When Jarett Marasco (BBA ’16) was closing the bakery at Rome’s during the final year of his bachelor’s degree, a chance encounter with a professor changed the trajectory of his burgeoning career. Sofia Silberberg, an instructor at Algoma University, mentioned that her husband’s company was seeking business graduates. Marasco acted swiftly, prepared a resume, and secured an interview. By February 2016, the transition from student to professional was complete with a start at Heliene Inc., a solar module manufacturer.
The journey began with the Bachelor of Business Administration program, where Marasco also completed a minor in Human Resources. During those four years, Marasco was a fixture in the campus community, serving as a student tutor and building a tight-knit support network with fellow business students in the library. Beyond academics, Marasco balanced studies with social life, attending varsity sports games and events at the Speak Easy, as well as spending time with friends at the George Leach Centre.
This sense of community provided the foundation for a decade of rapid professional growth. Since joining Heliene Inc. as a Supply Chain and Logistics Coordinator, Marasco has navigated the complexities of an evolving global industry. The initial role involved managing raw material purchase orders and inbound logistics across ocean, air, and trucking routes. As the company expanded, Marasco’s responsibilities evolved to include, overseeing the procurement of high-value solar cells and managing credit line communications to fund customer orders.
The expansion of Heliene Inc. into the United States in 2018 and 2024 brought new challenges. Marasco moved through various roles, including Finance Coordinator and Logistics and Delivery Manager. Today, in 2026, Marasco serves as the Order-to-Delivery (OTD) and Customer Experience Manager. In this leadership position, Marasco oversees five principal areas: customer service, logistics, OTD, manufacturing planning, and customs compliance. The role operates in a high-stakes environment, particularly regarding heavily regulated imports monitored by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Marasco credits Algoma University for providing the practical tools needed to manage such complexity. The business program’s strong emphasis on case studies and presentations proved more valuable than traditional testing. “I found this to be immediately the most useful skill,” Marasco explains, noting that every customer order functions like a real-world case study requiring careful planning and problem-solving. While public speaking was once a challenge in high school, the thorough program at Algoma U helped turn it into a strength. This growth was further reinforced in 4th year when Marasco’s team earned first place in the Northern Ontario Business Case Competition.
Reflecting on these achievements, Marasco identifies personal and professional growth at Heliene Inc. as a primary source of pride. By putting in extra effort during those early entry-level years, Marasco grew alongside the company. For current students at Algoma University, the advice is straightforward: do not shy away from challenging or complicated work. Marasco believes those willing to take on the tasks others avoid are often rewarded with the best opportunities.
Today, Marasco remains a proud member of the local community, having built an exciting career without leaving Sault Ste. Marie. The ongoing connection to the University is personal, rooted in the lifelong friendships formed on campus and the professional opportunity that emerged during a quiet evening shift at a local bakery.
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