Meet The Team

Founder & CEO

JUSTIN DAVIS

I started Arete Direct in April of 2020 with a mindset to focus on a high level of service to my customer and employees. I recognized quickly through my combat experience in the United States Marine Corps that the most effective people are always looking for purpose and meaning in serving the greater good (the people around them). My career to this end has been to find unique ways to help people and go above and beyond for those around me, and in doing so find far greater meaning in life than I could ever imagine.

COO 

ELTON ZEKA

Joined the DSP when launched in July 2020. Proud to be part of 1 of the top 3 performing DSPs in the New England region. Always dedicated to provide the best services to our customers. Working in this team environment has changed my life for the best.

OPS MANAGER

MATTHEW GRISE

I grew up in a small Central MA town famous for its Antique Fairs with my mother and two brothers with a dairy farm next door. My first job was cleaning up after cows and was paid with fresh eggs. I live with my wife and our two cats and love adventures and to travel. I have had managerial experience in retail including the Home Depot and Rite Aid. I came to Arete Direct after leaving the medical field that I worked in for over 10 years. I worked in several settings but my favorite was Neurosurgery. I started as a DA and slowly worked my way up to being a dispatcher. I was then promoted to Dispatch Manager. In that role, I learned a lot about the business and was eager to learn more to gain experience. I am now an Operations Manager and am eager to continue to move up in this company.

OPS MANAGER

Valerie Velasquez

Hi, my name is Valerie Velasquez. Previously I was holding the training manager position, and I recently got promoted to O of Arete Direct LLC. I started off with Arete three years ago as a delivery driver. I worked my way up taking every piece ofknowledge I received from my teammates and managers, which helped me become successfulwithin our company. In our training department, I supervise/work with our Captain Leads andLead drivers who are mentors/trainers for our vet. drivers and new drivers who need assistancewith their areas of focus. I am an advocate for our drivers. I take great pride in helping othersaccomplish their goals. I am very passionate about what I do here for our company. Arete is notonly a business, it’s a family, my family who strives for excellence.

Dispatch Manager

PERCILLA JONES

Percilla has been with the company since October 2021, starting as a delivery associate and now holds the Asst. Training Manager title. Since being with the company, her passion to help others has been made evident by her continuous communications to provide each driver with safety and quality tips on the road and be the voice of drivers when complications may arise. Percilla enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with her family, and traveling. Interesting fact about her would be that she owns a tarantula named Peter and three bearded dragons named Khalessi, Drogo, and Jumper. Percilla is eager to continue to grow within the company and will remind us all to complete our routes…INDEPENDENTLY, EFFICIENTLY, AND OF COURSE WITH QUALITY!!!!

FLEET MANAGER

BRANDON TALBOT

Brandon is a Navy Veteran that worked on the F/A-18F Super Hornet. He joined the DSP at the end of 2021 and worked his way from driver to Fleet Manager. Brandon is dedicated to making sure that the vans are always safe and ready for drivers to use. In his spare time Brandon likes to read and spend time playing different games.

ASST. FLEET MANAGER

PAUL DESLAURIER

I was born in Springfield MA. I started with the team in June of 2022 as a driver and moved up to assistant fleet manager after 6 months. In my off time I enjoy spending time with the family and friends. Working on cars is my passion. Finally team arete is the greatest team I have ever worked with.

DISPATCH 

ADRIAN MACK

Beginning in July of 2020, Adrian was hired as a driver and worked his way up into the dispatch manager role he holds today. Serving a dual role as part manager and part driver, Adrian has a connection to the drivers that can serve as the bridge between them and the management team. Adrian has a work alter ego named Terry who was conceived in 2022. Terry is the funny and outspoken comedic relief in what could otherwise become a stressful day. Combined, they are equal parts professional and laid back which makes him a pleasure to work with every day.

DISPATCH

KUSHTRIM KRASNIQI

I am 33 years old. I am married and have 3 girls.  I was born in Kosovo.  I came to the U.S 11 years ago.  I had finished college over there for teaching and counseling.  When I came to the U.S  I did not know how to speak english. My first job here was as a dishwasher.  As I learned the language I moved up in the restaurant to chef and then kitchen manager.  I stayed in the restaurants for 7 years. In 2020 I started working for Amazon third party company ARET as a delivery driver. Then I became a lead driver and then Dispatch manager. While working  at the same time I also graduated from the CNA program. After that I also graduated from Holyoke Community College for Medical Assistant in June 2023. Over the years I have tried my best to move up in my career. Teamwork and helping others is important to me.  For hobbies I enjoy spending time with my family,  playing sports and watching movies. 

DISPATCH

ELVIN ZAPATA

I moved from NY to Massachusetts in June 2022, later on in July I apply to be a Amazon driver and I was lucky enough to be accepted with Aret. I began working on August 5, 2022 as a regular driver, worked hard and a year after I was promoted to lead driver. Coaching and training new drivers and co- workers I gained lots of experience and putting hard work I was able to make my way up to Dispatch. Willing and able to take any challenges and lead by example had been the key on my path with Aret.