Prior to founding xclamat!on marketing, Mario spent 15 years with consumer package goods firms such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark and Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he held several leadership positions in business development, sales planning and communications. In a time where “Go to Market Strategies” are being redefined and challenged; Mario’s intention as the founder of BoostAnyBusiness.com is to provide small business owners and new entrepreneurs the ideas, tools and techniques that will help them grow their own brands/businesses and make more money.

In 2008, out of more than 1,000 small businesses applicants, Vetrazzo finished runner up of Forbes’ 2nd annual Boost Your Business contest. In about 3 short years, James Sheppard has led the development of a world-class factory, hired an experienced management team, expanded distribution throughout the U.S. and Canada and has grown sales over 200%.

What was once a small custom surface material with limited distribution is now a recognized leader in the new category of recycled glass surfacing. Prior to co-founding Vetrazzo, James had a successful sales and marketing career in the software industry as a top performing Sales Manager in North America for SPL WorldGroup, Inc.

Preceding this, he spent seven years in the commercial real estate industry developing shopping centers and negotiating with national tenants such as Starbucks, McDonald’s and Blockbuster Video.  James Sheppard holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta in Canada.