About Us

Circle The Wagons Group Purchasing Organization is committed to saving independent grocery retailers time and money.

We founded Circle the Wagons Group Purchasing Organization (CTW) in 2018, understanding that grocery retailers are under more pressure than ever.  We wanted to protect the profitability and viability of independent retailers by delivering lower costs and expenses for Not For Resale services and commodities. We don’t believe in expensive membership fees where you have to consider the benefit of our vendors versus your ROI. Instead, we get you the best deals through the combined purchasing power of the members of CTW. Our expert team has decades of experience in the grocery industry, specifically with cost reduction, purchase evaluation, and loss prevention areas. CTW is here for you. 

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Barton Howard,
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Randall “Barton” Howard is an entrepreneur, retail expert, and former head of loss prevention. Barton was deputized at 19 years old by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office and served as a law enforcement Investigator in Mississippi until 2010. Barton was recruited to work as a Security Manager at Rouses Market, the 7th largest independent grocer in the United States where he rose through the ranks serving as Vice President of Asset and Profit Protection until July of 2021.

In early 2021, Barton partnered with Rocky Patel Premium Cigars to create Tubeaux by Rocky Patel, thus bringing his invention to the global, retail marketplace in partnership with one of the largest manufacturers of premium cigars in the world. Tubeaux is a global patent pending tech-enabled turnkey humidor service. Recognizing underserved needs for independent grocers, Barton Co-Founded Circle the Wagons (CTW) Group Purchasing Organization in 2018 to serve independent grocery retailers across the US and Canada. Barton is a serial entrepreneur, works closely with Callais Capital which have backed two of his ventures and is associated with several other well-known brands such as Gatr Coolers, Beast Brands, Mallard Bay, and Brewsy Products. He continues to serve on the Advisory Board of Emergency and Security Studies at Tulane University.

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Natalija Paldrmic,
Chief Growth Officer

Natalija is a growth strategist with a passion for keeping retailers ahead of the curve by delivering innovative brands, breakthrough technology, and bold solutions that drive sales and transform customer experiences. She’s been a driving force behind some of the most game-changing firsts in retail technologies—think Coinstar, Redbox, Vision Value Club (now AppCard), Meals.com (now Nestle GoodNes.com), FloWater, Blackhawk Network Original Content, and iCleanse Media to name a few. If it’s cutting-edge and built to scale, she’s on it.

As Chief Growth Officer at Circle the Wagons, Natalija bridges the gap between emerging brands, disruptive tech, and forward-thinking retailers. She specializes in expanding high-demand, mission-driven brands that today’s consumers crave. With a sharp eye for what’s next and a talent for building strategic partnerships, she ensures retailers don’t just keep up—they lead.
 
Beyond business, Natalija is a first-generation American with a relentless drive to get things done and to find new ways to make an impact. She’s a passionate animal lover, and dedicated animal welfare supporter. Whether she’s delivering game-changing retail solutions or advocating for pets, she brings the same energy, heart, and determination to everything she does.
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Heather Russell,
Director of Administration & Finance

Heather graduated from Nicholls State University with her bachelor’s in accounting. She has 10 years experience in industry accounting where the  majority of her focus was in oil and gas and grocery industries.

She has held many different roles in not only accounting and finance, but also human resources and business development, where she received state wide commission to be a notary in the state of Louisiana

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Charles Carriere,
Director of Cost & Fixed Expense Reduction

Charles Carriere is a cost-reduction specialist with Schooley Mitchell, where he helps businesses streamline their expenses and maximize profitability. Leveraging his deep understanding of business operations and financial strategy, he delivers measurable savings across various expense categories. His ability to drive results makes him a trusted advisor to clients seeking to optimize their cost structures in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

 

Before his work at Schooley Mitchell, Charles co-founded Scandy, Inc., a computer-vision software development company, where he served as Chairman and President. At Scandy, he led business development and product management initiatives, resulting in the launch of multiple successful apps with over 1 million downloads in the Apple App Store. He also founded Entrescan, LLC, a 3D printer reseller and 3D printed parts service, which later spun off into Scandy.

 

Charles began his career in finance at Johnson Rice & Company, LLC, a boutique energy-focused investment banking firm. As an equity member and institutional equity sales professional, he built strong relationships with major investment accounts across the U.S., providing insightful buy and sell recommendations, particularly in the energy sector. His early experience as an equity analyst sharpened his analytical skills, laying the foundation for his success in both finance and technology.

 

He holds an MBA in Finance from Tulane University, where he was valedictorian, and a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar.

 
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Christie Pepper,
Operations Coordinator

Christie, a dedicated graduate of Nicholls State University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, brings 20 years of distinguished service from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, where she made a significant impact. Her career began in the court division before she transitioned to the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office as an investigator, where her skills truly shone.

As a past member of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association Board, Christie not only served for several years but also led as the elected president of the Investigator Board for two consecutive terms. In this leadership role, she played a crucial part in steering legislative research and decisions that greatly influenced law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

In her new position, Christie is poised to drive overall efficiency, streamline administrative operations, and enhance client communications. Her strong commitment to collaboration with leadership and diverse teams showcases her dedication and determination to achieve exceptional results.

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Chase Russell,
Director, Supply Chain Services

Chase Russell is a dynamic professional with a multifaceted career spanning the healthcare and logistics industries. With over a decade of experience in the medical field, where he has held various roles, Chase has honed his skills in leadership, organization, and strategic planning. During his tenure in healthcare, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and optimizing operational efficiency. 

In a bold career move, Chase transitioned to the world of supply chain management where he now serves as Director of Supply Chain Services at CTW. In his current role, Chase leverages his extensive leadership experience and operational expertise to drive excellence in warehousing and fulfillment services. Under his guidance, CTW has established itself as a leader in the industry, delivering high quality services with unparalleled attention to detail, flexibility and accessibility.

Chase is a driving force behind CTW’s mission to redefine the standards of warehousing and fulfillment services. His strategic vision, coupled with his unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, makes him a valuable asset to both CTW and the industries it serves

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Janet Barrios,
Accounting Specialist

Janet Barrios is an accomplished accounting specialist with a background in administrative roles in the technology industry. She previously served as an Administrative Specialist at a leading technology company in Louisiana for nearly two years. 

Janet brings extensive experience in accounting and sales management, business development, and overall business operations knowledge to her current role. She performs financial auditing and analysis, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations, while also assisting with accounts receivable tasks, balance sheet reconciliations, journal entries, and regulatory reporting requirements. 

Janet actively supports the month-end close process and collaborates with cross functional teams, gathering financial data and providing valuable insights to inform strategic decision making. Her dedication and expertise significantly contribute to the success and efficiency of her team at Circle the Wagons.