CEO

Bill Schapiro, President and CEO
Born into the rag business, Bill followed his grandfather, father and uncle into the industry in 1976, after graduating Duke University and the University of Maryland School of Law. Bill takes a hands-on approach to the company’s activities that are built upon a family tradition established a century ago. In this time, Whitehouse & Schapiro has visited over 25 countries on four continents and has gained unparalleled expertise in sources and markets. Bill continues to contribute to the textiles community in his role as Past President of SMART (Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles), the industry's trade association.

Administration & Accounting

Ruth Podles, Executive Vice President
Also Comptroller, Office Manager, and Manager of International Traffic, Ruth’s career with the Schapiro family spans thirty-five years. She is a vital source of industry knowledge and all facets of W&S operations. Ms. Podles is indispensable in the company’s day-to-day interactions and the business of getting things done, promptly and efficiently, for our customers.

Justine Ball, Administrative Assistant
A graduate of Towson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Justine launches her career at Whitehouse & Schapiro with an administrative hand in all facets of operations from traffic to marketing. Her boundless energy, ambition and skill make her a welcome addition to the W&S headquarters, where her grandmother Ruth Podles, our Comptroller, provides the perfect mentor.

Marketing & Supply Chain Operations

Hugh (Hank) Aberman, Director of Marketing
Hank, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, oversees our marketing and business development efforts. A former professor at Shippensburg University, he uses his background in organizational training and development to benefit W&S and its clientele. Dr. Aberman’s extensive consulting experience in marketing and business development, as well as his thorough knowledge of all aspects of our operations, are vital to establishing and building long lasting business relationships for W&S.

Neil Aberman, Vice President of Purchasing & New Supplier Development
Neil brings a diversified background to the position of Vice President of Business Development and Management for Whitehouse and Schapiro. He graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania with high honors in his major Political Science. He has worked in Dick Armey's Republican House Leadership office and the office of former Congressman William Goodling on Capitol Hill, and at John Dudinsky and Associates Government Relations and Business Development Firm. In his position with Whitehouse & Schapiro, he is responsible for developing new business and managing accounts and generating research used in marketing and planning decisions.

Joy Fenton,Vice President, Seattle Operations
Joy brings a love for the secondhand clothing industry to her new post with W&S, as well as great instincts and outstanding training which she gained in sales and management at Thrift Books LLC. Previously, Joy managed national business for Thrift Recycling Management LLC including all thrift store and non-thrift store book accounts. Other related experience includes Sales Specialist for Savers Inc., a leader in the retail thrift industry. Joy was also a Software Engineering Communications Specialist with The Boeing Company. Ms Fenton enjoys Seattle life with her three children, her husband, and of course, her leadership role with Whitehouse & Schapiro.

Gary M. Steward, Mission Development Specialist, has the knowledge and experience to help your ministry “Do More.”  Gary served as the founding Executive Director at an AGRM mission in West Central Wisconsin for eleven years.  He helped raise over $700,000 to start both a local men’s and women’s shelter.  The mission grew to an annual budget of over a million dollars in less than 5 years and to over $2.5 million in 10 years.  He was instrumental in starting two major Social Enterprises: one a 44,000 sq. ft. Bargain Center, one of the largest in the Midwest, and the other a 40,000 sq. ft. Building Materials Reuse Center.  Both businesses turned a profit within five months. Gary is a former Midwest District Officer for the AGRM, and has been involved in consulting many new missions in the State of Wisconsin and in other parts of the country. He lives in West Central Wisconsin with his wife of thirty-one years, Kelly, and has 3 daughters and 3 granddaughters.

Logistics & Account Management

Melenie York, Logistics and Account Manager Most recently as Logistics and Account Manager for Pro Quo Books, Melenie brings a wealth of knowledge in traffic operations and account management to Whitehouse & Schapiro. Her previous careers in the art world, the publishing arena, and as yoga instructor have provided her with a well-rounded knowledge of business dealings. We welcome Melenie’s easy personality, organized manner and dedication to service to the W&S Team, as well as Bugsbee, her canine assistant.