News – Gardian Website

Rear Admiral John Meier

Rear Adm. John F. Meier, a native of Export, Pennsylvania, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. He completed flight training in Beeville, Texas, and was “winged” as a Naval Aviator in August 1988.

Meier’s operational assignments include Electronic Attack Squadron-141 (VAQ-141), Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), VAQ-128, and executive officer onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), during which the command was recognized with the 2008, 2009 & 2010 Battle “E” and the 2009 Safety “S.” Command tours include VAQ-136, earning the Safety “S” and Battle “E” in 2004 as well as the 2005 Retention Excellence award; USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44), earning the 2011 Battle “E”; and Precommissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) earning the 2014 & 2015 Retention Excellence awards. Meier most recently commanded Carrier Strike Group Ten (CSG-10) earning the Humanitarian Service award.

Meier’s shore assignments include tours at VAQ-129, where he was recognized as Instructor Pilot of the Year in 1995; EA-6B placement officer at Navy Personnel Command; senior operations officer and emergency actions officer on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the National Military Command Center; requirements officer for EA-18G at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N88; assistant chief of staff force readiness officer at Commander, Naval Air Forces; assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4); and commander, Navy Warfare Development Command.

Meier has participated in operations around the world since Desert Storm, led Southern Partnership Station and built the crew and culture of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) as her first commanding officer. He has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours and 675 carrier landings.
Meier assumed command of Naval Air Force Atlantic on May 1, 2020.

His decorations include the Legion of Merit and various other personal and unit level awards.

David Fox (Chief Commercial Officer):

David serves as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Gardian Holdings, where he leads the company’s commercial strategy, market expansion, and client engagement efforts. With a focus on driving growth through innovation, partnerships, and operational excellence, David plays a key role in shaping the future direction of the organization.

Prior to joining Gardian Holdings, David spent 38 years with DHL, holding senior executive leadership roles across global markets. During this time, he built a track record of scaling businesses, leading high-performing teams, and delivering sustainable growth in a highly competitive logistics industry.

Known for a collaborative and strategic leadership style, David is passionate about building strong customer relationships, unlocking new market opportunities, and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results.

Don Traubert (Observer)

Don is a Director with PSP Capital Partners where he focuses on the Advanced Industrials sector. In addition to transaction sourcing and execution, Don serves on the boards of PSP portfolio companies StormTrap and E.B. Bradley Company. Previously, Don was an Associate at BDT Capital Partners and an Analyst in the Consumer / Retail Group at Goldman Sachs.

Don earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Harvard Business School.

Reid Dove

Reid is the Chairman of AAA Cooper Transportation, a subsidiary of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, the largest truckload carrier in the U.S. He joined AAA Cooper Transportation in 1994 and previously served in multiple roles within the company including CEO for 24 years. Reid currently serves on the Board of Directors of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings in connection with their acquisition of AAA Cooper Transportation.

Reid earned a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain from Auburn University.

Howard Hammond

Howard is the President & CEO of City National Bank, a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada. Previously, Howard held numerous roles at Fifth Third Bancorp, including Head of Consumer Baking and Head of Retail Banking. Howard currently serves on the Board of Directors of City National Bank and the Executive Committee of RBC’s U.S. intermediate holding company.

Howard earned a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Wagner College.

Eric Hauser

Eric is the Founder and Managing Partner of Somera Private Equity. Previously, Eric was a Partner at Paladin Private Equity and held multiple roles in the Global Industrials Group at Goldman Sachs and in the Aerospace, Defense, and Government M&A Group at Houlihan Lokey.

Eric also co-founded and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Mbody.

Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University.

Modes of Transportation

Ocean

Over-the-Road

Rail

End Markets

Technology

Automotive

Energy

Military & Defense

Hazardous Materials

Food & Beverage

Consumer Goods

Mark Burgett

Mark is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Entrepreneurial Equity Partners (“e2p”). Previously, Mark was a Managing Director at Wind Point Partners and held multiple senior roles in investment banking groups at Morgan Stanley and Robert W. Baird. Mark currently serves on the Board of Directors of several e2p portfolio companies: Charcuterie Artisans, Furlani Foods, Gardian Holdings, MBC Companies, Roskam Baking Company, Thrive Foods, World Food Holdings, and Ya YA Foods.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Columbia Business School.

Packaging Types

Drums

Intermediate Bulk Containers

Pallets

Matthew Bullock (Chief Executive Officer)

Matthew became CEO of Gardian Holdings in 1997 and is the inventor of the Ty-Gard and Shock-Gard Products. Matthew is widely known as a logistics & securement leader with deep relationships with rail, ocean, and trucking regulatory bodies.

Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from George Washington University. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, tennis, and travelling with his wife and three sons.

Steve Mote (Chief Operating Officer)

Steve became COO of Gardian Holdings following Somera’s acquisition of the business in April 2024. Previously, Steve was GM of Shock-Gard and also provided operational and commercial support for Ty-Gard, and spent 16 years at Greif, serving as Vice President & General Manager for 7 years.

Steve earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Baylor University and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from University of Houston-Clear Lake. In his spare time, he enjoys all things outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family.

David Joyce (Chief Financial Officer):

David joined Gardian Holdings as Chief Financial Officer following Somera’s acquisition of the business in April 2024. Previously, he was a Partner and Chief Financial Officer at Paladin Private Equity and was the Chief Financial Officer of two successful private equity backed companies in Wineshipping and Resource Environmental Solutions.

David earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M and is a Texas licensed CPA. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, collecting wine, and making his famous 12-hour BBQ.

Somera Private Equity Acquires Ty-Gard and Shock-Gard to Form Gardian Holdings LLC