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In 1974, Robert Ontiveros, along with his wife Blenda founded Bi-State Packaging selling packaging materials out of the back of their family station wagon.  That small, family-run business grew into Group O - a multi-faceted business enterprise specializing in supply chain, packaging, and incentive marketing solutions.  With more than 1,000 employees across 40 locations, Group O has been recognized as one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States.

Ontiveros’ influence extended into the Quad Cities community with the generous support of many Quad Cities organizations, including Black Hawk College Foundation, Augustana College, Western Illinois University, Niabi Zoological Association, and the Community Health Care Clinic — with construction funded by Bob and Blenda to provide critically important low-cost care to those without a primary physician. The couple’s leadership, commitment, and positive community influence were evident in their philanthropic endeavors dedicated to supporting initiatives within the immigrant and minority communities. These efforts included West Gateway Partners and Mercado on Fifth — an open-air night market in Moline’s Floreciente neighborhood that features live entertainment, food trucks, and local vendors.

Additionally, Bob served as a trustee of Augustana College and was an active member of both the Illinois and U.S. Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, along with other community and business organizations, such as Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley and Junior Achievement.

Throughout his years of leadership, Bob was recognized with numerous honors, including:

• Order of Lincoln — the State of Illinois’ highest honor, recognizing his professional and community achievements
• Outstanding Community Leadership — State of Illinois Comptroller
• S. Department of Commerce — Legacy Award
• Minority Business Hall of Fame — Inductee
• Black Hawk College Alumni Hall of Fame – Inductee
• Lifetime Achievement Award — National Minority Supplier Development Council
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Chicago Minority Business Development Council
• Lifetime Achievement Award — Negocios Now
• Honorary Doctorate — Augustana College

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Turning Group O from a startup business into the diversified services firm it is today is due in large part to Gregg Ontiveros’ entrepreneurial spirit and can-do philosophy. As principal owner and CEO of Group O, he has provided the vision necessary to attract marquee clients who represent a veritable who’s who of America’s most respected brands, including AT&T, Samsung, PepsiCo, Best Buy, Caterpillar, John Deere, and Michelin. By creating innovative marketing, packaging, and supply chain solutions, Ontiveros and Group O have helped these and many other Fortune 500 companies turn their most complex business challenges into centers of profitability and efficiency.

Ontiveros leads with a hands-on approach, remaining very involved in all facets of Group O's daily operations. Through his efforts to establish and expand key financial partnerships and client relationships, Group O has become one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in North America and the recipient of the 2011 National Minority Supplier of the Year award (nmsdc.org). Group O was also recognized in 2012 as one of the Top 5 Latino-owned businesses in the United States (ushcc.org).

Ontiveros also has a deep commitment to the community, proudly serving on a variety of non-profit and corporate boards, including Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and US Bank. In addition, he has put his passion for youth development and sports to work by coaching basketball and baseball.

Throughout his career, Ontiveros has mentored Hispanic and other minority and non-minority business owners and entrepreneurs. He has been candid about his lessons learned and supportive in offering advice, referring individuals to other key contacts, collaborating to determine business opportunities with Group O, or matchmaking them with other businesses. He was able to share his knowledge on a more global level when he had the honor of being selected to speak at a recent President’s Hispanic CEO Roundtable discussion at the White House.

In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the Hispanic business community, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce selected Ontiveros as its 2012 HBE Hispanic Businessman of the Year. He also earned a place on the 2013 and 2020 50 Influentials list, published by Hispanic Business and NegociosNow. And Ontiveros' competitive spirit and drive also extend to the golf course, culminating in a 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am championship.

Gregg holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Colorado State University, resides in Davenport, Iowa, and is the proud father of three children.

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A visionary leader with a unique combination of accomplishments from both large corporations and entrepreneurial businesses, Kevin Kotecki creates successful strategies to consistently generate sales and profitable growth. 

By leading world-class brands like Pabst Brewing Company, Procter and Gamble, Mark Anthony Brands, Brach’s, and Coors Brewing Company, Kevin has extensive experience in strategic planning, sales, marketing, and operations. 

Leveraging both strong analytical and intuitive skills, Kevin leads with an ownership mentality and a willingness to roll up his sleeves and contribute at all levels. He excels at igniting positive cultural transformations by engaging a diverse workforce and building high functioning teams.

During his tenure as President and CEO of Pabst Brewing Company and Brach’s Confections, Kevin applied his vision, strategy, and marketing approach to improve financial performance resulting in both organizations being named fastest growing brand in their categories.

Mr. Kotecki received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Iowa and his MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management.

Kevin is the proud father of two grown sons and resides in Willowbrook, IL.

Previous Executive Roles Held:

• President, Mark Anthony Brands
• CEO and President, Pabst Brewing Company
• President and COO, ConAgra Refrigerated Foods
• CEO and President, Brach’s Confections
• Vice President and General Manager, Coors Brewing Company
• Brand Manager, Procter and Gamble