Jeff Piedmont, President and CEO

Jeff Piedmont has extensive experience with the grocery industry, beginning in early 1980. In 1989, he bought the assets of Damage Track and expanded the concept into what became Universal Solutions International, Inc. (USI). With a handful of customers and only three services, he and his executive staff built USI into one of the nation's leading reverse logistics providers with over 160 clients nationwide and over 1,000 employees.  Jeff has been nominated two times for Inc. Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year Award.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Notre Dame University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola University in Chicago. Jeff has a proven record of successful entrepreneurial start-up companies.  All five of his start-up companies continue to operate and succeed today.

 

Karen Fisher, Chief Administration Officer

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Virginia Tech.  She has extensive experience in corporate finance and accounting and has played an integral role in facilitating and implementing financial process improvements for several fast-paced organizations, including a Fortune 250 corporation and the start-up of a $550 million automobile manufacturing facility.  Karen is one of the founders of Strategic Global Connections.  She is responsible for finance, accounting, legal and administrative functions.

 

Carlos J. (CJ) Castilho, Chief Information Officer (CIO)

CJ earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from California State University at Fullerton.  After spending two years as a computer engineer for Bausch and Lomb, he joined Mr. Piedmont in 1990 as Vice President of Information Technology in his new venture, Universal Solutions.  In that capacity, he was instrumental in designing and implementing information technology to administer supply chain data collection and processing. In 2000, he left USI to develop specialized database consulting applications.  CJ has been responsible for SGC information technology since its inception.

 

David Marone, Vice President - Data Operations

Dave is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and holds a Master of Science from Central Missouri University.  Dave joined Strategic Global Connections after completing a nearly 30 year US Air Force career specializing in intelligence operations, systems development and program management. He has extensive experience in designing and executing various secure information requirements and survey protocols. Dave is a Company founder and key member of our management team, and he is responsible for the development of information protocols for data security and integrity, the operation of the index, and customer care.