Our Team

After joining Fischer as a Customer Service Representative in 1998, Candi Peterson quickly advanced to Customer Service Manager in 2000. She earned her Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Candi is proud to be part of the Fischer family and enjoys the feeling of community that they create together. “My coworkers demonstrate dedication and pride in their individual work, while respecting our combined efforts. We provide quality products and stand behind them—communicating honestly, internally and externally. The pay offs are evident in our strong customer relationships, where people know they are heard and dealt with fairly. We truly like our customers and each other.”

Since 1996, Wendy Winkler has dedicated her career to providing exceptional service to Fischer Paper Products customers. As Special Order Coordinator, she ensures each customer receives her full attention, regardless of the request—from looking up a tracking number to helping with new artwork. “I always refer to my own experiences of being the customer and how I do (and do not) wish to be treated,” says Wendy.

Over twenty years of service has allowed Wendy the opportunity to build strong relationships with not only customers, but her co-workers as well. She thoroughly appreciates the Fischer culture, where employees aren’t treated as “numbers.” Instead, everyone is known by name and every employees’ position is valued and appreciated.

Kevin is one of the most recent hires for Fischer as he came on in 2017 as the Key Account Specialist. Kevin works with strategic accounts to make sure their needs are met. Whether he’s answering customer service calls, speaking with clients, or uploading orders, Kevin takes care of their needs.“Knowing the hard work we do here at Fischer is bringing satisfaction to customers on a daily basis is a rewarding feeling.”

Kevin graduated from Notre Dame in 2013 with a degree in American Studies and had spent the previous four years working in the printing industry. During his time off, you’ll likely find Kevin on a golf course or at a Chicago sporting event.

At Fischer Paper, we have many success stories of team members who began their careers in one part of the company and then took their skills to another.  Barbie started working on the production floor in our Operations department back in 2011.  She learned about our products and our customers as first a Packer and then a Quality Assurance Assistant.  But she wanted to take her job to the next level.  She applied for and won the job of Receptionist in 2017 and hasn’t looked back.

Barbie is now a Customer Service Specialist who handles special orders for branded and custom products.  Because of Barbie’s unique experience here, she works closely with the Operations department to help make sure that every order is done right and exceeds customer expectations.  As a native Spanish speaker, Barbie also has a close bond with the Fischer Operations team members and Fischer Paper customers who speak Spanish as their first language.

“I like to make our customers happy,” Barbie says.  “Making sure a customer gets their order on time, when we promised it, is harder than ever right now because of transportation challenges.  In my job, I can help make sure it gets there when they need it!”

Evelyn comes to Fischer with a strong background in Customer Service, Sales and Logistics, predominantly in manufacturing environments. She prides herself on exceeding customer expectations, being a determined, dedicated team player, and being a forever learner. Evelyn recognizes the value of honest relationships and their direct connection to successful partnerships, internal and external.

Outside the workplace, she enjoys family time and the outdoors walking with her three dogs, Diamond, Rocky and 2-month-old Bruce.

Fischer Paper Product’s Manager of Human Resources, Laura Walker, came to our team with a broad background and experiences that will help us grow into the future.  She has worked for companies in diverse business sectors, both for-profit and non-profit, supporting workforces from 100 employees to over 1000.  Laura’s background in recruiting and retaining outstanding employees, educating them on their benefits and the tools to manage them, and ensuring their safety as our #1 priority make her a great fit for the Fischer team.

“I’m excited to be part of the Fischer team, where I have a direct impact on the growth and development of our workforce,” Laura stated.  “I enjoy the collaboration and the mindful culture that contribute to the team spirit and is part of everything we do.”

Laura is an Illinois native whose schooling and work career have been here in her home state. She holds a BS from Illinois State University in Business and with a minor in Human Resources in Business Administration.

Few know the heart and soul of Fischer Paper Products better than Bill Fischer. Since 1997, Bill has risen through the ranks—from Customer Service to Sales and Marketing. This experience has given him a unique perspective of the business, one that informs his approach to leadership as the current VP of Marketing & Service. “It’s not a traditional title, but it’s one that speaks to Fischer’s brand promise and our commitment to serving our customers with excellence.”

Bill measures Fischer’s success by the positive impact the company has on people’s jobs and lives. This is not only true for Fischer Paper employees (some of whom he’s known for as long as 30 years), but also for Fischer Paper’s partners and customers. According to Bill, “we all succeed together, and getting there is the fun part.” After earning his BA from the University of Chicago and his MA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bill has dedicated his entire career to Fischer Paper Products.

Heidi Herman joined Fischer as the Director of Sales in June of 2018. As Fischer’s Director of Sales, she is responsible for the strategy and execution of national sales growth. With more than 20 years of sales experience in the foodservice industry, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge that will help Fischer grow. Along with her experience, Heidi brings a collaborative mindset, solution-selling approach, the same core values that makes Fischer a well respected company.

Heidi originally started as a Territory manager with Fischer in 1994.  She was responsible for growing sales in the Chicago area and the Midwest, by prospecting and cold calling new customers and managing local distribution.  Heidi has spent the last 20 years in the towel and tissue industry in a Key Account and Sales Manager role.  Heidi is very excited to return to Fischer in a senior position as Director of Sales and says she’s, “looking forward to doing all of the little things right.”

John is a national account manager who brings both great experience and great connections to the Fischer team. After having worked at ASTRA Manufacturing – Cornerstone Food Group and at Concordia Coffee Systems, he certainly knows his way around the foodservice industry.

John is local to the Chicagoland area and resides in Downers Grove with his wife, Leann, and their 6 children – 5 daughters and 1 son. In his spare time, John enjoys golfing, reading, and home improvement projects. He is an avid Fighting Irish football fan, and also enjoys NHL playoff hockey.

Beth Ensley brings 18 years of foodservice experience to the Fischer team, including 10 years in national account sales. She is a graduate of Auburn University in Alabama, where she also played on the volleyball team and continues to love all things Auburn sports related to this day.

Beth’s motto for both work and life is – “just do the right thing.” She proudly says that Fishers ‘family” atmosphere provides the entire organization with a positive vibe that clearly comes through in the products they provide.

Susan joined the Fischer team as a Customer Service Representative in 2011 and advanced to Fischer’s Distribution Sales Team in September 2022. Her thorough knowledge of Fischer’s business, unwavering customer support, and ability to deliver professional and effective solutions have positioned her as an expert in customer retention. Susan brings over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing and food service industries with a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Milwaukee Lubar College of Business.

Susan’s time off is spent with her two puppies, traveling by Motorcycle and enjoying current events.

As our marketing and communications manager, Matt brings with him over 15 years of experience working in the B2B industry. He’s proud to roll up his sleeves each day and get down to the business of helping expand awareness of the Fischer Paper Products brand.

He graduated from Western Illinois University and resides in Grayslake with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, Matt’s an avid music lover who loves attending concerts and collecting vinyl.

Our Distribution Account Manager, Tom Collingbourne, came to the Fischer team with 14 years of experience in the foodservice and sanitation fields. He is passionate about growing customer relationships and solving customer challenges.

When not working, Tom enjoys being on the water, boating and fishing. He also enjoys woodworking and cooking on the ‘Big Green Egg’.