At 22 years old, “Poppy” Sol launched the Newark Nut Co. in 1929, getting his start selling premium bulk nuts and dried fruit at the Mulberry Street open-air market. Now known as Nuts.com, the business is in its third generation of family ownership. The company has facilities and distribution centers in New Jersey, Nevada, Indiana, Texas and Florida and it ships to all 50 states as well as Canada. Last fall, the now Cranford-based snack company branched out, elevating PJ Oleksak to serve as the first woman – and non-family member – to lead the business. Succeeding Jeff Braverman, Poppy’s grandson, the outgoing executive described Oleksak as “the leader who will take Nuts.com to the next level.” And Oleksak, with the company since 2021 and with experience from FreshDirect and Slice, seems up to the task. “Our teams are dynamic, nimble, and hungry to innovate and unlock new opportunities,” she commented upon the appointment. “I am incredibly excited to step into this new role and for the future of the company.” Acknowledging it still has “a long way to go,” Nuts.com has an eye toward reducing its impact on the environment. Efforts so far include using 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard boxes and starch biodegradable packing peanuts, as well as motion sensors on lights in company warehouses.