Our Team

Packers Plus was started in 2000 by Ken Paltzat, Peter Krabben and Dan Themig. The company continues to be privately held and now has over 700 employees in 31 locations. The company has a strong growth plan and is committed to meeting customers’ needs through our core values of operational excellence, innovation and customer intimacy.

New ideas and new processes are vital to the success of our business. Our team includes individuals who are not only the best in the industry, but who also have a strong entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our company on the leading-edge of new technology. We have a very dynamic and energetic team and we work hard to provide the following:

A positive employee-empowered culture
The ideal work environment for advancement and experience
Excellent benefits and compensation

Each employee is a strong member of our team and has a unique story. We have highlighted four stories below to give you a sense of the great people who work at Packers Plus.

Click here to visit our Careers Page.

Bryan Johnston, Technical Sales, Middle East

Bryan Johnston is a Technical Sales Representative working in the Arabian Gulf countries of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman. Originally hailing from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Bryan started with Packers Plus in July 2006. He earned his BComm. from the University of Alberta in Edmonton and his MBA from the University of British Columbia.

When it comes to the oil and gas industry, you’d be hard pressed to find someone with more experience than Bryan. Working in pumping services and completions for over 30 years, the industry has literally taken him around the world . Bryan received training in France early in his career, eventually going on to live and work in Nigeria, South Africa, Scotland, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Calgary and Saudi Arabia.

Bryan and his wife, Brenda, now call Bahrain home. They own a 26 ft tri-marine sailing boat that they take out on the waters of the Arabian Gulf every chance they get.

“I very much enjoy the opportunity to present the products and services that Packers Plus has to offer in this part of the world. I enjoy seeing the clients’ responses when they see the production results that they get from using Packers Plus technology.”

Tully Roe, Technical Services Engineer

Tully Roe graduated from Texas A&M University in Kingsville with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Tully began his career with Packers Plus in May of 2008 and as the first Tech Engineer in the United States, he helped build the role by incorporating technology developed in Canada. Initially, Tully spent two months in the Midland District Office in order to gain a better understanding of what we do at Packers Plus. Once back in Houston, his focus turned to developing solutions for complex jobs. This is what you’ll find Tully doing today.

Tully loves to spend time in nature and is an avid hunter and fisherman. On the weekends, you can find him exploring the great outdoors by 4-wheeler with Rylan, his 5 year old son.

“I always wanted to study Mechanical Engineering but was so far into the Chemical Engineering program it would have taken me an extra two years to finish. Thanks to Packers Plus, I’m able to get the Mechanical Engineering training that I’d hoped for in school and I especially enjoy being able to help design new products and tools.”

Donnie Hlavaty, District Manager

Donnie Hlavaty began working with Packers Plus in November 2007 as the District Coordinator in Tyler, Texas. Donnie is not only a team player, but also a leader. He has been given an increasing amount of responsibility and is now the District Manager of the Tyler office. Being a team player is so important to Donnie that he modeled for one of the company’s photo shoots in October 2009.

Donnie describes work as his hobby. When he isn’t working, he spends time with his wife and two teenagers camping and fishing at nearby parks in their RV.

“I have been impressed with and have enjoyed working for Packers Plus from the beginning. The company-wide family atmosphere makes for a more enjoyable and productive work place.”

Krista Buchko, Team Lead - Sales Support

Krista Buchko began her career with Packers Plus in February 2007 in Calgary, Alberta. Although Krista did not have any experience in the oil and gas industry when she started, she hasn’t let that stop her. While learning the ropes at Packers Plus, she’s been working to improve her industry knowledge. Initially starting in a Sales Support role, Krista has proven herself a quick study and valuable asset. She has now taken over the role of Team Lead - Sales Support.

When Krista isn’t expanding her knowledge of completions operations or maintaining her role as the go-to-person for all things database related, you can find her playing softball in the summer or traveling to the Caribbean to escape winters in Calgary.

“The open-door policy has made working at Packers Plus great. Everyone around has helped to teach me what I know today and has helped me grow. One of the great things about the team is even if I have to ask someone about something twice, it’s always okay.”