Mike Hesler
Atlanta,United States
Summary
Bakery R&D leader with a strong track record in ingredient functionality and process optimization. Successfully enhanced product stability and quality through innovative solutions and cross-functional teamwork. Aspiring to lead advanced bakery innovations that drive market success.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Scientist
Rise Baking Company
Atlanta, United States
05.2021 - Current
- Pioneered exploratory innovations in emerging food technologies, including 3D-printed sugar systems, non-fading color technology, and ambient-stable aerated whipped toppings.
- Led projects replacing artificial colors and flavors in Brill-branded fillings, enhancing product appeal and consumer safety.
- Mentored R&D team in icings, fillings, and glazes, strengthening technical expertise and innovation capabilities.
- Routinely resolve root causes of product defects and process deviations in collaboration with QA and manufacturing teams.
- Applied microscopy techniques to identify foreign material, resolving complex food quality complaints and improving product integrity.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration among R&D, Manufacturing, QA, Procurement, and Operations.
- Brill Brands
Principal Scientist
CSM Bakery Products North America
Atlanta, United States
09.2013 - 03.2022
- Developed innovative ingredient systems, including Auntie Anne's Watermelon Beverage Concentrate, expanding product offerings beyond traditional bakery.
- Optimized ingredient selection, contributing to increased profitability in cookie and bakery filling categories.
- Innovated processing methods to reduce manufacturing variation.
- Collaborated with line operators to identify inefficiencies and implement improvements.
- Provided daily technical support for manufacturing plants.
- Elevated product visibility and consumer engagement strategies for Brill Brands, enhancing market presence.
Senior Scientist
CSM Bakery Supplies North America
Atlanta, United States
07.2007 - 08.2013
- Developed ingredient and process innovations that enhanced commercial bakery applications.
- Collaborated with Brill Brands to improve product offerings.
- Provided R&D procurement support at Brill, achieving ingredient cost savings across all categories.
Technical Services Manager
Schwan's Bakery, Inc.
Atlanta, United States
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Led technical support and process optimization across four bakery manufacturing plants, managing a team of 3 scientists to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Developed targeted manufacturing support initiatives to improve efficiency, product consistency, and operational performance.
- Implemented cost-saving programs while directing technical personnel to meet operational objectives.
- Supported manufacturing transfer from Heidi’s Gourmet manual production facility to an automated plant.
- Mrs. Smith's Pies & Edwards Pies Brands
Food Technologist, R&D
McKee Foods Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Advanced from entry-level sanitation to R&D Food Technologist through roles in Packaging Operator, Forklift Driver, Depositor Operator, Mixer Operator, and Supplemental Processing.
- Created just-in-time bakeable fruit fillings for Sunbelt fruit bars, enhancing product availability and freshness.
- Developed Brownie Icing to prevent sticking to packaging, improving product presentation and consumer satisfaction.
- Formulated low-fat cream fillings for Little Debbie Oatmeal Lites.
Vice President, Research & Development
Preservation Sciences, Inc.
07.1998 - 01.2004
- Spearheaded R&D initiatives in start-up environment, developing shelf-life extension systems and food preservation technologies to meet market demands.
- Advanced multiple new technologies to patent-pending status, positioning organization for future innovations and intellectual property opportunities.
- Led scientists and food technologists in developing plant-based preservative systems.
- Delivered tailored ingredient and process solutions for food, beverage, tobacco, and personal care manufacturers, enhancing product offerings and market competitiveness.
- Directed technical sales presentations, manufacturing assessments, and product innovation projects.
Senior Food Technologist / Project Leader
Mrs. Smith's Bakeries
07.1998 - 01.2004
- Led bakery product development projects from initial concept all the way through to commercialization, working closely on the manufacturing floor to solve technical challenges and ensure smooth production.
- Developed formulations and optimized processes for non-dairy whipped topping used in frozen creme pies, leading setup and launch of a new production line.
- Extended shelf life of baked snack products by 30-50% at Flowers Baking Company, collaborating with production teams to implement quality and durability enhancements.
- Identified efficiencies and improvements in plant operations, achieving over $1 million in annual cost reductions.
Education
Science of Baking -
American Institute of Baking
Manhattan, United States03-1992
Skills
- Food innovation and product development
- Process optimization and efficiency
- Shelf-life enhancement strategies
- Ingredient formulation and development
- Research expertise and technology transfer
- Risk assessment and management
- Innovative problem-solving techniques
Accomplishments
- Developed and produced 500 high-calorie food bars for explorer Sir Robert Swan, designed to withstand ultra-low temperatures for his Antarctica trek to the South Pole, replacing butter sticks used on a previous expedition.
- Successfully developed a sanitizing poultry rinse tested at the University of Georgia and shown to produce a 5-log reduction in pathogens.
- Frozen fruit filled pie production - WO2004006690A3
- Base Emulsion for the Preparation of Icings, Fillings and Toppings - US 2019 / 0200634 A1
- Jul 4, 2019
- Highly stable aerated oil-in-water emulsion - CA2975080C – May 23, 2023
Timeline
Principal Scientist
Rise Baking Company
05.2021 - Current
Principal Scientist
CSM Bakery Products North America
09.2013 - 03.2022
Senior Scientist
CSM Bakery Supplies North America
07.2007 - 08.2013
Technical Services Manager
Schwan's Bakery, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2007
Food Technologist, R&D
McKee Foods Corporation
01.2002 - 01.2004
Vice President, Research & Development
Preservation Sciences, Inc.
07.1998 - 01.2004
Senior Food Technologist / Project Leader
Mrs. Smith's Bakeries
07.1998 - 01.2004
Science of Baking -
American Institute of Baking