BKON is a developer and manufacturer of brewing equipment used to offer flavored beverages.

Consumer

Food & Beverage

Manufacturing

BKON

Thom is a former espresso technician. He’s known for his attention to detail and gets most excited for the week ahead during the production team’s Monday meetings. The MPE grinder is his favorite place to be while on the job. Thom lives life to the fullest as a talented skateboarder, visual artist, and musician.



Thom Buildmore

Dean Vastardis is the CEO of [BKON](/org/bkon). Dean was previously the Director of Specialty at Lacas Coffee Company from January 2006 to November 2012. Dean was responsible for developing and leading initiatives to increase specialty coffee and tea market penetration. Dean also directed training and education for channel partners, team members and customers, in order to ensure quality and consistency from bean to cup.

Dean Vastardis has a BFA from Temple University in Public Sculpture, and a Certification from the Specialty Coffee Association of America in SCAA Lead Instructor. Dean also attended Hartwick College.

Some direct reports include Lauren Wholey - Controller, Itamar Loss - VP of R&D, and Zach Bove - Head of Production.

Dean Vastardis

Phil spends the majority of his days on [BKON](/org/bkon)’s production floor where his team collaboration and solution-driven mentality shines. Friday’s are his most feel-good day of the workweek, when he celebrates all that was accomplished. Outside of work you can find him visiting craft breweries, cooking new recipes, or just relaxing on the couch. 

Phil Rainsford

Zach Bove is the current Head of Production at [BKON](/org/bkon). Zach has been with the company since February 2015 and has held various positions including Builder, Designer, Coordinator, and Construction Projects Assistant. Prior to joining [BKON](/org/bkon), Zach was with [La Colombe Coffee Roasters](/org/la-colombe-coffee-roasters) for two years where they served as Wholesale Representative & Cafe Manager. Zach is a highly skilled and experienced professional with a passion for quality construction and design. Zach is a great leader and team player who is always looking for ways to improve the process and product.

Some of their coworkers include Christina Stevens - Business Development Manager, Lou Vastardis - President, and Lauren Wholey - Controller. Some direct reports include Jeremy Diclemente - Production Assistant, Colin Shawcross - Production Lead, and Dustin George - Production Lead. Their manager is Dean Vastardis, CEO.

Zach Bove

Tom is a mechanical engineer with a background in applied superconductivity; he can also fix anything with zip ties and duct tape. His favorite days are spent in the warehouse, finding new ways to increase productivity. 

Tom Tracy

Christina is a creative problem solver and loves finding the perfect solution for clients. Developing strategies & relationships is where she thrives, but Christina has the most fun during events where she can interact with potential customers. On a farm is where she feels at home, while hiking mountains gives Christina the most clarity and the best ideas.

Christina Stevens

Itamar uses his 30+ years in product development and “Gambiarra” practice to bring a resourceful and analytical approach to [BKON](/org/bkon)’s R&D efforts.  He’s a walking TV guide, known for his loyalty to those he loves and after many moves, determination to not buy any more furniture than the basics.

Itamar Loss

Dustin’s most excited by days that require lots of use of the forklift. It’s literally his favorite place to be here at [BKON](/org/bkon). Brewing on [BKON](/org/bkon)’s STORM is a close second. From beer to wine to coffee, Dustin’s bringing his passion for beverage to [BKON](/org/bkon)’s production team. He’s a fan of disk golf and Magic the Gathering, and once landed a story perfect shot in a game of beer pong against a band at the Warped Tour. 

Dustin George

John’s most exciting days consist of hard work from a full production day and cooling off in the reefer truck. His experience as Head Distiller at La Colombe brings special skillsets to [BKON](/org/bkon) and translates to his proficiency in home brewing. Outside work John can be found rock climbing, when he’s not watching Frasier reruns. 

John Donaldson

Lou Vastardis’ expertise and strategic development have propelled [BKON](/org/bkon)’s   industry leadership. Since the company’s conception, Lou has brought all his energy to everything he does and constantly provides new ideas to continuously improve the business. Lou’s love of coffee extends to all food & beverage as an accomplished home chef.

Lou Vastardis

Colin brings his decade of brewing experience to [BKON](/org/bkon)’s production team. He’s master of [BKON](/org/bkon)’s filtration and is most excited when the team exceeds a customer’s yield. Colin is known for his positive attitude and laughter, mad creative skills that range from drawing to music, and being the best Dad he can to his daughter. During break time, you can find him enjoying frisbee and football. 

Colin Shawcross

Lauren W will answer all your math questions while simultaneously accomplishing three tasks. She appears to have a photographic memory and feels most accomplished when the day’s To Do list is complete. Family time and the smell of coffee are two of Lauren’s favorite things, and she once released newly hatched baby sea turtles into the ocean while in Mexico. 

Lauren Wholey

Lauren P uses her 12 years marketing experience to make the technical, more digestible for [BKON](/org/bkon)’s audience. She relishes days where the team laughs their heads off, and favors work promoting customers’ RAIN powered beverages. When home Lauren is usually meal prepping while listening to throwback hip hop.  

Lauren Pfeiffer

The leadership team at BKON has a wide range of experience in the coffee industry. The team includes a director of specialty coffee, a builder, designer, and coordinator of construction projects, and a wholesale representative and cafe manager. The team also has a wide range of educational backgrounds, with degrees in public sculpture, labor and industrial relations, and coffee roasting.

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at BKON

CEO and Executive Team

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