Who is Conscious Container?
It all started with Caren. As an avid traveler, one of the many souvenirs she’d brought home from her trips was a passionate interest in the refillable glass systems she’d seen in other countries. If the systems could work in places like South America and Sri Lanka, why not here in the U.S.? She began obsessively researching the concept and connecting with craft brewers, policymakers, non-profits and municipalities. Soon Conscious Container was born.
The company quickly launched several successful pilot programs and the team began to expand. Darilyn Kotzenberg, an avid entrepreneur and current CMO, joined the team, providing marketing leadership and insights based on her 30 years of experience in the high-tech industry and 15 years focused on sustainability.
Bruce Stephens joined as President, bringing 40 years of business experience along with expertise from his time as CEO (and Chief Bottle Washer) of Wine Bottle Renew, a glass container washing operation in Stockton, CA. Bruce’s dedication to sustainability and the lessons he’d learned from his past experience at Wine Bottle Renew made him a perfect fit.
Then came the addition of two PhDs. Fellow entrepreneur, Kelly Northridge, soon signed on as CFO and CSO, bringing more than 20 years of experience across a range of industries including corporate services, fashion, biotech, health tech and social enterprise. Bud James also joined as COO, adding to his already long list of accomplishments which included service as a US Air Force Special Operations Combat Controller, experience as the first CTO of MySpace.com, and C-Level executive leadership. Trip Hosley joined in 2021 in our much needed Business Development role.
What do we all have in common? A commitment to sustainability and a “can-do” spirit of entrepreneurship. We have the will and the enthusiasm to make a positive impact on the environment, but even better, we have the business expertise and experience to put big ideas into practice. Together, we’re turning Caren’s simple idea into a living, breathing company that is making a difference.
