 40+ years with the company, he sold his interest at the end of 2020 to his daughter & son-in-law, Abby & Jeff Szklarek. Jeff has been President for the last 10 years and continues to serve in that capacity. He still consults on a number of issues including profitability, major capital improvements and future planning. During his career with Producers he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Chemical Distributors where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also served on a number of not-for-profit community organizations boards of directors including Delnor Community Hospital, Northwestern Medicine and the Geneva Lions Club & Foundation.
Brian Shannon
V.P. Sales
Dave Sweigert
V.P. Purchasing
David Sweigert began his career with Producers Chemical in 1990 serving in various operational, purchasing and leadership roles. David currently leads the purchasing team building relationships with suppliers sourcing stable supply and competitively priced products. David works closely with the sales team ensuring our customers get what they need when they need it. David is a graduate of North Central College, resides in South Carolina with his family and makes frequent trips to Sugar Grove, IL for face to face meetings with the Producers Chemical team and our vendors.
Sebastian Mroczkowski
V.p. of Operations
Sebastian Mroczkowski began his career with Producers Chemical in 1996 as a warehouse/truck driver, and later became assistant warehouse manager prior to his promotion as Operations Manager then to Director of Operations and now as Vice President of Operations. As VP of Operations, Sebastian is responsible for management of the warehouse, asset and logistics managers, regulatory compliance, human resources, and IT. Sebastian graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from DeVry University with a bachelor degree in Computer Information Systems and a MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. Sebastian currently resides in Sugar Grove, Il with his family.
Layla Saucedo
Purchasing Manager
Layla Saucedo is the current purchasing manager for Producers Chemical working alongside the V.P which are responsible for daily purchasing operations, assessing suppliers and negotiating competitive pricing. More than 20 years of progressive experience in establishing supplier relationships working with sales, marketing, and customer service. Layla will continue to obtain a position that will help continue to enable strong communication skills, leadership skills and obtain results with integrity. Layla currently resides in Plano, IL with her daughter Jacquelyn. She also enjoys spending time with her daughter Jasmine, son in law Zach and granddaughter Blake that reside in South Elgin.
Brenda Wilkinson
Customer Service Manager
Brenda Wilkinson began her career with Producers Chemical in 1995 as a customer service representative for 8 years before moving with her family to Florida. Brenda returned to working for Producers Chemical in 2012 after her family moved back to Illinois and since has been promoted to Customer Service Manager. Brenda graduated Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor degree in Administrative Office Management. Brenda currently resides in Sycamore, IL with her family.
Erik Olson
Director of sales
Bringing over 25 years of Industry experience, Erik’s work as a Sales Manager/Specialty Accounts Executive ensures that he always follows our mission of providing our customers with the highest quality products, services and support. His extensive commitment to the chemical industry through the many organizations: Chicago Paint and Coatings Board – Director, Chicago Printing Ink Production Club -Treasurer, etc., allows him to forge ongoing partnerships with both customers and suppliers. He holds an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University and resides with his family in Valparaiso, IN. Erik’s goal is to provide firsthand service to meet and address their individual needs and concerns of all involved.
Anthony Ripper
Sales Manager - wisconsin
Coming soon….
Tonya Ballard
Sales
Coming soon….
Lucas Hogate
Regional Sales Manager
Lucas began working for Producers in 2009 in the warehouse as a Junior in high school and continued part time work during the summers while he was in college. He returned to Producers in a full-time capacity in 2016 and served as the Accounting Manager from 2016 – 2022. In April of 2022, Lucas started working in the Purchasing department where he focused on new product development and supporting the sales team. In 2024, Lucas began working in Sales and the majority of his customers are based in Chicago and the Southern Suburbs. Lucas is a member of the 2023 ACD Emerging Leaders graduating class and completed the ACD Sales Academy Program in 2024. Lucas is also an active member in the Chicago Drug and Chemical Association, in addition to the Chicago Paint and Coatings Association.
Janene Krull
Sales Representative
Janene joined Producers Chemical in December of 2019. She is a graduate of College of DuPage, and has been in industrial sales for 15 years. Her experience includes selling lubricants for Shell Oil, industrial air filtration products, as well as air compressor systems for large manufacturing plants. She is a member of the Valley Industrial Association and Women in Manufacturing, and enjoys staying active in her community of Carol Stream.
Stan Mroczkowski
Warehouse Manager
Stan Mroczkowski began his career with Producers Chemical in 1984 as a warehouse worker. Within a couple of years he moved into the truck driver position and further learned about business and our customers and became our Assistant Warehouse Manager and eventually taking on the responsibility of Warehouse Manager. Stan is responsible for day-to-day operations of the warehouse and shipping department. Ensuring our customers get the products they need on time or same day in emergencies. Stan currently resides in Sugar Grove, IL with his family.
Troy Brown
Assistant Warehouse Manager
Josh Martinelli
Assistant Asset Manager
Josh Martinelli began his career at Producers Chemical company in 2017 as a chemical technician. In 2019, he accepted his current role as the Assistant Asset Manager. He also helps with management of the warehouse, logistics, and safety/compliance. Josh has a communication degree from ICB. He lives in Sugar Grove with his wife Mel and 3 kids, Madison, Isaac and Cameron.
