Neil MacDonald—Founder and CEO of Independent Container and Independent II—accomplished his vision of building and selling his company successfully to Hood Container earlier this month. He entered the boxmaking world in 1969.
On July 16th, 2024—MacDonald fought his way out of life—passing in peace with family at his side.
For the fifty-five years in between MacDonald was many things: entrepreneur, relationship seller, innovator, father and leader, generous and humorous, very sharp and always formidable.
Finn MacDonald—outgoing President of Independent II—says that “My father loved the box business. He thrived on the challenge of building businesses. He created lifelong relationships with customers, sheet suppliers, and peers to propel his companies. And over many decades he created a bond with all he worked with. Our employees were really an extended family of his own—no one worked for the boss. Everyone worked with a guy they loved and respected. We call this the Independent Way.”
Finn MacDonald found an early reference to the “Independent Way” in a 1967 letter to shareholders that his grandfather—Philip Miller, CEO of Independent Boxmakers Inc. wrote. The letter reported that IBI had a successful year in sales and in controlling expenses. Miller then said why he believed the company performed well—he credited all employees for working together to take care of customers and each other—describing this spirit as the “Independent Way.”
Neil used this guiding philosophy to build fast-growth, service first, best-in-class sheet plants dedicated to serving the southern Indiana, northern and central Kentucky, and Lexington and Louisville markets. His mottos were “get the customer what they want—when they want it. You cannot improve business that you do not have. It takes as much energy and time to make a mess or a bad box as it does to make a good box and have a clean Plant…so do the right thing.” The combination of these statements fueled many achievements.
Independent Container Inc. opened in 1981 in Louisville, KY. The company was recognized as the 14th fastest growing company in the country in the 1986 edition of the Inc. 500 List. ICI would expand to Erlanger, KY—Ferdinand, IN—and Jasper, IN. In 1995—Grief Bros. Corporation purchased Independent Container and MacDonald oversaw the construction of a new 240,00sf Facility.
Deja vu. In 2006—MacDonald started Independent II. Former employees joined him quickly and the group immediately picked up where they left off. Many loyal customers came back too. Rapid growth followed and the company was again an Inc. 500/5000 honoree (#55 in Manufacturing) and recipient of seven LBJ “Fast-50” awards.
Rapid growth created challenges and opportunities and the Sr. MacDonald approached his son Finn to discuss getting involved in the family business. Both found each other at the right time. Finn joined the company in December 2010 and became one of several multi-generational employees. Dad’s first advice to his Son was—get involved with the AICC. This advice proved invaluable over the years to come.
Neil MacDonald joined the AICC in the early-80s and became active—as a Regional Board Member and as one of many rowdy participants at annual meetings. Boxboard Containers featured Neil and the company in 1992 to recognize 10 years in business. Steve Young—EVP AICC—wrote a letter stating “I am impressed with your philosophy about training employees…As you know, the sophistication of our technology requires a more sophisticated workforce. The article should be required reading for every independent plant.”
In 2012, Neil joined an AICC-CEO group that created a new generation of friendships—and shared experiences. While a lot of the real work got done late at night around the bar exchanging jabs with each other—friends from this group have said that Neil brought a lot of wisdom to each meeting—and that he was not afraid to speak his mind.
Relationships and innovation kept MacDonald ahead of the competition. One midwestern sheet plant operator said that “Neil was LinkedIn before it existed.” He enjoyed conversation and storytelling—he enjoyed having a good time—and he always made the person across from him feel engaged. Innovation also was a key to success—MacDonald purchased high-end converting machinery over the years, was an early Amtech customer, and was not afraid to invest in ThatBox, Solarco Boxmatics or the Domino x630i because they solved unique needs in the market. The relationships fostered with sheet suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and fellow boxmakers made his life richer and his companies more successful.
The last major projects that Neil MacDonald oversaw were the relocation and construction of Independent II’s new 340,000sf facility in 2022 and the process of evaluating and selecting a buyer for the company in 2024. In a conversation with Finn recently he said, “that the best years for our customers and for our company lie ahead.” For so many of his longtime employees and peers—the best years were the years enjoyed with Neil MacDonald.
Neil is survived by his adoring wife Jane (57 years of marriage), his son Finn and family, his daughter Era and family, and many other friends and family members.
In lieu of flowers—please consider a tax-deductible contribution to the AICC—Foundation for Packaging Education. The MacDonald Family believes that the AICC and the FPE are the best resources to support entrepreneurship and business growth in the years ahead. Together—let’s create the next great Independent!
A Celebration of Life will be held at Owl Creek Country Club in Anchorage, KY on Friday July 26th from 5-8pm. Guests are welcome to share a story and enjoy a drink. Dress code—No socks please!
