About SPK Associates
Every Project Begins With a Purpose
Protect the products.
Increase shelf impact.
Reduce cost.
Improve manufacturing efficiency.
Meet a launch date.
Support a distribution program.
The challenge isn't accomplishing one objective. It's accomplishing all of them at the same time.
That's where we start.
The job drives the equipment, process, finishes, assembly, and delivery - not the other way around.
Design affects materials.
Materials affect manufacturing.
Manufacturing determines equipment.
Equipment affects quality, efficiency, and cost.
Assembly affects labor.
Distribution affects delivery.
Every decision affects the next one.
Understanding those relationships before production begins allows projects to move through manufacturing more efficiently, assemble correctly, and arrive where they should, when they should.
The job is engineered. Then it runs.
SPK Associates designs, manufactures, and manages the production of packaging, print, displays, fixtures, signage, labels, assembly, fulfillment, and distribution throughout North America and internationally.
Some projects are straightforward.
Others involve multiple manufacturing processes, version control, inventory management, assembly coordination, and nationwide distribution.
We've experienced just about every production challenge imaginable—or something very close to it.
We practice what we preach.
The process we recommend is the same process we use.
We Don't Assume
We don't assume today's solution is tomorrow's best solution.
Technology changes.
Materials change.
Manufacturing processes improve.
Equipment becomes faster.
Design continues to evolve.
We love that.
We're always thinking.
Always analyzing.
Always looking at materials, manufacturing methods, equipment, assembly, and production to see if there's a better solution.
Sometimes one improvement changes everything.
Sometimes dozens of small improvements do.
If a new material provides a better print surface, greater durability, better protection, or greater strength, we're all over it.
If a new manufacturing process saves time, increases efficiency, improves productivity, or reduces defects, we want to understand it and use it.
If a design improves protection, simplifies assembly, increases manufacturing efficiency, creates a better appearance, or reduces cost, that's exactly the kind of improvement we're looking for.
Experience
Experience isn't knowing everything.
It's understanding the process, the capabilities, the expectations, and where projects are most likely to encounter challenges.
That understanding allows better planning, better decisions, and better execution before production begins.
Outcome
Manufacture it correctly.
Assemble it correctly.
Ship it correctly.
Deliver it on time.
Every time.
Review Your Project
Sometimes another set of experienced eyes confirms you're on the right path.
Sometimes one idea changes everything.
If you'd like us to review your project before production begins, we'd be glad to help.
Meet Our Team
We do what we do because we love the thrill of problem-solving and streamlining processes to save our clients time and money. We get a rush when we see our clients’ creations on the shelf or showroom floor.
So when you work with us, you become part of the SPK family – without the compulsory reunions, or Grandma Jo’s questionable meatloaf.
…Welcome aboard!
Don Gardner
Founder & CEO (aka The Dot Connector)
Don is our fearless leader and father figure (but Zach calls him Dad). Don began his 30+ year career in packaging working for the big dogs, so he’s designed, manufactured, distributed and handled pretty much any material and process you can imagine. In 1995, Don broke out to create his own company with the mission of providing unmatched quality, creativity, and service. While he may not consider himself “the creative type,” Don turns client management into an art form with his keen eye for process optimization and mastery of delegating tasks to the right talent. When he’s not in the office, you’ll find him snowboarding or watching a Raiders game with his kids and grandkids.
Zachary Gardner
Sales Team Lead (aka The Chef de Sales)
Though his dad may be the CEO, Zack has earned his place at the table tenfold. Over the course of his 12 years in manufacturing and sales, Zack has perfected Don’s client-first philosophy to build SPK’s loyal base of repeat customers. But that’s not all – Zack also has an Associate degree in food science from the Culinary Institute of America, so it’s no wonder he excels at cooking up creative solutions.
Jim Rivas
Sales Director
With over 20 years in the cannabis industry (and no, not as a tester), Jim Rivas brings deep experience in operations, management, and keeping things running smoothly — even in an unpredictable space. Before cannabis, he worked for the Castro Valley School District cleaning up after chaos, and later supported adults with special needs at the Castro Valley Adult School.
A proud father of three, Jim enjoys helping with homework, watching ballet recitals, and squeezing in the occasional round of golf — all while keeping his sense of humor intact.
SPK Associates is proud to be a certified minority owned business.
