Celebrating 20 Years of Caracal Products and Services: A Legacy of Adaptability and Excellence
In the bustling landscape of business enterprises, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of Caracal Products and Services. As the company marks its 20th anniversary, it reflects on a remarkable journey from its humble inception on April 20, 2004, to becoming a cornerstone supplier for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, healthcare providers, and educational institutions across diverse sectors.
The Origins of Caracal:
Caracal Products and Services draws its name from the African wildcat known for its exceptional adaptability and efficiency—a fitting emblem for a company that has consistently demonstrated these traits in the business arena. Founded by Don Roberts, a 1991 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a bachelor’s degree in economics, Caracal began its journey as a paper products distributor before evolving into a multifaceted supplier and servicer of various corporate needs, including print, promotional and kitting services, plus healthcare products.
Roberts, a former senior VP who ran sales and operations at Unisource Worldwide, started the company with two of its current executives – Eric Felsentreger, Executive VP of Operations and Finance, and Rebecca Miller, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales Operations – serving as “Day-1” employees. Eric, affectionately known as “Employee #1,” fondly recalls the company’s very humble beginnings, noting how its first brick-and-mortar location in Detroit was just “1100 square feet and housed the milk crates, sawhorses and plywood (no furniture)” they’d use for setting up their first “offices.” Eric also used his IT expertise to set up the company’s first laptops and wire the company’s first phone and fax systems.
Rebecca, who initially served as Don’s executive administrative assistant while at Unisource, noted that, coming from a small town, there was not a lot awaiting her in terms of professional opportunities. “Don saw my potential, had confidence in my work ethic and, most importantly, believed in me and my ability to grow.”
A Testament to Loyalty and Excellence:
At the heart of Caracal’s success lies its unwavering commitment to its employees and partners. Since day one, key team members Felsentreger and Miller have stood by the company, embodying loyalty and dedication. Rebecca recalls that what drew her to the company that would become Caracal was Don himself, noting his leadership and mentorship skills. “The amount of time Don personally dedicates to employees, customers, suppliers, MBE-certified mentees, and non-profit organizations is a testament to the positive changes and impact he wants to see happen,” says Miller.
Felsentreger echoes that sentiment, noting, “as someone who, like Don, is a doer, not a follower, I always wanted to build a company from the ground up.” He metaphorically adds, “anyone can promise you the world, but when it comes time to deliver, the truck usually has a flat tire and is on the other side of town,” adding that Don delivers on his promises.
Their enduring presence not only speaks to their personal commitment to Caracal, but also reflects Caracal’s reputation as an employer of choice and a trusted business partners. Many of the company’s customers and suppliers have forged enduring relationships spanning over a decade, a testament to the Caracal’s integrity and reliability.
Community Service and Empowerment:
Beyond its commercial success, Caracal has emerged as a beacon of community service and empowerment over the years. Through mentorship and scholarship programs, the company invests in the next generation of leaders, fostering talent and innovation. Moreover, Caracal’s involvement with organizations dedicated to empowering minority businesses underscores its commitment to driving economic equality and inclusion. By championing the success of minority entrepreneurs, Caracal is actively contributing to the broader goal of eliminating the wealth gap in underserved communities.
Looking Ahead:
As Caracal Products and Services commemorates two decades of excellence, it does so with a keen eye on the future. The company remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional services and products while advancing efforts to foster economic empowerment and inclusion. With a legacy built on adaptability, integrity, and community engagement, Caracal looks forward to many more years of making a meaningful impact in the business world and beyond. Or, as Rebecca Miller says, “it is beyond exciting to see the growth Caracal has realized in the past 20 years. This has all been made possible by our wonderful customers, our amazing team that provides service to those customers, and our remarkable strategic business partners.
Adds Roberts, “We’ve been through a lot over the past 20 years – from starting up through the great recession, and from the pandemic through the creation of multiple business and business units within the Caracal family. Our singular mission remains creating jobs and opportunities, and helping those looking for a hand up, not a handout.”
For media inquiries about more events commemorating the 20th anniversary, please contact Alex Dadio, Director of Marketing and ESG at adadio@caracalcorp.com