Values take the lead at Volk Packaging Corporation

Derek and Amy Volk have been friends of The Root Cellar for many years. Amy has served on our Board of Trustees and each have volunteered in various ways at our Portland site. Most recently, Volk Packaging Corp stepped up yet again as our Presenting Sponsor for the 16th Annual Golf Classic at Val Halla, and we couldn't be more grateful for their support and friendship.

Derek and Amy were kind enough spare some time with me recently. I wanted to learn how they built a successful business on a foundation of the way of Jesus. I found this time incredibly valuable, learning so much about how they follow the way of Jesus and his command to "Love your neighbor" as they have built a successful business.

More than Just Boxes

Located in Biddeford, ME, Volk Packaging Corporation (VPC) is a leading producer of the one the most necessary and useful items - the cardboard box.

The box manufacturer was started by Derek's father and grandfather in 1967. A Massachusetts based family, they chose a new industrial park in Biddeford, Maine as a home for their new venture. Derek started during high school and has now been with the business for over 30 years and has seen significant growth since becoming the CEO.

They are dedicated to New England, helping more than 1000 local manufacturers move their products. Most likely, you have used a Volk Box. "It can be anything," says Derek. "From high tech industry to beer, medical supplies, chicken, eggs, worms and everything in between."

Strong Values at the Center

Steady growth for a 55 year old New England business doesn't happen by accident. With over 120 employees, efficient production and customer satisfaction are only parts of the recipe to VPC's success.

The Blueprint for Team Success at VPC is an acronym for CARING. This serves as their core value statements. It isn't just a snappy graphic, it's indicative of each part of the business, starting from the top down. For Derek and Amy, it's about their core values, which are focused on caring for one another and the community. Derek explains the importance of strong values, "If you care about these values, it's going to have a ripple effect in everything you do."

There's so much to glean from in this document, but there is one point that caught my eye.

Under the "Integrity" section the last line reads, "Humility is more valued than Pride." It was clear that Derek and Amy aren't making this stuff up just because it sounds good. They have worked to make this blueprint an authentic way of living.

Derek credits his father and grandfather as mentors for showing him the way. He also humbly admits that the quality of the company's employees contributes greatly to the company’s success. "I'm rarely - if ever - the smartest person in the room. One of the most important things is surround yourself with really good, really smart and dedicated people. I've been blessed to have that."

Led By God

Few businesses in Maine have their faith at the forefront of their business as does Volk Packaging Corporation. Compared to other manufacturers, their mission statement reads more like a church than a successful multi-million dollar corporation. Yet it's clearly a reflection of the successful business that has blessed customers, employees and many Maine communities.

Like the values, the mission statement is more than just words. It's been true in the lean and fruitful years. Staying dedicated to being a “…family that cares for our customers and co-workers," takes faith and dedication - especially in hard times.

"Over the years, we have been through some hard times. We had a period after 9/11 when our phones just stopped ringing," says Derek. "We had recently invested a lot in the company. It almost put us out of business."

When tough times come, it's easy to look for a way out or a quick fix. "We considered merging with another company," reflects Derek. After praying through the opportunity, it was clear that God was leading them to stay in Biddeford. A decision that has led to growth and over a hundred jobs.

"It's been instructive to us, as well - to live up to that statement," says Amy. "We can't have God in our mission statement and be a jerk."

"Or cut corners," says Derek. "There's lots of opportunity to cheat here or there to get ahead - we don't do that."

This integrity is apparently evident to many. In 2021, they were named one of the "Best Places to Work in Maine." This recognition includes a companywide employee survey. This was the 2nd time they were named to this prestigious list, and they are notably one of very few manufacturers.

Again, integrity isn't just at the center of the acronym, but the way in which business is done at VPC.

Blessed to Bless Others

Even in talking about the success of the company, that hallmark humility takes the lead. "For whatever reason, God has chosen to bless this company," reflects Derek.

"What Derek isn't going to tell you," Amy interjects, "is how the business has grown since he took over." In the years since Derek took over his father’s company, VPC has grown from a $9 million company to over $45 million annually.

To the Volks, that success is a blessing from God, and they are looking to bless others. Volk Packaging Corporation looks for opportunities to give generously, supporting local community organizations. Led by God, they put profits to work by investing in not only their company, but into the lives of their neighbors.

"Christians are called to embrace and welcome foreigners to a new land," states Amy. The Volk's aren't just interested in who we serve, but how we serve. Offering programing that recognizes the dignity of each neighbor fits well with the VPC mission and values.

Amy recalls her time on The Root Cellar's board when we made a shift in our thinking. The Root Cellar moved from a charity model to something that "loved our neighbors as ourselves." We were inspired to create a more impactful form of programing that cultivates social, economic and spiritual wholeness in our communities. One example is moving from only a food pantry to offering Neighborhood Food Shares - a community where those in need of food work together to create a network that provides more than enough for one another.

"We see food pantries on every corner, but people are still hungry - why is that?" asks Amy. "The Root Cellar has been asking those questions for a long time."

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We are proud to be associated with Volk Packaging Cooperation and the Volk family. Led by God, they truly are CARING for their customers, employees and community. All the while, looking for ways to bless others.

I couldn't be more thankful for their support over the years and their generosity.

Derek & Amy, Thank you for loving your neighbors - in Biddeford, Portland, and Lewiston.