Don Tomala is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Matrix Partners in Chicago, an integrated strategy, identity and communications firm specializing in servicing the pet products industry. Thanks to his strong financial and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) marketing background, Don has designed and helped implement dozens of long-range strategic growth plans that have generated substantial incremental sales and profits for pet products clients. In the last ten years, the collective efforts of Don and the Matrix Partners team have generated over $800 million in incremental sales for a range of pet product brands they have re-staged or launched including Stella & Chewy’s, Bravo Pet Foods, Caru Pet Food, Sustainably Yours Cat Litter, Swheat Scoop Cat Litter, Charlee Bear Treats and Hound & Gatos Pet Food to name a few. Under Don’s leadership, Matrix has received dozens of design and marketing awards, including a Gold Effie from the New York American Marketing Association. In 2015, Don was recognized as an Industry Icon by Pet Age Magazine, the inaugural year of this prestigious Pet Industry award.On a personal note, Don is actively involved with his local pet rescue organization, TLC Animal Shelter, and encourages employee and client volunteering and donations to other rescue organizations around the country.