Thomas Roessler
Forest Lake,MN
Summary
Accomplished Technical Services Manager at Sweet Additions LLC, adept at driving product innovation and optimizing processes. Leveraged expertise in ingredient formulation to develop an oat protein concentrate, generating $2 million in annual revenue. Detail-oriented problem solver with a strong foundation in quality control and R&D, enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Services Manager
Sweet Additions LLC
Dresser, WI
05.2023 - Current
- Developed an oat protein powder from the byproduct of our main production that generated an estimated revenue of $2,000,000.
- Designed and implemented a continuous processing line for oat protein powder, ensuring economic efficiency.
- Successfully built the oat milk base business using uniquely crafted enzyme recipes and process conditions to optimize product quality.
- Managed and implemented R&D innovation activities to drive product development.
- Develop alternative dairy model systems to showcase our oat milk sweetener bases in a simple but effective manner.
- Created an alternative enzyme recipe for our tapioca syrup which prevented $120,000 in potential write off due to expiring inventories.
- Supported and guided sales team and customers in effective utilization of ingredients in their products.
Product Performance Scientist
General Mills
Minneapolis, MN
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Validated method development using FSQR knowledge to ensure accurate temperature data collection and reporting.
- Collaborated with R&D to troubleshoot quality issues and provide formulation guidance.
- Supported meals category in establishing preparation instructions for consumer packaged goods that complied with food safety standards.
Product Development Scientist
Target
Minneapolis, MN
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Supported scientists in sensory evaluations, ensuring optimal product quality prior to release.
- Performed not ready to eat testing to develop precise cooking instructions for products.
- Successfully established vendor relationships to satisfy our chicken supply chain needs.
- Communicated with vendors to define and align on brand standards.
Research Scientist I
Cargill
Minneapolis, MN
02.2020 - 03.2022
- Conducted compositional analysis of dairy products using lacticheck instrument to ensure quality and compliance.
- Testing proteins to determine functionality for use in food or beverage products.
- Conducted protein extractions on bench top to facilitate further research. for further research.
- Performed market insight research on alternative and conventional dairy to compare sensory characteristics and nutritional composition.
- Analyzed literature on plant protein processing to inform experimental design and methodology.
- Perform routine maintenance on analytical lab equipment to ensure accurate results.
Research and Development Technologist
Kikkoman Foods, Inc
Eau Claire, WI
10.2019 - 01.2020
- Developed new products that expanded company portfolio, attracting a broader consumer base.
- Performed reformulations to satisfy customer demand, creating food products aligned with preferences.
- Maintain product quality by conducting quality control checks (pH, water activity, viscosity, acidity, salt %, and specific gravity) of created food products.
- Supervise production of products to ensure quality and production are consistent with company guidelines.
- Conducted weekly consumer sensory tests to enhance product development skills and gather actionable feedback.
Food Quality Assurance Intern
Colony Brands, Inc
Monroe, WI
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Conducted lab-based challenge studies on products to test for pH, water activity, moisture content, and salt percentage to maintain product integrity.
- Performed daily microbiology testing on inbound food products to ensure safety and compliance with quality standards.
- Frequently used Microsoft Excel to record and analyze data obtained from challenge studies.
- Resolved complex technical issues in existing programs, enhancing operational reliability and minimizing disruptions.
- Prepared technical reports on newly discovered processes within the manufacturing cloud program.
- Collaborated with research and development team to support new product development, contributing to innovation in product offerings.
Education
B.S. - Food Science and Technology
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
River Falls, WI05.2019
Skills
- Detail oriented
- Microbiology
- Quantitative analysis
- Powerpoint
- Qualitative research
- Excel
- Research & Development
- Word
- Protein purification
- Chromatography
- Quantitative
- Problem solver
- Laboratory management
- Microsoft office
- Process optimization
- Ingredient formulation
- Quality control
- Food safety standards
- Product innovation
- Sensory evaluation
- Problem solving
- Technical support
Additional Information
- Undergraduate Research Scholarly Activity, 12/16, Developed an ice cream product with a whey protein additive from idea to launch phase in the campus test kitchen., Conducted a 60 panelist sensory test to determine product integrity and marketability., Educated the public on food additives and the benefits that are associated with them.
- Wisconsin State FFA Biotechnology Contest, 03/18, Wrote the food science exam portion of the contest that emphasized applications of product compliance and food safety., Aided in increasing the amount of food science majors at UW-River Falls through communicating food science lessons in an insightful manner.
Timeline
Technical Services Manager
Sweet Additions LLC
05.2023 - Current
Product Performance Scientist
General Mills
01.2023 - 05.2023
Product Development Scientist
Target
06.2022 - 12.2022
Research Scientist I
Cargill
02.2020 - 03.2022
Research and Development Technologist
Kikkoman Foods, Inc
10.2019 - 01.2020
Food Quality Assurance Intern
Colony Brands, Inc
01.2019 - 04.2019
B.S. - Food Science and Technology
University of Wisconsin-River Falls