Management Team

Ed Mascolo, Founder & President

Ed founded Nej out of his parents' garage in 1990 and from those humble beginnings built the integrated infrastructure and business model that is Nej today. With over 25 years of experience in the wholesale and retail industries, Ed's primary focus is on company strategy, operations and business development. In addition, Ed directs all sourcing and sales activity at Nej. Ed has been the driving force behind Nej's success; designing and implementing many of the processes that allow Nej to operate efficiently and effectively to meet our clients' and customers' needs. Ed graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.

Linda Trudel, Chief Financial Officer

Linda joined Nej in August of 2008. Linda's primary responsibility is to oversee the financial department, Inventory control, and human resource areas of the company. Prior to joining Nej, Linda was SVP Corporate Controller and Treasurer at J. Jill, a multi-channel retailer of women's apparel. During her 13 year tenure with J. Jill, Linda helped the company grow from a $50m direct marketer to a $500m multi-channel retailer with over 120 retail stores. Prior to J. Jill, Linda spent six years at Arthur Andersen LLP, where she audited primarily public companies in the retail, leasing and financial services industries. Linda obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Bob Allegrini, Director of Operations

Bob joined Nej in 2004. Under Bob's leadership, Nej has increased output four-fold. Bob is responsible for warehouse operations in the US and Canada. Before joining Nej, Bob worked for Scovill Fasteners for 15 years in a variety of Sales and Marketing Management capacities and with Emhart Technologies (Black & Decker Company) in Product Management. Bob graduated from Boston College with a BS in Marketing/Finance and received an MBA from the University of Connecticut.

Butch Maxwell, Chief Information Officer

Butch leads the Information Technology department at Nej. Butch is primarily responsible for ensuring the data integrity, reliability and scalability of all systems. He is also responsible for the company's network infrastructure, application development and e-commerce platform. Butch brings 30+ years experience in the technology field with a focus on supply chain management solutions to Nej. Butch held numerous marketing and systems engineering positions before retiring as Vice President of Marketing Operations in IBM's Server Group. Butch earned an Applied Math degree from Harvard University.

Bob Birrell, Director of Off-Price Sales

Bob joined Nej in 2004. Bob brings over 25 years of sales experience to Nej. Before joining Nej, Bob worked as a regional manager in the Calvin Klein Division of WARNACO and prior to that in sales for Sara Lee’s Champion and Ralph Lauren Division and Superba Neckwear. Prior to beginning his career in sales, Bob played for the Boston Red Sox for four years. Bob graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Tony Ricciardi, President of GTN, Exclusive Strategic Alliance

Tony has over 35 years experience sourcing and marketing within the retail and wholesale industries. Tony worked in various positions for Gertz, Gimbels and the GAP. During his 15 year career with GAP, Inc., Tony oversaw all inventory liquidations. He founded GTN in 1996. Tony sources excess inventories from specialty retailers, catalogers and manufacturers as well as famous brands. Tony is also responsible for introducing new business opportunities and developing key relationships. Tony has had an exclusive Strategic Alliance with Nej for over 15 years.

Orosman Rodriguez, Sourcing/New Business Development

Orosman has over 20 years experience in sales and over 30 years experience in the retail industry. Orosman was head of sales for Grupo M, for 18 years. Grupo M is the largest apparel producer in the Caribbean/Central American region supplying to major US brand name companies including Liz Claiborne, Polo, Levis, Hanes and Tommy Hilfiger. Orosman's primary responsibility at Nej is to surface new business opportunities and drive international sales. Orosman has had an exclusive Strategic Alliance with Nej for over 10 years.

Rhys Moore, Sourcing/New Business Development

Rhys' professional experience includes senior management roles in Fortune 500 companies and private entrepreneurial firms managing brands across multiple channels of distribution. He has worked as a strategic consultant for Alexander Julian Inc, Oxford Industries, Orvis, 66 North, Mary Norton and Skin Therapie. Rhys' primary responsibility with Nej is to surface new business opportunities. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.