Our Staff
MICHAEL KOTOK | PRESIDENT
Michael was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. As President of Arctic Fisheries Ltd., Michael is responsible for all daily operations, sales management, procurement, finance and marketing functions. Michael is also the author of our famous Weekly Market Updates. Michael is a Director for the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) where he is also on the Executive Committee and is a current board member of the Better Seafood Board.
Michael graduated from University of Buffalo’s Business School where he played lacrosse. Michael began in the business as a youngster working weekends in the freezers and coolers of Kotok & Heims in the late 70’s and early 80’s. After college, Baltimore Fish & Oyster on Buffalo’s east side was the venue for continued education and insight into all aspects of a wholesale and retail seafood operation. Afterwards, Michael joined X-Sea-Lnt International Corp. and spearheaded the drive to change the name from X-Sea-Lnt to Arctic Fisheries.
Michael’s hobbies include skiing, mountain biking and lacrosse. When not in town, you’ll find Michael out west with his wife, usually in the deepest powder possible.
Large Iceland Harvest or OP cod loins (that way you get huge flakes) loaded with hot sauce and grilled on a barbecue is Michael’s preferred fish dish. Fish tacos are also a favorite. Look for his seafood tips on our twitter account.
BRETT BARBER | CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Brett, native to Western New York, currently resides in Hamburg. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he was a member of the men’s ice hockey team. Committed to self-improvement, Brett enrolled in graduate studies pursuing an accounting based MBA. With the encouragement and support of family and friends, Brett is expected to complete his degree from Canisius College by the end of 2017.
Prior to joining Arctic Fisheries Ltd., Brett was as an award-winning manager in the Buffalo office of a Fortune 500 Company. He is a highly motivated, well-organized, and results-driven professional bringing over ten (10) years of valuable and diverse management experience to Arctic Fisheries Ltd. Having worked in fast paced, constantly evolving environments, Brett has become a passionate believer that strong team communication is the foundation for a successful business culture.
Growing up, Brett’s life centered on family, friends and sports…come to think of it, not much has changed. Summers belong to golf, lacrosse, relaxing by the pool, fishing out on the lake, and an annual trek to Stone Harbor, New Jersey for a large extended family vacation. Winters include ice hockey, skiing and camping in the Adirondacks. It is easy to see why Buffalo, a hockey and football crazy city, resting on the shores of Lake Erie and offering such close proximity to so many natural and man-made attractions has been such a natural fit for Brett.
Brett’s favorite seafood dish is grilled Atlantic Cod, don’t be shy with the Old Bay Seasoning.
STEVE BLASZAK | OPERATIONS MANAGER
Steve was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. Steve is responsible for all of our shipping. Steve is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. He can get your shipment to you, on time, economically. Steve also assists with many other functions around our offices.
Steve is pictured with his daughter, Brianna Marie, born on April 20th, 2001. Steve and his wife Kelly also have twin girls; McKenzie and Madison.
Steve is an avid golfer and also enjoys soccer, eating pizza, skiing and hanging-out with family and friends.
Steve’s favorite fish is Yagry Packed at Sea cod, prepared any way, just make sure he gets a large piece!
HEIDI BUTLER | LOGISTICS MANAGER
Heidi was born and raised in the Buffalo, NY-area. Heidi assists with all of our customer-service initiatives. She is also our major-events planner and assists with planning all meetings, conventions and shows.
Heidi is a graduate of Canisius College and holds a degree in Marketing and Management. She is an active member of Alpha Omicron Pi Alumnae Chapter.
When not at Arctic Fisheries, she enjoys shopping at IKEA with her husband Frank, traveling, reading, going to the beach, city-walks and enjoying movies.
Heidi’s favorite fish is Yagry Packed at Sea Cod prepared spicy; either with cajun seasoning or hot sauce.
DAN SMYKOWSKI | SALES MANAGER
Dan was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in business economics.
Dan enjoys playing soccer, traveling, snowboarding, collecting vinyl records, music and brewing his own beer. He also is a supporter of Buffalo sports, attending games whenever he can.
His favorite dish is a toss-up between grilled cod and fish tacos, though he insists on frozen-at-sea cod, whether it be from Iceland or Yagry.
JOHN POGORZELSKI | SALES MANAGER
John was born and raised in Western New York and now resides in the city of Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Fredonia State College.
John enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter hiking and exploring nature. In his free time he cheers on the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He is also an avid fan of the English soccer club Tottenham Hotspurs.
His favorite dish is a traditional local fish fry. He also enjoys grilled cod and king crab legs as well.
KATIE OKONZAK | SALES MANAGER
Katie was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue). Katie attended Eastern Michigan University where she studied Business Marketing.
She still holds Michigan near-and-dear, being a die-hard Wolverine fan. She also loves the Detroit Lions, Red Wings and the Tigers. We’re trying to convert her, but it seems a lost cause. When she is not home hanging out with her Husky, Elliott, more than likely you will find her outside either hiking or fishing, with Elliott by her side.
She has adapted well to Buffalo, as her favorite fish dish is our traditional beer-battered haddock fish fry, usually paired with a local craft beer.
KELLY MOREHOUSE | SALES MANAGER
Kelly was born and Raised in Buffalo , New York. She has a deep background in seafood as well as food service and retail distribution.
Kelly’s most cherished accomplishment is her family. She is a mother, a wife, and a grandmother !
She enjoys shopping, traveling, the first snowfall, music, live concerts and is an avid animal lover ❤️. She has 2 dogs of her own; Max and Cooper .
Her favorite seafood dish is our Bering Sea Fisheries king crab cooked scampi-style.
ADAM KOTOK | GENERAL COUNSEL AND DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Adam is practicing attorney with several years of focused practice in the areas of international commerce, trademarks and source-identifier regulation, and food and beverage imports. Adam has a business degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City.
He lives with his wife and daughters in the New York City area. His three daughters are Buffalo sports fans, and Adam wonders if this was a parenting accomplishment or mistake.
His favorite fish dishes include cod or haddock from a trustworthy source, either in tacos with a quality beer, or simmered in a spicy cioppino-style tomato stew with chickpeas.
TAMMY REINHARDT, CPA | CONTROLLER
Tammy, native to Western New York, currently resides in Akron. She is a graduate of Genesee Community College, in Batavia, NY, where she earned an Associates degree in Business Administration before continuing her education at State University of New York at Brockport, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
Prior to joining Arctic Fisheries, she worked at Certified Public Accounting firms in the Rochester and Buffalo area and has over 20 years of experience in the accounting field.
When not at Arctic Fisheries, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their families, especially her granddaughters Hailee, born on September 5, 2008, and Addison, born July 21, 2021. Neither are spoiled by their Nana at all (well maybe a little). She also enjoys the outdoors and going for walks, hiking, riding her bike and kayaking with friends.
Tammy’s favorite seafood is lobster with either butter or as a bisque.
LISA FERNANDEZ | PROCUREMENT & SALES MANAGER
Lisa returned to her hometown of Buffalo, NY in 2020 after 19 years living in San Diego. As a dedicated professional, her experience in both purchasing and sales operations roles spans several industries including; medical supply, luxury goods, and most recently, specialty grocery. Lisa offers a unique perspective having spent two summers abroad working in an ISO 9001 manufacturing facility highlighting brand development, and stock and data planning. Lisa’s first job was in the fish market of a local grocer, coming full circle now as part of the Arctic Fisheries team! An affinity for sea creatures as well as oceans and lakes has always been there, even from early childhood collecting fishbones on the shoreline!
These days you can find Lisa at the beach or literally anywhere outside gardening or catching live music (Buffalo weather permitting). She enjoys yoga, practicing henna designs and cooking up a storm in the kitchen for her family and friends.
Lisa loves haddock or cod cooked anyway just about daily. King Crab, octopus and squid are extra special treats when dining out or on holidays.
DAVID PIMENTAL | PROCUREMENT MANAGER
Dave is a California native, born and bred in the Bay Area. It was a wonderful hub to learn about all things shellfish while also exploring and enjoying some of the best sushi and sashimi in the state. Also, being Portuguese meant many a Sunday family meals including Bacalao at Grandma and Grandpa’s place. It was also in the Bay Area where he met the love of his life and somehow struck the perfect balance of chivalry and goofiness, tricking her into marrying him.
Flashing forward a few years, just as Dave thought he was getting the husbanding thing down, along came the miracle of he and his wife’s son. It didn’t take long to realize that the grind of Bay Area life and traffic was detracting from that valuable family time they all desired. Call it a risk, call it crazy, or maybe even call it a mid-life crisis, but Dave decided to sell their home and moved his family to the Buffalo area to reset that balance and quality of life.
Dave brings with him over 15 years of procurement and asset management experience in both the private and public sectors. And when he’s not looking out for the next great deal, Dave can be found watching sports, playing golf or breaking out in a spontaneous dance party in the living room with the family.
Dave is a lover of most things seafood, particularly enjoying the growing line of Bob & Doug’s lobster products from Canada and Maine.
JODY TOWNER | LOGISTICS MANAGER
Jody moved to Buffalo in 2007. She brings over 15 years customer service experience with her.
When not working, she enjoys spending time outside hiking with her family, making things by hand and volunteering with dog rescue. She has three cats and two turtles that she has rescued.
She also enjoys going out to local events in the community and supporting the local music scene. She also served in the military for four years.
Her favorite fish is haddock, especially prepared spicy.
AMBER YARINGTON | SALES MANAGER
Amber has extensive professional experience along with a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Buffalo. Amber is compassionate, friendly and likes to see those around her succeed.
When not helping customers with their seafood needs, she focuses on her creative development especially drawing in charcoal, working on her house and exploring the many local fine coffee shops we have in our area.
Her favorite fish is haddock, especially as a classic Buffalo fish fry and she also enjoys grilled split lobster tails with Old Bay seasoning.
MARK BUTTERWORTH | SALES MANAGER
Mark was born and raised in London, England and attended the University of Winchester, where he graduated with a degree in History & Archaeology. After moving to Buffalo in 2016, he began working for a British food importer with a hub in Western NY, and brings with him seven years of sales, marketing, and customer service experience in a niche food industry.
He loves reading, adding to his record collection, travelling, and watching Arsenal soccer club, of which he is a diehard fan!
When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find him exploring Buffalo’s wonderful food and drink scene with his partner Kerri and, patio permitting - their dog Sloane.
Mark loves all seafood but thinks you can’t beat a good New England style lobster roll.