This month, we’re celebrating a major milestone—Danielle’s 12-year work anniversary! Since joining the company in 2013, Danielle has helped shape nearly every aspect of our operations. From working alongside the founder to now partnering with his son TJ in leading the business, her story is one of grit, growth, and grace. She’s juggled high-level responsibilities and personal commitments with remarkable strength and heart. I sat down with Danielle to reflect on her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what continues to drive her after all these years.

Let’s start at the beginning—what brought you to the company back in 2013?

“I had prayed a lot about my next role after taking a sabbatical to stay home with my young children. I’d worked in Operations most of my career, but I wanted to reenter the workforce by going back to my roots—customer service and office management. Company culture was the most important factor to me at the time. I was on a new path of growth and seeking a positive, family-oriented environment. I knew corporate life wasn’t for me, so when Hauser posted a job at their small, growing family business, I felt immediately drawn to it. The more I learned, the more I wanted to dive in.”

You’ve seen the company evolve tremendously over the past 12 years. What’s been the most rewarding part of that journey?

“Retaining many of the same customers I started working with in 2013 now many years later. Our partnerships are solid and based on loyalty and trust.”

You worked closely with TJ’s dad, the founder. What did you learn from that experience, and how has it influenced your leadership today?

“Tom is a fountain of wisdom in business and specifically in the niche industry of packaging. I learned so much from him while working alongside him and even to this day when tough questions arise, he is a wonderful resource, in addition to TJ. Tom made decisions based on relationships – ethics, loyalty, fairness and trust — not just the bottom line. Observing his relationships with suppliers and customers was a big part of my professional growth and the company’s growth.”

Now you’re in the trenches with TJ. How has that working relationship grown over the years?

“TJ and I bicker like siblings—but it’s a positive banter that usually leads to great ideas and even better laughs! After working together for so long, I can often predict what he’ll ask for or do. That dynamic pushes me to think outside of the box, which fuels creative problem-solving and collaboration.”

As a single mom balancing leadership and life—how have you managed to stay grounded?

“I strive to be an example of a woman who can succeed in her career while valuing family and faith. It’s easy to tie your identity to your job—especially when you care deeply about your work. My daughters know that I work hard, earned a master’s degree, and have made sacrifices to reach my goals. I hope they find work one day that brings them the same joy and purpose.”

What’s one challenge you’re most proud of overcoming?

“Covid caused glass capacity issues and costs that nobody could have predicted. The recent sea freight costs and now tariffs have posed new challenges. We have been able to maintain relationships by being transparent and fair as we navigate with our partners and customers. Despite these challenges, Hauser continues to grow, which is the best outcome we can hope for.”

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in operations or leadership in a family-run business?

“Give it time. Stick it out. It will be tough in the beginning especially if coming from a corporate environment. Observe, ask questions, and never hold back on providing ideas and voicing when things are not working well. Encourage your team. Be ok with friction with others. You are not going to grow a business by always getting along and doing the status quo. Do not get complacent—it’s ok to be uncomfortable, that ignites change.”

What excites you most about the future of the company—and your role in it?

“We have a few surprises coming over the next few months that are going to enable our team to serve our customers better and reach more businesses that want stellar packaging products from Hauser. So, stay tuned!”

Drop Dee an email to congratulate her!

I asked around the office, “what is it about Danielle that you admire most?” Here are a few of my favorite answers:

She always brings a level mind to the conversation!

I can talk to her about anything- she is a safe space.

Her work ethic is second to none.

Always there to help no matter what.

Tom Hauser’s journey in the packaging industry began in 1967 when he started his career at Owens-Illinois (OI). Throughout his career, one piece of advice from his father stayed with him: “If you ever get the opportunity to go out on your own in business, don’t think twice—take it.” In 1990, that moment arrived, and Tom didn’t hesitate. He founded TJ Hauser Incorporated, identifying a growing need for specialized packaging solutions in the East Coast’s craft beverage industry. Shortly after, he joined forces with Demptos, but when that partnership ended, he took the leap once again, establishing Hauser Packaging in 1992.

In the early days, Tom set up his first office in his bedroom in Connecticut while his son, TJ, was just a young boy. TJ still remembers watching his father build the business from the ground up, making calls, taking orders, and forging relationships that would define Hauser Packaging’s future. Debbie, Tom’s first employee, played a key role in supporting this growth.

By 1993, Tom strengthened Hauser Packaging’s reach by securing a partnership with a warehouse, ensuring better service for the East Coast’s expanding wine market. Initially focused on sourcing bottles, he explored options for a warehouse near a New Jersey port but found it too congested. Instead, he identified a more strategic location in Seneca Falls, New York, within the Finger Lakes region, further solidifying Hauser Packaging’s presence in the industry.

In 2012, TJ officially joined the business, bringing a new wave of energy and leadership. That same year, the company relocated to Portland, Maine, marking another milestone. Shortly after, Danielle, now VP of Operations, joined the team, contributing to Hauser Packaging’s continued growth and innovation. Over time, TJ took on greater responsibilities, learning firsthand from Tom’s experience while driving the company forward.

Eventually, the moment came for another transition—one that echoed the same advice Tom’s father had given him decades earlier. In a full-circle moment, Tom passed the business on to TJ, ensuring Hauser Packaging would continue as a family-led company with the same values, dedication, and passion for serving the craft beverage industry. Today, Hauser Packaging stands as a testament to three generations of entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and the belief that when opportunity knocks, you don’t think twice—you take it.

Now, in 2025, Hauser Packaging has grown from a team of four to a dynamic group of nine. The office is bursting at the seams, but the energy is undeniable. The synergy within the team is incredible—we work hard, we laugh a lot, and above all, we always put our customers first. Every day, we build on the foundation Tom started, ensuring that Hauser Packaging continues to be a trusted partner in the craft beverage industry.

Some Fun PICS of US over the years…

Some of The Hauser Kids who are now young adults. Time flies.

Account Manager, Sam at a 2020 tradeshow. The theme was to design a booth focused on the products we sell!

It’s National Pet Day.

This day was established in 2006 to celebrate the joy pets bring into our lives and to raise awareness about animals awaiting adoption in shelters. We thought it would be nice to add a furry twist to our regular packaging-related communication to celebrate the pets in our lives.

Show us your furry friends- Send an email with a pic of your vineyard or brewery dog!

While not everyone on our team has a pet (yet!), we couldn’t leave them out of the fun. Jennifer says that if she did have a pet, she’d name it Sprinkles—because every good day could use a little extra flair.

Reasons why our pets:

Companionship – Pets provide unconditional love.

Encourages Exercise – Dogs especially require walks, helping us stay active.

Lowers Blood Pressure – Pets can improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Strengthens Immunity – Growing up with pets may help children develop stronger immune systems and reduce allergies.

Stress Reduction – Spending time with pets promotes relaxation.

Improves Social Connections – Walking a dog or visiting a pet-friendly place often leads to conversations and new friendships.

Provides Security – Dogs can be excellent protectors, alerting owners to potential dangers.

Boosts Mood – Pet interaction improves overall mental well-being.

May your floors be covered in paw prints and your clothes forever have pet fur on them. Cheers!

Hey there! I’m Amber, the voice behind Hauser Packaging’s blog, marketing emails, website updates, and (on my more ambitious days) the office interior designer. I like to think of myself as a one-woman creative department.

My background is a mix of marketing, production, and creative project management. I spent years in New York City working on sales and marketing projects in the Beauty and Fashion world, collaborating with designers, copywriters, and international teams to bring campaigns to life. After eight years in the city (and two kids later), I packed up and moved back to my hometown of Scarborough, Maine, trading skyscrapers for the peaceful woods of New England.

At Hauser, I love the variety of my job! One day, I’m writing a marketing email; the next, I’m planning our tradeshow presence or figuring out the best way to showcase a stunning new bottle design. What keeps me going is the creative challenge of it all. Every customer we work with brings something unique to the table. I love finding new ways to give our audience a deeper connection to packaging, Hauser, and, of course, this blog.

A Few Fun Facts About Me:

Office DJ: I keep the music playing in the office, and my playlist is a mix of Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Lana Del Rey, and Maggie Rogers. Last week, Tucker and Branden busted out a surprise sing-along to Sublime, which honestly made my day. Yesterday, we rocked out to Classic Rock Hits.

Office Plant Killer: I try to keep things green around here, but let’s just say I have a much better track record with branding than with office plants.

Dog Mom: My golden doodle, Pepper, is an 80-pound ball of energy who, when standing on his hind legs, is officially taller than me.

️ Idea Machine: I love brainstorming new ways to market our products. Sometimes, I get a little too excited, and the team has to reel me back in (fair enough).

I’m always open to feedback and love hearing from our team and customers about what they want to see more of. Hopefully, you’re enjoying the blog as much as I enjoy writing it!

Got any favorite office jams I should add to my playlist? Email me your recommendations!