About Us

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Corrugated Containers Co. was founded by Mike Zarate, a hardworking visionary who began his journey alongside his wife, Cristy, as they moved from their hometown of Mexicali, Baja California to El Paso, Texas, eventually settling in Los Angeles’ San Gabriel Valley to start their family.

Mike quickly built a reputation for integrity, quality, and generosity—traits that distinguished him in the packaging and manufacturing world. As he rose through the ranks at industry-leading companies such as Weyerhaeuser, Georgia Pacific, and International Paper, he mastered every facet of the manufacturing process. He ultimately became Plant Manager at Weyerhaeuser, all while raising a young family with Cristy during some of the most demanding years of their lives.

Driven by the dream of building something of their own after their son was born, Mike took a leap of faith and launched Corrugated Containers Co. from their home in Hacienda Heights. Cristy fielded phone calls and customer service while Mike traveled to see customers. After too many long commutes to “El Valle” (Mexicali and San Luis Río Colorado), Mike and Cristy made the decision to return closer to their roots, relocating the family just an hour away from the fertile agricultural valleys of Baja California. By the early ’90s, the next generation was already stepping in. With a natural knack for technology, their teenage daughter Karinna encouraged Mike to invest in their first computer. At just 16, she created the company’s first digital logo, managed invoices and purchase orders, and logistics all on Windows 95 and a fax machine.

Now, over 30 years later, Karinna continues to lead and support the family business, guided by the values her father exemplified. 

While many skills can be taught, some must be passed down only through living example:

Integrity. Ethics. Kindness. Loyalty.

These are more than just values--they form the DNA of our company. They are the principles Mike Zarate built Corrugated Containers Co upon, and they remain at the heart of everything we do.