Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success
When Charles Pious enrolled at the University of Hartford in the late 1970s, he had no idea how exciting business management would become for him. After taking a course with Professor Paul Mali, who instilled in him the belief that business management could be creative and rewarding, Pious developed a deep appreciation for the field.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in business management from UHart, he made a name for himself in packaging. Pious built a company that currently employs 160 people and generates annual sales exceeding $50 million.
During college summers, Pious worked at his grandfather’s corrugated box business. He started on the production floor, moved into package design, and then ventured into sales, winning 10 new accounts in one summer. His grandfather and uncles, who ran the plant, were pleased with his success.
After his grandfather’s death, Pious continued with the firm and became the number two sales representative by age 25. He also developed a successful customer-support strategy known as Vendor Managed Inventory.
Soon, another businessman offered him the chance to start and run a similar firm, which now has four thriving divisions: corrugated boxes, protective foam fabrication, technical wood crating, and pallet production.
Pious and his wife support several local charities, and he contributes his skills to various boards.