From ‘The Bachelorette’ to the Inc. 5000 List: The Success of Vol Case

OAK RIDGE, Tenn., Aug. 28, 2025 — Reality television fame is often fleeting, but for Matteo Valles from “The Bachelorette,” it was just the beginning. The former contestant is now a successful business leader, guiding Volunteer Case & Container to a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list. This achievement is proof of the company’s operational excellence and sustained growth. Explore the possible drivers that transformed a humble company into an industry leader.

Achieving the Inc. 5000 Recognition

Vol Case earned the No. 3,532 spot on the Inc. 5000 list, joining the ranks of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. To qualify, organizations must be privately held, independent and demonstrate significant revenue growth over three years. Businesses on the prestigious list exemplify innovation, resilience and a commitment to delivering value.

In the custom packaging and asset protection industry, few achievements signal operational excellence and sustained growth as clearly as a place on the Inc. 5000 list. The company’s inclusion reflects its commitment to meet the evolving needs of industries where safety, speed and customization are paramount.

From ‘The Bachelorette’ to a Business Leader

Matteo Valles isn’t your typical entrepreneur. Many first encountered him as a contestant on Season 15 of “The Bachelorette,” but his story extends well beyond reality television. Raised in diverse locations, including Austria and Kenya, Valles eventually settled in Atlanta. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology — a credential that resonates with fans and industry professionals.

Before leading Vol Case, Valles built a robust career foundation as a business analyst at Deloitte Consulting. He later co-founded a technology startup focused on advancing mental health solutions, demonstrating his commitment to meaningful innovation. His professional journey also includes serving as vice president of business transitions at Sunbelt Business Brokers, where he specialized in connecting companies with the right clients and as managing partner at Hoffman Farms.

Today, as the owner of Vol Case, Valles continues the legacy of delivering high-quality, custom packaging solutions. The Inc. 5000 recognition is meaningful for him, as his company grew by 110% in just three years since he became the owner.

Vol Case as an Industry Leader

This was not the first time the company received recognition. It was awarded a $200,000 contract for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, which is a testament to how hard it worked to position itself as a leader.

Valles and his co-owner, Jay King, bought the company in 2021 and focused on growing the business. They contacted the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, which connected them with the APEX Accelerator — an alliance that helps small companies thrive.

Jay began by attending classes and seminars to understand government contracting. When he met with East Tennessee Counselor Jutta Bangs, they worked together to improve DLA’s packaging and labeling requirements. Jay says this success affirms the company’s high-quality services.

“For us, this award affirms that our process, our products and our partnership-model of customer service are valued in the market. It also marks a milestone in our journey with APEX, as they have been instrumental in helping navigate the opaque landscape of government contracting,” he says.

The History of Vol Case

Volunteer Case & Container, LLC is based in Oak Ridge, just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. It specializes in customized packaging solutions to meet various protection, government, transportation and shipment requirements. It started with one employee and one customer. In the following years, Vol Case quickly grew and catered to Oak Ridge and Knoxville clients. They now serve customers beyond Tennessee, as far as California, Florida and Michigan.

The company produces handheld carrying cases, midsize containers and crates for up to 100,000 pounds of machinery. With 30 years of industry experience, Vol Case has become a leader in custom packaging solutions.

How Vol Case Is Setting the Standard

Companies outsourcing their packaging needs will benefit from Vol Case’s unique offerings. Discover how the company is revolutionizing the industry.

1. Wide Range of Offerings

Every business has unique packaging needs. Many providers offer predesigned solutions to streamline the design process. Vol Case works differently. The staff makes custom cases, containers and crates to ensure safety during transportation. Its offerings include the following:

Wood crates: The company’s wood crates are ISPM-15 certified and follow local and international shipping standards. Clients can customize them and add shelves, foam, ramps, shock absorbers and more when needed. The company can provide a wood crate to support machinery weighing over 70,000 pounds.

Air Transport Association (ATA) cases: ATA cases are made from tough materials with metal edging and internal padding for maximum durability and impact resistance. Add-ons include trays, shelves, telescopic handles, removable sides, foams and recessed hardware.

Injection molded cases: These cases store medical devices, sensitive electronic equipment and industrial tools. They can withstand impact, weather conditions, and other wear and tear. They are made waterproof to prevent contaminants from entering the case.

Polyethylene (PE) and wood containers: PE and wood containers are ideal for clients with budget constraints. They are custom-built to meet customer needs. The company adds interior customizable foam inserts and cutouts to ensure a tight product fit.

Trunk cases: These heavy-duty cases carry heavy and bulky items. They can withstand transport and storage challenges, such as constant loading and unloading, rough handling, impacts and vibrations. Vol Case offers three standard sizes but can customize them based on your needs.

Waterjet and CNC cut foam: Custom-cut foam can be added in various sizes. The company cuts it with a waterjet or CNC machine so it fits snugly around the equipment. Foams are also used for high load-bearing capacity, moisture resistance and anti-static properties.

2. Customized Packaging Solutions

The company stays current with the latest trends, innovations and industry standards to develop premium packaging solutions. The designers are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources to fulfill the needs of diverse industries. They use advanced 3D modeling to create precise prototypes, allowing clients to visualize and refine their packaging before production begins.

Nearly every product is fully customizable in terms of size, color, material and internal configuration, with the exception of some types of cases. The company offers on-site crating and packaging for complex projects, building packaging solutions directly at the client’s facility to ensure maximum protection.

3. Fast Turnaround Time

Vol Case takes pride in its ability to meet deadlines. The team provides two-week or less turnaround times with flexible schedules. They understand that available storage and floor space are essential for clients operating on tight production timelines. This just-in-time delivery is ideal if your facility has limited space — Vol Case will store your products at its warehouse until you’re ready for them.

4. Industry Diversity

Vol Case serves various industries, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, electronic equipment, medical equipment, nuclear industry, government and the military. Working with a range of clients reduces dependence on a single sector. This diversification is vital in stabilizing revenue streams and cushions the company against downturns in other sectors.

Catering to multiple industries expands the company’s addressable market, allowing it to scale faster. The exposure to varied client requirements drives the Vol Case team’s continuous innovation. The ability to design, customize and deliver exceptional products for different sectors shows operational agility and a commitment to meeting complex requirements.

5. Design and Manufacturing Process

The Vol Case team follows a seamless design and manufacturing process. Here is what it looks like to work with the company:

Consultation: Packaging experts will request sample products or models and their accurate dimensions. They will ask questions to grasp your design and functionality needs.

Design approval: After a careful product examination, the team will provide 3D models and a quote. At this stage, you must decide whether to accept or reject the offer.

Prototype review: The design team will provide a prototype. You can review it and forward any needed refinements. Then, Vol Case will apply the revisions until they are finally approved.

Production: Vol Case professionals will proceed with the packaging production. You can expect to receive your requests within two weeks. If you have limited facility space, you may also request the company to hold the products temporarily.

6. Five-Star Customer Reviews

Vol Case has consistently received positive reviews from clients. Many testimonials noted the team’s workmanship, timely delivery and high-quality products. Here is some feedback:

1) “I ordered several different products from Volunteer Case & Container, from export crates in many different sizes to foam to line the crates with. The workmanship of the crates is superb. They always get them to me in a timely manner, even when I need them the next day. The prices are hard to beat. Great people to work with!” — Elisa S.

2) “Volunteer Case has done many crates for us over the years. We have always been pleased with their work. I have used them for years and plan on using them many years in the future. They are always good to deal with.” — Bryan L.

What’s Next for Vol Case?

Vol Case’s Inc. 5000 recognition marks the beginning of its upward trajectory. Here’s what to expect in the following years:

Continued Commitment to Customization and Speed

With the global packaging market projected to reach $1,452.86 billion by 2032, Vol Case is poised to meet evolving client demands through continuous innovation. Its in-house design and manufacturing enable rapid prototyping and revisions, ensuring fast and reliable delivery.

Expanding On-Site and Specialized Services

Looking ahead, Vol Case is expected to expand its on-site crating and packaging offerings, especially for industries with complex or oversized equipment. By bringing expertise to more industries, the company can solve logistical challenges and deliver peace of mind in the most demanding environments.

Support Vol Case

Earning a place on the Inc. 5000 list, with a remarkable 110% growth in only three years, confirms Vol Case’s position as an industry leader. This success is driven by a commitment to customization, quality and customer partnership. As long as the company focuses on innovating and expanding services, it will remain well-positioned for continued growth.

For us, this award affirms that our process, our products and our partnership-model of customer service are valued in the market. It also marks a milestone in our journey with APEX, as they have been instrumental in helping navigate the opaque landscape of government contracting.