Michèle Mullen – Founder
Michèle Mullen – CEO, Founder
Michèle Mullen has been a dynamic force in the food industry for over 30 years, earning a reputation among her peers as a "food guru." With a global perspective shaped by extensive travel and fluency in two languages, Michèle brings a deep understanding of diverse cultures, products, and market trends. Her BA in Visual Communications has been instrumental in driving creative and innovative solutions for both customers and SOS Co-Packing Solutions.
Michèle’s career journey began in ingredient sales, evolving into a distinguished 27-year tenure in contract manufacturing. This wealth of experience has sharpened her ability to anticipate customer needs and navigate complex industry challenges. Her deep expertise in packaging and marketing has further cemented her reputation as a strategic and insightful leader. Recognizing a gap in the food and supplement industry for an all-in-one service provider, Michèle founded SOS Co-Packing Solutions (SOSCPS) in 2013. The company was built on a clear vision: to offer comprehensive expertise under one roof, streamlining operations and eliminating the need for customers to hire additional resources.
Under Michèle’s leadership, SOSCPS has become a trusted partner, known for its customer-focused approach and innovative solutions. Her guiding philosophy—"There is always a solution"—remains at the heart of the company’s operations. By fostering mutual success and transparency, Michèle has driven growth and solidified lasting relationships with SOSCPS’s clients.
Michèle’s passion for excellence and unwavering commitment to both her customers and team ensure that SOSCPS continues to thrive as a trailblazer in the industry.
Fun Fact: Michèle can sing most 80’s New Wave and Hair Band song.
Chief Operating Officer
Dante Bruton – Chief Operating Officer
Dante Bruton, a Southern California native, began his career in the U.S. Air Force, serving with distinction, including a tour in South Korea. After his service, he honed his technical skills at Northrop Grumman and Nellis Air Force Base, focusing on operational non-destructive inspections and aircraft components.
In 2014, Dante transitioned to the food manufacturing industry as Plant Quality Manager at Pringles in Jackson, TN. Over the past decade, he has excelled in optimizing production processes, implementing quality management systems, and leading cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence. His expertise spans end-to-end manufacturing operations, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and ensuring compliance with FDA, USDA, and international food safety standards.
With SQF training, Dante applies structured food safety principles to optimize systems and processes within SOSCPS. He also holds certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI), and Foreign Supplier Verification Program Individual (FSVPI). His background includes specialized knowledge in food security, sanitation, microbiology, regulatory compliance, packaging design, and workforce development.
With a proven track record of mentoring cross-functional teams and driving innovation, Dante blends operational excellence with a deep commitment to continuous improvement. Ensuring every product we produce meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
Fun Fact: Enjoys working on cars and tropical cruises!
Operations Admin & Regulatory
Annie Gurren – Operations Admin and Regulatory
Annie is originally from the Pacific Northwest and landed in Las Vegas, where she lived for 23+ years until her recent move to East Texas (and no she is not a Cowboys or Raider fan). She has 25+ years of business and corporate administrative experience from the medical field to construction and most recently, the food and beverage co-packing industry. She has managed offices of up to 75 people, organized multiple office moves, managed buildings and all the obstacles of owning your own building, supervised administrative staff and provided support for CEO’s, Directors, HR, Accounting and Marketing.
Annie holds a HACCP Certification and has been intensely involved with building and implementing Safe Quality Foods) SQF food safety and quality plans and programs for multiple locations. She has experience and understanding of Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, and GFCO products, including the certifications that go along with them.
Fun Fact: Annie owned a sport bike in her younger years. She also had the opportunity to race in an off-road car race in the Las Vegas desert. "I feel the need... the need for speed."
PURCHASING COORDINATOR
Celeste Tafoya - Purchasing Coordinator
Celeste's journey at SOS CoPacking Solutions is a testament to dedication and growth. She joined the team on our production line and quickly rose through the ranks thanks to her curiosity, can-do attitude, and deep understanding of how things work on the floor. From fulfillment to shipping and receiving, customer service to scheduling, Celeste has truly done it all—and now she’s bringing that hands-on experience to her newest role in Purchasing.
Though new to the department, Celeste knows our vendors, understands our ingredients, and brings a thoughtful, organized approach to managing our supply chain. Fluent in Spanish, she’s a natural communicator and a team favorite—always ready to step in, lend a hand, or solve a problem.
Raised in a big, strong, women-led family (where girls definitely rule!), Celeste is confident, capable, and never afraid to take on something new. Outside of work, she’s a proud Frenchie mom and loves spending time with her pup and her close-knit family.
Fun Fact: After 14 years on the soccer field, Celeste can bend it like Beckham, binge-watch mini-series like a champ, and quote Tarantino films with flair.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Crystal del Pozo - Customer Service
Crystal del Pozo brings over 15 years of hands-on customer service and office operations experience to the SOSCPS team. As our Customer Service Manager, Crystal plays a key role in ensuring smooth communication between our clients, production team, and leadership. With a strong background in managing high-volume accounts, call centers, and order fulfillment, she is a true problem solver who thrives under pressure.
A native Angeleno, born and raised right here in beautiful Los Angeles, Crystal supports our diverse customer base with care, clarity, and efficiency. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is deeply committed to delivering the highest level of service, always with a personal touch. Her attention to detail, follow-through, and relationship-building reflect SOSCPS’s promise to deliver excellence in every project.
Fun Fact: Crystal is a classic rock enthusiast who loves spinning her vinyl record collection, catching live concerts, and bringing the energy to karaoke night.