The Talaria Team
Our industry needs top-notch experts that create innovative solutions to take logistics to the next level. Our team is dedicated to high quality, flexibility, and putting the needs of our customers first.
Meet The Team
Regulated cannabis needs a logistics partner with the right experience. That’s exactly what we bring to the table. From lifelong entrepreneurs to experienced business professionals, retired law enforcement to compliance experts, we bring a diverse set of experiences to serve you.
Ari Raptis
Chief Executive Officer
Ari is the founder and visionary behind Talaria. He is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years in logistics and business management leading the company with a wide range of real-world experience. With a specialized focus in secure logistics, his business background and leadership skills make him an integral part of Talaria and our community outreach efforts. Ari has been an advocate for the industry and is regarded as one of the industries leading voices for reliable and safe logistics in the cannabis industry.
Joe Wentzell
VP of Revenue
Joe Wentzell brings 25 years of retail operations and wholesale sales experience to his role. He has launched, operated, and sold small companies. Additionally, he has served as the Director of Retail strategy for the largest bicycle retailer in the United States with 110 stores in 40 states. Most recently Joe has served as Head of Revenue and Head of Wholesale for two respected multi-state cannabis operators. This past experience serves Joe well in his current role which oversees our marketing, sales, and customer success teams. Throughout Joe’s career he is known to identify and develop talented employees while keeping his focus on the customer.
Jane Modisett
Sales Manager
Jane has been a dedicated professional in the cannabis industry for nearly five years. She began her journey in the wholesale sector, gaining extensive experience and insight into the complexities of this rapidly evolving market. With a passion for the industry and a keen understanding of its dynamics, Jane continues to make impactful contributions and drive growth.
Andrew Nedelka
VP of Operations
Andrew has an extensive background in business development and operations, stemming from a decade of entrepreneurship. He has worked with teams of varied sizes and has always strived to bring a focus on consistency, reliability, and transparency to an organization. Andrew serves as the leader for the company’s logistics operation and growing our services nationwide.
Chad Westfall
Mid-West Account Executive
Chad Westfall brings a wealth of unique experience and insights from his diverse background, combining military discipline, a deep understanding of the cannabis industry, and a proven track record in retail operations and strategy development. Having worked across 14 cannabis markets, Chad excels at identifying opportunities, overcoming challenges, and driving business growth in highly competitive environments. With a passion for medicinal cannabis, the industry, and improving and driving efficiency, Chad continues to make impactful contributions and help drive overall relationships building, and reciprocal growth.
Todd M. Bashore
Regional Manager
Todd is a 32 year veteran of the East Pennsboro Township Police Department in central Pennsylvania. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in many roles leading to being appointed as the Chief of Police in 2011 and served in that capacity until he retired in 2018. Bashore is a 1985 graduate of the 33rd PA Municipal Police Academy, attended Harrisburg Area Community College majoring in Police Science, and attended Police Executive Development program and Police Supervisor Training through Penn State University. Todd joined Talaria as a Regional Manager and is instrumental in the daily operations of Talaria’s delivery teams and fleet management.
Douglas Young
Vault Manager
Doug Young is an Army veteran and a Retired Lieutenant with the Pennsylvania State Police. During his 25 years of service with the State Police, his assignments include work in Patrol and serving 15 years as an Pennsylvania State Police Academy firearms instructor and supervisor. In 2011, he was commissioned by the State Police and began service as Commander of the Basic Training Division. Doug supports the company’s daily operations including the company’s expansion and new customer onboarding.
William A. Teper, Jr.
Regional Manager
Bill is a retired Major from the Pennsylvania State Police. During his 30 year career, Bill served in many roles from overseeing criminal investigations, intelligence operations, undercover investigations, dignitary protection, coordinating large scale events, commanding the Bureau of Forensic Services and prior to retirement, served as the Area I Commander, overseeing 1,200 personnel, both enlisted and civilian in Western Pennsylvania. He supports the company’s western region hub and lead the company’s field recruiting efforts.
Danny Fry
Vault Manager
Danny Fry is a veteran of the United States Air Force and a retired Sergeant with the Pennsylvania State Police. While in the Air Force, he provided air base ground defense, law enforcement and security duties. During his 25 year career with the State Police, his assignments included patrol, criminal investigations, vice investigations and he also served as a Station Commander. Danny graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
Heather Underwood
Talent Manager
Heather Underwood brings 18 years of Human Resources experience across multiple industries to her role. Heather joined the Talaria team in July 2022 and supports our Talent Development initiatives, payroll processes, and human resources operations.
Brad Abramson
Project Manager
With a 20-year background in management consulting and insurance, I bring deep expertise in logistics, transportation, and project management. I specialize in optimizing secure, high-stakes transportation and logistical operations, particularly for sensitive and high-value goods. My project management skills ensure efficient and secure handling throughout each process, delivering operational success across complex environments.
Allan Wheeler
Vault Lead
Al is retired from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During his 28-year career he was assigned to numerous positions within the patrol: Academy Instructor, Aviation Pilot, Investigator, Executive Protection Officer, and Sergeant. After retiring he was a private contractor with the Dept. Of State assigned to the US Ambassador’s security detail in Kabul Afghanistan for a period of 2 years. Upon returning from
Afghanistan, he was a police chief for 3 years in a small suburb of Columbus Ohio until taking a private executive protection director position. Al still holds a police commission with a sheriff’s department in Ohio and provides them with yearly firearms training.
David Martin
Vault Manager
David Martin is a retired Corporal of the Pennsylvania State Police. During his 25 career with the State Police he served 10 years in patrol functions and 15 years at the Academy. During the Academy he supervised the Departments Ceremonial Honor Guard Unit and coordinated the schedule for Cadet training. He joined Talaria in 2018 and is instrumental to daily operations, facility maintenance and technology systems.
Michelle Morris
Compliance Manager
Michelle Morris serves as our Head of Licensing and Compliance. As a strong proponent of Nutraceuticals and Phytomedicine, she took her 25 years of Regulatory and Legal Compliance expertise and entered the Cannabis space in 2017. In 2022, Ms. Morris graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics and Policy, from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy. Michelle specializes in writing Cannabis vertical license applications and has successfully been awarded cannabis licenses in multiple states. As a result, Michelle has been chosen to evaluate new cannabis license applications by state cannabis licensing commissions. Her vast knowledge in legal compliance has been an essential part of her building, implementing, and maintaining compliant work environments for Talaria and past employers. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to baseball games, and reading by the beach.
Carlie Fitzgerald
SDR
Carlie Fitzgerald joins Talaria to help with sales development activities and to leverage social media to help drive growth. Carlie’s background in education equips her with the communication and organization skills needed in this transitional period of her career. Excited to blend her passion for connecting with others and strategic thinking, Carlie is poised to make a significant impact at Talaria.
