Jeffery Kampel, senior vice president of vendor relations at R.J. Schinner Co. Inc., passed away January 24, 2021. He was 71 years old.

Kampel was born June 24, 1949 in New York City. He entered the distribution business in 1980, when he joined his cousin in establishing a new branch of Sweet Paper Sales in Orlando, Florida. After 25 years with Sweet Paper, Kampel joined Lagasse Sweet as head of procurement for plastic and paper nationwide. He briefly retired in 2013, returning to the distribution industry in 2015 as senior vice president with R.J. Schinner. 

“It is hard to put into words the impact Jeff has had at R.J. Schinner. Never one to shy away from a challenge or opportunity, Jeff could dominate a room, while at the same time mentor and teach others. His ability to negotiate, formulate strategies, and instill in all of us at R.J. Schinner a ‘never settle for second place’ attitude will be sorely missed,” said Ken Schinner, R.J. Schinner president.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Phyllis, three children, and 11 grandchildren.