Employee Spotlight: Mary Barnes – Foam Packer

Some family ties run so deep they gotta clock in.

Mary Barnes “officially” became part of the Blenko family in August of 2025, but she’s been running around these parts for about as long as she can remember. As the daughter of our retired mould maker and Blenko legend, Daniel Chapman, Mary didn’t just grow up around glass; she grew up around the people, the stories, the traditions, and the organized chaos that make Blenko what it is.

These days, you’ll find Mary within the familiar walls of our Shipping Department, working as one of our foam packers. She takes on wholesale orders and those big ol’ jobs that need a few extra layers, making sure every piece gets the care, cushion, and attention it deserves before heading out the door. And when the big orders are wrapped up, Mary doesn’t slow down. She jumps right into grading and packing smaller orders.

That willingness to step in wherever she’s needed is one of Mary’s greatest strengths, matched only by her focus, kindness, humor, and determination. She works alongside just about anyone without missing a beat, always ready to lend a hand and keep things moving.

It’s a full-circle moment for us. The very first employee spotlight we shared in this series was for her dad, and now here we are, shining that same light on Mary with the exact same pride. Around here, it’s never just about the work. It’s about the people who make it feel like home, and the love we pour into each other as a family, no matter how you came to be part of it.

From one generation to the next, the story keeps going. And we’re glad Mary’s here to help carry it forward with us.