Tristan Ellis
Muskegon
Summary
Results-driven Account Manager with hands-on experience supporting food processing operations and ensuring optimal equipment performance. Skilled in inventory management, CIP verification, and sanitation compliance, with a strong technical background that enables effective problem-solving and client support. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships, streamline processes, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence. Adept at balancing technical expertise with customer-focused service to drive effeciency and client satisfaction.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Manager
Hydrite Chemical Co
08.2022 - Current
- Manage key food-processing customer accounts, ensuring consistent service delivery, operational uptime, and strong long-term relationships.
- Monitor chemical inventory and product usage, providing proactive ordering, forecasting, and cost-tracking to prevent shortages or overuse.
- Perform CIP (clean-in-place) system verification to ensure proper concentrations, flow, and sanitation performance across customer facilities.
- Apply technical expertise in sanitation chemistry and food safety to troubleshoot issues, optimize cleaning programs, and improve plant efficiency.
- Identify and propose cost-savings opportunities, including chemical optimization, equipment upgrades, utility efficiency, and water reductions.
- Deliver on-site training for operators and QA teams on proper sanitation, safety, and best-practice cleaning procedures.
- Collaborate with engineering, QA, and production teams to implement technical solutions that reduce downtime and enhance regulatory compliance.
Analytical Chemist
Gerber-Nestle
10.2021 - 08.2022
- Performed in-process and finished-product analytical testing to ensure quality and regulatory compliance in a high-volume food manufacturing environment.
- Operated and maintained instrumentation to verify product identity, detect deviations, and support root-cause investigations.
- Conducted allergen swab testing to validate sanitation effectiveness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Performed environmental and equipment micro swab testing to monitor microbial load and support food safety programs.
- Interpreted analytical data and communicated out-of-spec findings to production and QA leadership.
- Assisted in troubleshooting production issues by providing rapid analytical feedback and participating in corrective-action investigations.
- Calibrated laboratory equipment, prepared standards/reagents, and maintained accurate QC records.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biochemistry
Albion College
Albion05.2021
Skills
- Equipment & Process Management
- Sanitation & Compliance
- Client Relationship Management
- Project Coordination
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Interpersonal Communication
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- Adaptability & Learning Agility
Timeline
Account Manager
Hydrite Chemical Co
08.2022 - Current
Analytical Chemist
Gerber-Nestle
10.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Biochemistry
Albion College
Awards
- Hydrite 2024: Recipient of the President's Award for exemplifying the company's core building blocks through exceptional customer service, proactive issue resolution, and consistently delivering measurable cost savings.