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Our Team
HOBI's experts bring diverse experiences and innovative solutions, ensuring top-notch service and sustainable practices.
Get to know the people who make HOBI an ITAD industry leader.
Cathy Hill
CEO & Co-Founder
Steering HOBI towards global leadership in IT and mobile asset management
Leadership at HOBI: As the CEO and co-founder, Cathy Hill has been instrumental in transforming HOBI International into a premier IT and mobile asset disposition firm. As a founding board member, her leadership and strategic vision have been key in driving the company's growth.
Operational Expertise: Cathy is at the forefront of managing HOBI's Batavia facility. Her hands-on approach to overseeing daily operations, negotiating contracts, and nurturing relationships with major clients showcases her commitment and business acumen.
Professional Journey: Before embarking on the HOBI adventure with Craig Boswell, Cathy polished her skills in sales and management across Illinois and Arkansas. These experiences have been vital in shaping her comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Educational Achievements: Cathy's educational background is as impressive as her professional journey. She is an esteemed alumna of North Central College in Naperville, IL, where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in International Business. Furthering her global perspective, she also studied at the Alliance Francaise in Paris, France, earning a Mention Honorable.
- Phone:877-814-2620
- Email:chill@hobi.com
Craig Boswell
President & Co-Founder
At the helm of innovation and sustainability in electronic asset management
Role at HOBI: As the co-founder and President, Craig Boswell is a pivotal figure at HOBI International. He's the driving force behind our strides in electronics reverse logistics, demanufacturing, and recycling.
Before HOBI: Craig's pre-HOBI era was marked by a nine-year tenure as an electrical engineer at Texas Instruments, Inc. He led innovative electronics design projects and was instrumental in enhancing manufacturing techniques. A notable achievement? His leadership in transitioning to more environmentally friendly solder technologies.
Influence and Innovation: Craig is not just a leader; he's a visionary in the field. His involvement with the IEEE Environmental Technologies subcommittee put him at the forefront of discussions on electronics disposition technologies. At HOBI, he's shaping the future with his deep understanding of data security, asset tracking, and disposition. His expertise isn't just in practice but also shared through numerous papers and talks, especially on emerging topics like lithium-ion battery recycling and design for disassembly.
Speaking Engagements: Craig's knowledge and insights have made him a popular speaker in various industry forums.
Beyond HOBI: Craig's influence extends beyond our walls. He's been the president of ISRI's Electronic Division, chaired the Reuse and Services committee, and sits on the board of Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (SERI). His active involvement in developing the EPA’s R2 certification standard showcases his commitment to sustainable practices.
Educational Background: Underpinning his professional journey is a BS in Electrical Engineering, which lays the foundation for his technical acumen and strategic approach to electronic asset management.
- Phone:214-951-0143
- Email:cboswell@hobi.com
Don Simms
Vice President of Operations
Orchestrating operational excellence at HOBI
Role at HOBI: Don Simms is the operational maestro at HOBI International. As the Vice President of Operations, he's the force behind the smooth daily workflow and the strategist enhancing our operational efficiency.
Experience: Don's professional journey spans over 20 years, marked by significant achievements in manufacturing, logistics, and project management. His depth of experience brings invaluable insights to HOBI.
Previous Tenure: Don's 14-year tenure at Nokia stands out in his career. Here, he took on various leadership roles in manufacturing engineering and operations. Notably, he was instrumental in launching startup operations in Mexico and Brazil, showcasing his knack for global initiatives.
Educational Foundation: Backing his practical know-how is a solid academic background. Don earned his B.S. in Industrial Technology from the University of North Texas, grounding his expertise in a strong educational framework.
- Phone:(214) 951-0143
- Email:dsimms@hobi.com
Jason Radakovich
V.P. of Sales & ITAD Services
Leading the charge for sales and ITAD success at HOBI
Role at HOBI: Jason Radakovich is the driving force behind the Sales and ITAD Services at HOBI International. Stationed in Batavia, he's the guru of IT asset purchasing and remarketing, with a solid three decades of expertise under his belt.
Specialization: Jason is a master at crafting tailored purchasing strategies and identifying lucrative sales channels for surplus IT equipment. His approach is client-centric, focusing on maximizing value and efficiency.
Educational Background: A proud Knox College alumnus, Jason's not just about hands-on experience; he also values academic excellence. He holds both a BA and an MBA, blending practical know-how with theoretical knowledge.
Impact at HOBI: Jason is a key player in guiding HOBI's sales strategies and ITAD services. His role is crucial in shaping the company's direction and success in these areas.
- Phone:(877)814-2620
- Email:jasonr@hobi.com
Michael Blankenship
Director of Sustainability & Client Strategies
Charting the course for sustainability and client success.
Background: Michael's journey is a blend of military precision and marketing flair. With over 25 years in the field, he's a pro in campaign strategy and multimedia management. His unique twist? A notable four-year stint as a member of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Military Meets Marketing: Michael's time in the Navy wasn't just about flying high; it was about building a foundation of discipline and leadership. These skills have been pivotal in his corporate success, helping him easily navigate the complex world of marketing.
Current Role: At HOBI International Inc., Michael oversees sustainability and client strategies. He's known for boosting brand visibility through storytelling, skyrocketing revenues, and steering stellar teams.
Expertise: From market analysis to digital marketing and from media relations to campaign evaluation, Michael's skills cover the full marketing spectrum. He's a strategist and analyst who uses data to drive decisions and achieve goals.
Education: Michael's got brains to match his experience. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Phoenix and a BA in Journalism from Old Dominion University.
The Bottom Line: Michael's career is a story of resilience, strategic thinking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From Navy skies to corporate highs, he's a leader who makes a mark.
- Phone:214-951-0143
- Email:mikeb@hobi.com
Dean Snitker
Director of Global Logistics
Driving logistical excellence and innovation at HOBI
Background: Since 2009, Dean Snitker has managed logistics, project management and client relations at HOBI International. He is also an MBA graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dean was on the HOBI sales team from 2001 to 2006.
Professional Skills: Dean is renowned for his exceptional ability to work with diverse teams, especially in high-pressure situations. His knack for leading complex projects, meeting tight deadlines, and offering top-notch logistical solutions is a cornerstone of HOBI's client service.
Impact at HOBI: In a world where economic conditions shift rapidly, Dean's strategic approach and problem-solving prowess are vital in helping HOBI and its clients stay agile and efficient.
Leadership: Beyond his logistic acumen, Dean's leadership qualities have left a lasting mark in the field, proving him to be an invaluable asset to the HOBI team.
- Phone:877-814-2620
- Email:dean@hobi.com
Rick Madson
Director of Accounting
Steering HOBI's financial direction with expertise, insight, and a commitment to growth
Background: Rick Madson, with his career spanning more than 25 years, embodies the epitome of financial leadership and strategic acumen as HOBI International's Director of Accounting. His journey is marked by pivotal roles, including CFO, CEO, and President, particularly within the Real Estate/Construction industry.
Expertise: Rick's proficiency spans accounting, financial reporting, strategic planning, and asset management. Known for his service-oriented approach to finance, Rick has a knack for process re-engineering, economic analysis, and navigating businesses through periods of significant growth and turnaround challenges.
Education: A proud alumnus of the University of Southern California, Rick solidified his business administration and accounting foundation with early career experiences that shaped his growth mindset and strategic vision.
Early Influences: Rick's professional ethos was shaped by significant roles early on, including a transformative period at Discount Tire Center, where he contributed to its expansion from 12 to 80 stores and an intriguing stint in Hollywood, which added a unique dimension to his career narrative.
Real Estate Enthusiasm: Beyond numbers, Rick's passion lies in real estate. His journey from owning a building company to being an active investor and remodeler reflects his deep connection to the industry, blending professional expertise with personal passion.
Mentorship and Giving Back: With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Rick focuses on mentoring and guiding others. Whether advising small business owners or sharing insights on property investment, his commitment to helping others grow is a testament to his comprehensive and empathetic approach to leadership.
Personal Passions: An avid runner and reader, Rick's interests extend beyond the professional realm, showcasing a balanced blend of physical endurance and intellectual curiosity.
- Phone:(214) 951-0143
- Email:rickm@hobi.com
Rick Vernam
Director of Engineering
Lacey Baker
Director of Human Resources
Cultivating employee experiences at HOBI
Background: With more than 20 years of experience in human resources, Lacey is HOBI’s HR powerhouse. She's PHR certified and a pro at making work life better for everyone at HOBI.
What She Does: Lacey focuses on making sure every employee has a great experience from their first day to their last. She's all about creating a happy and supportive work environment.
Elevate Employee Engagement: Each day, Lacey aims to heighten the level of employee engagement. She understands that a motivated team is the key to success. Her goal is to ensure that every employee feels connected, valued, and understood, making HOBI not just a workplace but a community where everyone thrives together.
Staying in Touch: Lacey loves to hear from the team. She's always ready to chat and share ideas on making HOBI an even better workplace.
- Phone:(214) 951-0143
- Email:lbaker@hobi.com
Cole Lowe
Phoenix Site Manager
Bringing Military Precision and Industry Expertise to HOBI's Operations
Military Foundation: Cole's journey began in the United States Marine Corps in August 2015. Serving as a Supply Administrative and Operations Specialist, he honed his logistics skills and demonstrated exceptional leadership, advancing to the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge in August 2019.
Transition to Civilian Expertise: Post-military, Cole transitioned seamlessly into the civilian sector, amassing more than two and a half years of valuable experience as a Supply Planner in a manufacturing setting. His military discipline and logistical acumen translated perfectly into managing complex supply chains and operational challenges.
Journey with HOBI: Cole's path led him to HOBI International in June 2022, where he initially excelled in Production Control. His remarkable skill set and dedication quickly stood out, paving the way for his next role.
Phoenix Site Leadership: In February 2024, Cole stepped into his new role as the Site Manager of HOBI's Phoenix facility. His military background and practical industry experience make him uniquely qualified to lead the site with precision, efficiency, and innovative thinking.
- Phone:(877) 814-2620
- Email:clowe@hobi.com
Board of Directors
Roger Bryant
Board Member
Mr. Bryant is currently a Founder and Partner of Co-Partners, LLC, a business consulting firm, and also serves as the Chairman of the Board of FieldPoint Petroleum Corporation, a publicly traded company on the NYSE:MKT exchange. Prior positions include Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Canmax, Inc., a publicly traded software development company; President of Network Data Corporation; President of Dresser Industries, Inc., Wayne Division; President of Schlumberger Limited, Retail Petroleum Systems Division, U.S.A., and President of Autogas Systems, Inc., the developer of “Pay-at-the-Pump” technology for the retail petroleum industry. Mr. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama. He has served on the board of directors of more than ten private and public companies.
Craig Holmes
Board Member
Craig has more than 25 years of experience providing financial, operational, and executive management services to public and private companies, including Intervoice, Inc. (NASDAQ) and Excel Communications, Inc. (NYSE). He has served on the boards of not-for-profit organizations, including The Dallas Summer Musicals and the UTD School of Management, and has also served on the boards of several private companies. Craig started his career at Arthur Andersen LLP, where he was ultimately promoted to partner. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University.
Antony Francis
Board Member
Antony is President of Lakehill Partners, a consulting firm specializing in business restructuring and supply chain consulting. He was previously President of ATC Logistics & Electronics, a $350 million forward and reverse third-party logistics and test and repair company with more than 2,700 employees. He successfully completed the sale to Genco in November 2010.
Previously, at Federal Express, after five years in finance, he was appointed vice president/general manager of the Logistics and Electronic Commerce Division for Federal Express Europe, Middle East, and Africa, providing forward and reverse logistics solutions principally to technology companies. He was awarded FedEx’s coveted 5-Star Award for leading the company’s Global Duties & Taxes Steering Board.He is a member of the Board of Directors of Reverse Logistics Group GmbH, the German-based reverse logistics and recycling group. He is also an advisor to Precyse Technologies, Inc. Antony is Chairman of the Board of the Blue Candlelight Music Series in Dallas.
Paul Schlosberg
In Loving Memory
Paul Schlosberg found his calling in the financial world, starting as a registered representative and rising to the status of President of First Southwest Securities. After retirement, he continued to work in his chosen field as a financial consultant and investment banker for numerous private equity companies. Paul was an enthusiastic gun owner, frequently participating in urban combat training during which he became close to many notables in the field such as Chris Kyle. He loved to travel and experience the sights, food and environments of other cultures, developed a love of wine, and became an expert in making a fine martini accompanied by a handmade blue cheese stuffed olive. Most important, Paul was a loving friend, always there in time of need with a sense of humor that brought sunshine in trying moments.Paul passed away suddenly on May 30th only 2 months after his beloved wife Shelia succumbed to cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Myron and Rose Schlosberg but is survived by his sister Andrea Winans, her husband Daniel Winans and their two daughters Stephanie Winans and Melissa Courtright, Melissa's husband, son and daughter, Shelia's sisters Sue McCart and Sandi Chapman, other relatives and a large number of close, long-term friends. Needless to say, Paul is sorely missed by all who loved him.