Our Team

Education
MBA in Finance and Accounting, Vanderbilt University

Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Hobart College

Experience
With over 27 years of experience in optical technology, Nick leverages his passion for new product exploration to deliver custom, innovative solutions to customers across various industries.

As CEO, Nick oversees day-to-day operations to ensure quality standards and deliverables are met. In fact, the challenge of finding niche product solutions for customers is what he enjoys most about leading API.

“We’re a small business, but we’re very nimble,” says Nick. “We have a talented staff of dedicated, engaged people who are coming up with advanced solutions for customers.”

Prior to joining API in 1991, Nick worked in the finance department within the exploration division of Sonat, Inc., a Fortune 500 energy holding company. Today, his background in product development and application help keep API at the forefront of polarization technology.

To Nick, the reward is in the result. “This job allows me to see the results of what I do. Knowing that something I figured out is needed and used to make somebody’s life better – that’s the heart of API.”

Behind the Lens
Nick’s love for avionics goes beyond API aircraft products. In fact, he holds a private pilot’s license (SEL). In addition, he earned his Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Competition License. Nick is devoted to his family and spends his free time volunteering at the cardiac unit of the Reading Hospital.

Education
Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Penn State University

Bachelor of Science in Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University

Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Penn State University

Experience
With an expansive engineering background, Jeff’s innovative spirit has helped API develop a wide range of optical solutions for varying segments of the optic marketplace. His contributions have firmly established the company as a leading global supplier of polarizing materials and products. Jeff’s leadership continuously inspires API’s team to create a pioneering work environment.

Jeff began his tenure at API serving as the company’s Product Engineering Manager, but his proven skill and passion led him to become President of the company in 2016. The opportunity to find the right product for each customer gives Jeff a sense of satisfaction and pride.

To Jeff, solving complex challenges is a pleasure. “We know our products,” says Jeff. “Our years of experience make it easy to find solutions for even the most niche applications.”

Prior to joining API in 2014, Jeff spent more than 20 years in the electronics, carbon graphic, fiberglass, and log processing industries. His extensive experience informs his ability to develop unique results in optical technology.

“API’s continued success will come from helping customers solve a wide range of optical problems through technological advancements, new product innovations and the development of unique solutions for specific segments of the marketplace,” says Jeff.

High-quality products are a result of a high-quality team. Jeff states, “We’re a family-oriented business and we make sure that employees have what they need to prosper.” That personal touch within the company directly correlates to the attentive service and customized results API customers can expect to receive.

Behind the Lens

Jeff has a daughter who loves to dance and he’s proud that she pursues that passion. His own passion is for cars, as he enjoys the thought behind high-performance machinery.

Education
Juris Doctor, Widener University School of Law

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Albright College

ADN in Nursing, Alvernia College

Certified Mediator

Experience
Victoria’s over 20 years of practicing law, mediation and arbitration has translated well to the business world. As VP of Special Projects at API, she is responsible for project and sales development, corporate hiring, and spearheading the procurement of government contracts.

Victoria began her career as a registered nurse, then transitioned into family law. She spent 25 years as an attorney and eventually founded her own law firm. In 2014, she sold the firm and joined API as a co-owner.

Creativity and capability are the elements that first drew Victoria to API. “I love what I do because it’s creative, which you wouldn’t think of in a manufacturing and technical business. But it is creative because we find solutions to challenges and there’s a lot of camaraderie. The people behind API are what makes it great.”

Victoria is an advocate for women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers and she leads by example. It’s important to her that women are given equal opportunities for advancement at API and she’s been happy to see some female employees grow into leadership roles.

Working at API provides Victoria the opportunity to continue the family legacy of advancing quality processes and polarization capabilities. “The sky is the limit,” she notes.

Behind the Lens
Victoria is deeply involved in serving the community. She puts her mediation and collaborative law certifications to good use on the Board of Directors for Jan’s Circle of Friends, a service that assists children who have faced domestic violence and parental loss. She also acts as a legal advocate for Hannah’s Hope Ministries. In addition to her passion for volunteering, Victoria has a love for aviation and holds a single-engine land pilot’s license.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Grove City College

Minored, Observational Astronomy, Grove City College

Experience
Dan assumed his role as API Applications Engineer shortly after graduating from college. His fresh perspective and engineering background have quickly made him a valued member of the team. Dan’s aptitude for working in engineering platforms such as MATLAB and PTC Creo help him turn product ideas into successful applications.

While an undergrad, Dan served as a Field Manager at Clean Water Action in Rhode Island, gaining insight into environmental legislation, conservation, and sustainable economic and industry tactics.

The opportunity to learn about the optical technology industry at API has been especially exciting for Dan. “I enjoy working here because I am constantly learning more about a unique and valuable industry.

Dan’s curiosity and customer-focused mindset poise him for a bright future in polarization applications. “Our determination to produce the highest quality product makes us different,” says Dan, adding “The focus is always on the customer and we constantly aim to improve service.”

Education
Berks County Vocational Education

Experience
Jennifer has been a vital API team member since 1992. As Production Manager, it’s her responsibility to ensure that projects are completed on time and in an efficient manner.

With an ever-changing range of products and capabilities, no day is ever the same for Jennifer. The challenge of the job allows her to always continue learning and growing, even after 26 years in the polarization industry.

“We make unique products that no one else does,” says Jennifer. “I love using our specialized knowledge to help our customers.”

Beyond the daily challenges, it’s the people at API that make it easy to work each day. “Employee happiness is a priority at API,” she adds.

Behind the Lens
Jennifer’s keen eye for details serves her outside of work, too. She enjoys needlecrafts and creating textiles for various holiday bazaars. In the fall, you can count on Jennifer to sport a football jersey supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Education, Kutztown University

Experience
Mary Fran began her tenure at API in 1990. Her attentive eye for office and finance matters keeps API on target with timelines and budgets. She enjoys the niche quality of working in the specialty polarization field.

Mary Fran describes API’s culture as feeling like a family, both in their care for employees and customers alike. “We listen to our customers,” says Mary Fran, “and we work with them to find the perfect products for their needs.

With nearly 30 years’ experience working in office and account management, Mary Fran enjoys the ever-evolving technology and applications practiced at API. “We do a lot of unique things and it’s a challenge every day,” she says.

Behind the Lens
Mary Fran’s previous work experience includes serving as Aquatics Director at the YMCA. Her husband and niece also work at API, which emphasizes the family-oriented culture of the company. Family is important to Mary Fran and she enjoys spending time with her two granddaughters when she’s not at work.

Education
Business Administration and Management, Souderton Area High School

Corporate Training and Continuing Education, Microsoft Office Business Applications

Experience
With over 30 years of business experience, Janine brings a steady and focused quality to API’s salesforce. Prior to joining the company in 2010, she was part of a woman-owned business. Janine originally joined API as a member of the window production team. She then transitioned into a Sales Specialist role and has since come to specialize in API’s 3M line of products.

A natural communicator, “I like to build relationships with people and talk to them and keep the rapport going,” says Janine.

From leadership to production, Janine values that every department of the company cares and keeps customer satisfaction top-of-mind.

“We want to make people happy. If it means trying something we haven’t done before, we’ll try it. We’re a custom house, so we can do things outside the box,” she adds.

Behind the Lens
Janine is a mother of two happy teenagers. In her free time, she enjoys pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, such as selling Mary Kay products.