Benartex Team

If you were to add up the years of experience of the Benartex team, it would probably amount to several centuries!

Read about Mr. B, Benartex Founder and President Emeritus

David Lochner, President David is responsible for all aspects of fabric production. David was a commercial lender for 8 years before joining Benartex in 1994. He grew up in Pennsylvania and is actually Pennsylvania Dutch (this is probably where his interest in quilting came from!) He is also probably the only Pennsylvanian Dutchman involved in the manufacturing of quilting fabrics in New York. David is married with 2 children and lives in New York City. He writes that he enjoys the creative end of the business-especially talking to quilters!

In alphabetical order:

Nicah Ballantine, Customer Service
Nicah was born and raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix (United States Virgin Island) and is the only child from her mother but the eldest of two children from her father. She relocated to New Jersey in 1998 to attend Bloomfield College for her B.A. in Sociology (Criminal Justice concentration) and minor in Women Studies. Nicah is a well-rounded individual with many options and has a passion for event planning and design. During her spare time she freelances as a certified travel agent, which is not very often, but also enjoys reading, baking, dancing, and most importantly spending time with her family, including her Beagle “Oreo” and Shitzu “Candie”.

Carmen Cruz, Graphic Designer
Carmen is a bridge and tunnel girl, who enjoys working in the city for all the inspiration it has to offer. Truly enjoys her afternoon walks! Her freelance work has taken her to design for theater, fashion, music, small businesses and entrepreneurs. Currently at Benartex she designs our quilt patterns, fabric logos, Shop Talk catalog and edits our website content. She enjoys brainstorming ideas and is always curious about learning new things--whether it be a software, trivia, culture, technique or tool. One day she hopes to see her work on billboards!

Karlos DaSalla, Art Director
If you've seen our ads, flyers and booklets, you've seen the wonderfully creative work of our Art Director, Karlos DaSalla. Karlos comes to Benartex with over 30 years experience in all facets of graphics, art direction and production. A graduate of Cooper Union, Karlos's background includes projects for such companies as Business Week, Federal Express, Swissair, Monsanto, and Goody Hair Products. This diverse background has brought a new depth and excitement to all our Benartex graphics, and we look forward to many innovative projects to come.

Megan Downer, Stylist
When Megan arrived at Benartex, our design studio immediately took on an interesting international flavor! This talented stylist, originally from England, is trained in the art of textiles—from hand-dyeing, printing, weaving to carpet making. Her works have been exhibited in galleries, museum and private collections. Megan received her MFA from the Program in Artisanry, Boston University, and soon after worked with architect Michael Graves. She then became a faculty member of RISD (the Rhode Island School of Design), teaching dyeing, printing and surface design techniques. With this rich and diverse background, it is no surprise that Megan soon turned to fabric design, where she has been an award-winning Stylist in the over-the-counter market for the last ten years. Some years ago, she traveled alone to Moscow, Russia, to meet a one-and-a-half year old boy who became her son. She and her son now live in New York, a close subway ride to the city’s museums and galleries.

Bill Mason, Warehouse Manager
Bill is the General Manager of the Benartex warehouse and production facility. All fabric is warehoused and kits are produced and shipped from this facility. He has over 25 years of textile production and customer service experience, and joined Benartex in Oct, 2001. Bill enjoys flying and golf and lives in northeastern Connecticut with his wife Nancy, 3 horses and their golden retriever, "Piper".

Susan Neill, Vice President, Marketing
Susan has a diverse background that includes over 20 years of advertising, editorial, marketing and merchandising experience. She comes from a long line of quilters, including her mom, Janet Page Kessler, whose work has appeared in many publications and juried shows. In addition to her marketing and merchandising responsibilities, Susan is our wordsmith. She is responsible for the concept and copy for all our newsletters, flyers, website, ads and other promotional packages. A lifetime resident of Manhattan, Susan still lives close to the neighborhood where she grew up, and shares her space with a rescued sparrow named "Peep."

Jenna Olejniczak, Marketing Associate
Jenna is a native from Buffalo, NY and just moved in to the city. She graduated with a B.A. in Marketing from the University at Albany and has an M.B.A. from the University of Buffalo. She enjoys exploring new places, watching the Buffalo Sabres, and relaxing with a book. She also has her wonderful labrador Lily in Buffalo, whom she misses very much.

Susan Tazzi, Project Coordinator
Susan graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with an Associates Degree in Buying/Merchandising and a B.A. in Textile Production Management. She brings an extensive background in customer service and management, having worked in circulation at a New York newspaper. Her interests include crafts, needlework, gardening and baking. She is a native Staten Islander where she resides with her cat Baby, a dog Jake, and an Anatolian Shepard named Augustus.

Esther Zielinski, Stylist
Esther Zielinski is the Design Director behind all the beautiful Benartex fabrics. She has an extensive background in textile design and many years in the industry, designing for such names as Geoffrey Beene, Albert Nippon and Oscar de la Renta. Esther collaborated with Jim Henson and Sesame Street in originating the first Muppet print line. She was also responsible for collaborating with American Greeting Card Company in creating the first Holly Hobbie print line. Esther makes the impossible happen-concepts turn into images - images into fine fabrics. She is one of the magicians on our team.