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.

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.

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.