James Schulze is President and CEO of Vertex China, a leading national supplier of Foodservice dinnerware. As an avid lover of all things food and beverage, James loves the ability to help the culinarian's creations come to life with just the right plate, bowl or platter.

Prior to serving as President/CEO of Vertex China, James was President/COO of Clipper Corporation, a specialized supplier of smallwares to national chain restaurants.

James honed his management skills and capabilities during his long tenure with Oneida, starting as Vice President of their Hospitality Division and receiving several promotions to his final position and Senior Vice President Sales, Foodservice.

Early positions included time with a startup, distribution, and local sales. James was a founder of the successful startup Buffet Euro and developed great experience in getting a company off the ground. Prior to Buffet Euro James worked at the Wasserstrom Company, the largest national distributor focusing on chain restaurants and as a local sales representative in the Chicago market with the foodservice brokerage firm DBI.

James has won employee of the year, rep of the year, and vendor of the year awards at all of his stops. Besides being a fan of eating and drinking, James burns off his meals with daily mountain bike rides in the southern California mountains. As a cyclist James not only rides but is a leader of a local cycling advocacy group, AMTR. James also serves on several local boards supporting Catholic education.

James was educated at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. James spent time as an officer in the Merchant Marines as well as the United States Naval Reserve.

Prior charitable actives include serving as a Big Brother in the Big Brother/Big Sister program, tutoring elementary school children in Chicago schools, and Cub Scout Pack Leader.

James is the proud father of three children - John, Elizabeth and Lillian. James and his wife Susan raise their family in suburban Orange County.