Tom Branna, Editorial Director01.02.23
Nobody talks about anti-aging anymore. Well-aging is the word(s) of the day. Some people and businesses age better than others. Adjectives aside, there’s no stopping Father Time. And in 2023, Happi celebrates its diamond anniversary.
Through most of our history, Happi has been privately-held by Rodman Media. We got our start in June 1964, when Rodman J. Zilenziger began publishing Detergent Age. Within a few years, our name was changed to Household and Personal Products Industry (HAPPI) to better represent our scope of coverage.
Rod moved the company to Ramsey, NJ and began building a multi-title publishing group. Through that expansion, Rodman remained fiercely independent. Our late founder retired in 1993. Rod Zilenziger Jr. took over and led a tremendous growth spurt. Today, Rodman Media includes 11 websites, 10 magazines and several live events.
Now, the third generation of Zilenzigers is onboard; James Zilenziger serves as VP-operations. Stability isn’t limited to ownership. Executive Vice President Matt Montgomery has been with Rodman since 1978. I’m just the third editor in Happi’s history, having succeeded the late Hamilton C. Carson in 1993.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with true professionals such as Managing Editor Christine Esposito, Senior Editor Melissa Meisel, Assistant Editor Lianna Albrizio and our sales team led by Publisher Art Largar and National Sales Director Tom Frangis. Making it all come together is Art Director Emily Fitterman and Production Manager Lisa St. Charles.
No matter whose name appears in the staff box, we’ve always been determined to cover all the key issues that impact our business—and we’re using more than the printed word to expand our coverage.
Happi.com debuted in 1996. Since then, we’ve added videos, podcasts and other multi-media tools. These investments, and our success, wouldn’t be possible without the support of our readers and advertisers. Thank you!
Maybe it’s kismet, in 2023, I’m entering my 60th year of existence, too. In fact, I’m just a month older than Happi. We’ve both experienced plenty of bumps and bruises during the past six decades, but I’m confident that—for Happi, at least—the best is yet to come.
Happy New Year! Our team looks forward to connecting with you in-person and online throughout 2023.
Tom Branna
Editorial Director
[email protected]
Through most of our history, Happi has been privately-held by Rodman Media. We got our start in June 1964, when Rodman J. Zilenziger began publishing Detergent Age. Within a few years, our name was changed to Household and Personal Products Industry (HAPPI) to better represent our scope of coverage.
Rod moved the company to Ramsey, NJ and began building a multi-title publishing group. Through that expansion, Rodman remained fiercely independent. Our late founder retired in 1993. Rod Zilenziger Jr. took over and led a tremendous growth spurt. Today, Rodman Media includes 11 websites, 10 magazines and several live events.
Now, the third generation of Zilenzigers is onboard; James Zilenziger serves as VP-operations. Stability isn’t limited to ownership. Executive Vice President Matt Montgomery has been with Rodman since 1978. I’m just the third editor in Happi’s history, having succeeded the late Hamilton C. Carson in 1993.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with true professionals such as Managing Editor Christine Esposito, Senior Editor Melissa Meisel, Assistant Editor Lianna Albrizio and our sales team led by Publisher Art Largar and National Sales Director Tom Frangis. Making it all come together is Art Director Emily Fitterman and Production Manager Lisa St. Charles.
No matter whose name appears in the staff box, we’ve always been determined to cover all the key issues that impact our business—and we’re using more than the printed word to expand our coverage.
Happi.com debuted in 1996. Since then, we’ve added videos, podcasts and other multi-media tools. These investments, and our success, wouldn’t be possible without the support of our readers and advertisers. Thank you!
Maybe it’s kismet, in 2023, I’m entering my 60th year of existence, too. In fact, I’m just a month older than Happi. We’ve both experienced plenty of bumps and bruises during the past six decades, but I’m confident that—for Happi, at least—the best is yet to come.
Happy New Year! Our team looks forward to connecting with you in-person and online throughout 2023.
Tom Branna
Editorial Director
[email protected]