At Alliance Sheets, the foundation of our success lies in strong leadership. Effective leadership fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and commitment, driving our teams to deliver high-quality products and exceptional service. By empowering employees, setting clear goals, and leading by example, our leaders ensure that every member of the Alliance Sheets family contributes to our mission of excellence and continuous improvement.
Steve VanderGriend is the General Manager at Alliance Sheets, bringing 36 years of experience in the corrugated business to his role. Born and raised in Lynden, Washington, Steve’s career has taken him to various parts of the country, including Illinois, Indiana, California, and Alabama. Each move has enriched his leadership style and industry knowledge.
Steve is married to Marci, an expert quilter whose artistry is widely recognized. Their daughter, Andriana, has carved out a successful career as a lawyer specializing in the crypto world. In his free time, Steve enjoys camping, traveling, reading, and gardening, finding joy in both relaxation and exploration. He also loves golfing and is a dedicated fan of the Seattle Seahawks, reflecting his passion for both sports and the outdoors.
Justin Steinman is the Plant Manager at Alliance Sheets, having joined the company in 2014. Before stepping into this leadership role, Justin built a solid foundation as a supervisor and plant superintendent, experiences that have shaped his effective management approach. His career in the corrugated industry began with nine years at International Paper, followed by a year at Heartland Sheets, providing him with a broad perspective and deep industry knowledge.
Born in Hannibal, Missouri, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Justin maintains strong ties to his hometown and frequently visits family in KC. His personal life revolves around his family: his wife Jaqueline, daughters Kallahan, Kinleigh, and Karter, and son Kannon. The Steinman family also includes two beloved dogs, a German Shepherd named Scooby and a Pitbull named TJ. Justin enjoys supporting his children’s travel sports, spending time at the beach, and living by one of his favorite quotes from Muhammad Ali: “You don’t lose if you get knocked down; you lose if you stay down.”
Jim Kalb serves as the Controller at Alliance Sheets, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. Originally from Topeka, Indiana, Jim has called Elkhart home for the past 25 years. Before joining Alliance Sheets, he spent 17 years at the Elkhart Truth newspaper, where he honed his financial expertise, culminating in his position as Controller.
In his personal life, Jim enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect his love for both the past and present. He is a regular at vintage car shows and auctions, finding joy in the craftsmanship of classic automobiles. Hosting summertime pool parties is another of his favorite pastimes, along with cheering on IU sports teams. A fan of classic TV, Jim appreciates the timeless appeal of shows from bygone eras. As an uncle, he treasures his relationships with his niece and nephew, adding a special family connection to his fulfilling life.
Michael Taylor is the Plant Superintendent at Alliance Sheets, where his journey through various roles has equipped him with a deep understanding of the operation. Starting as a Dry End Operator, he advanced to Wet End Operator, Control Room Operator, and Plant Supervisor before stepping into his current leadership position. Born and raised in Elkhart, IN, Michael has a strong connection to his community and workplace.
Outside of work, Michael’s life is centered around his passion for basketball and sports betting, as well as his dedication to his family. He is a proud father to five sons: Michael, Mishaun, Zamarian, Mehki, and Marley, and he takes great joy in caring for them. A believer in determination and effort, Michael lives by a favorite quote from Yoda: “Do, or do not. There is no try,” a philosophy that guides both his professional and personal life.
Lisa Gushwa is the Safety Manager at Alliance Sheets, a role she stepped into in April 2024. Before joining Alliance Sheets, Lisa dedicated 22 years to working as a trauma nurse, a career that equipped her with invaluable experience in high-pressure environments. With over a decade of expertise in OSHA compliance and Safety Management, she brings a deep commitment to workplace safety.
Outside of her professional life, Lisa has a passion for music, especially the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Her community involvement is extensive, as she serves as the Parade Judge for the Marshall County Blueberry Festival and is an active member of the National Safety Council. Additionally, she volunteers with the Red Cross and is a Certified Deep Tissue Massage Therapist. Lisa is also a proud mother of two children, balancing her professional achievements with her family life.
Eric Harshberger is the Quality Manager at Alliance Sheets, where he has been contributing his expertise since January 2023. Prior to his current role, Eric served as the Safety Manager at the company, bringing a strong focus on both quality and safety to the team. Before joining Alliance Sheets, he gained valuable experience as a Shift Supervisor at OX Industries and as a Role Model at Three Rivers Community Schools. Eric’s professional journey began with a BA in Art Education from Western Michigan University in 1999, and he dedicated 20 years to teaching before transitioning to the manufacturing industry.
Eric has been happily married for 21 years and is a proud father of two sons, Bryce and Guy, and a daughter, Macy. His personal interests are as diverse as his professional background, including spending quality time with his family, cooking, smoking and grilling, enjoying live music, and appreciating old cars. Eric also loves fantasy football and finds relaxation cruising the lake on his pontoon, embracing the balance between work and leisure.
Rita Tiffany is the HR Generalist at Alliance Sheets, where she has been making a positive impact since joining in September 2022. Before taking on her current role, she served as the HR Manager at Rise’n Roll Bakery, where she honed her skills in employee relations and management. Born and raised in Indiana, Rita has deep roots in the community and brings a strong work ethic to her role.
Outside of work, Rita enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Now an empty nester, she cherishes moments with her two sons, Wyatt and Jacob. What Rita values most about her position at Alliance Sheets is the people she works with and the genuine commitment the company shows to its employees. This supportive environment makes her role not just a job but a fulfilling experience.
Cathy Melville is the Shipping Manager at Alliance Sheets, where she has been contributing her expertise since October 2015. Before stepping into her current role, Cathy worked her way up within the company, starting as a Forklift Driver, then moving on to 3rd Shift Shipping Lead, and eventually becoming the 2nd Shift Shipping Supervisor. Her career also includes diverse experiences in the hospitality, retail, and manufacturing industries, providing her with a well-rounded skill set.
In her personal life, Cathy enjoys traveling, especially by cruise ship, where she can relax and explore new places. She cherishes spending time with her family, which includes her mother, brother, sister, niece, and three nephews, along with her loyal companion, Abby the Wonder Doberman. Reading and unwinding are also among her favorite pastimes, offering her a perfect balance to her professional responsibilities.
Jon Ranger is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the corrugated industry. A graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Packaging, Jon also holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin Parkside, blending technical knowledge with business acumen.
Over his 19-year career, Jon has excelled in various leadership roles on the converting and sheet plant side, including Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Customer Service Manager, and Materials Manager. This extensive background has equipped him with the skills to manage operations, optimize production, and enhance customer satisfaction. Since joining Alliance Sheets in 2023, Jon has been a key player in driving sales, using his industry expertise to build strong client relationships and deliver effective solutions. Outside of work, Jon is a dedicated family man, married with five children.
Sam Stahley is the Plant Scheduler at Alliance Sheets, where he has been a key team member since August 2014. Throughout his time at Alliance, Sam has held various roles, including Production Supervisor, Control Room Operator, Wet End Operator, and working on the Sheetline. Before joining Alliance Sheets, he served as a Coaching Intern for the football team at Denison University, bringing his passion for sports into his professional life.
Born and raised in Indiana, Sam has deep roots in the state and is a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoys fishing and is an avid card collector. Sam shares his life with his longtime girlfriend, Sara, and their pets: a Bernese Mountain Dog named Mika and a cat named Beans. Working alongside his family at Alliance Sheets, including his father, Tim, and sister, Jessie, adds a special connection to his role at the company.
Jessie Goorhouse is the Customer Service Lead at Alliance Sheets, where she brings her strong background and lively spirit to the team. Raised in Wakarusa, IN, and now a resident of Middlebury, IN since 2006, Jessie has deep ties to her community. She earned her Associate’s degree in Science/Medical Assisting in 2012 and gained valuable experience working at Goshen Health Center for Cancer Care before joining Alliance Sheets.
As a mother of two wonderful children, Jackson and Charlette, Jessie balances her professional life with her role as a dedicated mom. Her household is also filled with the playful energy of “The Girl Gang,” which includes “Goose”, a mini Bernedoodle, “Lucy”, a mini Aussiedoodle, and “Fern”, a mini Dachshund who takes charge. Jessie is well-known for her great sense of humor and enjoys hobbies that keep her busy, including running her kids to and from sporting events, attending concerts, and embracing Pinterest Fails. She also loves building camaraderie with her colleagues to keep morale high and truly values spending quality time with family and friends.
Dave Lupperger is the Maintenance Manager at Alliance Sheets, a role he has excelled in since transitioning from his positions as Maintenance Tech, Maintenance Lead, and Maintenance Supervisor after joining the company in late 2014. His career prior to Alliance Sheets includes serving in the US Marine Corps and working at Smurfit-Stone, providing him with a diverse and robust background in both military and industrial environments.
Born in Millville, New Jersey, Dave has a deep passion for cars, tractors, and racing, reflecting his hands-on and enthusiastic approach to life. He treasures spending time with his family, which includes his wife, Amy, his sons Liam and Colton, and his stepsons Jayson and Michael. Dave’s home is also shared with two loyal pets: an Amstaff named Blue and a Pitbull named Gunner, who bring additional joy to his family life.
