Blog Categories: Fuchs Spotlights

As we celebrate National Engineers Week beginning on February 16th, we are excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of our engineering department here at Fuchs. This week is dedicated to recognizing the innovative minds and technical expertise that help drive our success. To give you an inside look at the heart of our operations, we sat down with members of our engineering team to discuss their recent projects, the cutting-edge technologies they employ, and the collaborative efforts that ensure our efficiency. Through a series of insightful questions, we aim to highlight the vital role our engineers play in shaping the future of Fuchs.

Q: Can you provide an overview of the engineering team at Fuchs, including team members, roles, and the primary goals and responsibilities of the department?

A: The engineering department at Fuchs supports operations in various ways. From increasing transfer rates for higher production to modifying equipment for better ergonomics, we focus on improving efficiency and maintaining functionality within our manufacturing plant. The engineering and maintenance teams continuously enhance our Preventative Maintenance Systems to increase uptime for building systems and operational equipment. Helawe Elias, our continuous improvement engineer, collaborates with operations to reduce the primary causes of downtime in the blending, packaging, and milling departments. Additionally, the engineering team develops and writes all capital requests for large-scale projects and improvements for the plant.

Q: What innovative technologies or methodologies does the engineering department utilize to stay ahead in the industry?

A: Our engineering and maintenance team uses Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems to design projects and repairs. AutoCAD helps all team members visualize concepts and improvements. The team also has a strong understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), which control much of our blending systems and other equipment such as the premier filler, milling systems, and HVAC systems. The engineering team is always seeking automation solutions that will work in our environment, improve performance, and reduce ergonomic strain.

Q: Can you describe some of the key projects our engineering team has worked on recently and their significance to Fuchs’ operations?

A: We created and installed a warehouse racking layout, increasing our storage capacity by 2,600 pallet locations and reducing our need for outside warehouse space. We modified our transfer system on our blending tower to increase transfer rates from 6,000 lbs per hour to 12,000 lbs per hour. Additionally, we designed and installed double dump stations on two of our mixers to enhance throughput rates. We are also finalizing the design for our packaging area to increase capacity for future production growth.

Q: How does the engineering team collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless integration and efficiency in operations?

A: We have a management of change process in which we review all major projects or significant process changes with each department. Each department provides sign-off once an agreement has been reached on how the project should proceed. This system ensures that all operation departments are on the same page and maintain effective communication to create quality products for our customers.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to recognizing the critical role women play in science and technology. At Fuchs, we are proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of our female scientists who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and discovery in the food industry. From groundbreaking research to inspiring leadership, these women are not only shaping the future of science but also paving the way for the next generation of female scientists.

Get to know some of the extraordinary women working in our labs as they elaborate on what they love about being women in science at Fuchs. From the thrill of discovery to the collaborative spirit of our teams, these women share their unique perspectives, passion for science, and dedication to innovation.

Q: What do you love about being a woman in science at Fuchs?

“I love being a woman in science at Fuchs because of the opportunity to innovate in the food industry, contribute to product development, and work in a collaborative environment. I also appreciate the chance to break barriers, inspire others, and bring diverse perspectives to scientific challenges.” – Nicole McKinnell, Food Scientist

“I love to help solve quality assurance and food safety deviations using my scientific background. I use my scientific knowledge to ensure that our products meet our customers’ expectations and overall customer/consumer safety.” – Shannon Swift-Ford, Food Quality Compliance Specialist

“I think there’s a lot to love about being a woman in science! You get a chance to solve problems, whether it’s in product development, food safety, or sustainability. I also think it’s great that we get to be creative, and we are motivated to continue learning and stay at the forefront of innovation.” –Karlee Roberson, Food Scientist

“I have always been interested in science, even as a young child.  I loved performing experiments and problem-solving.  Initially, I thought I’d end up working in a medical or research laboratory setting.  However, Fuchs and I found each other almost 29 years ago when I discovered the analytical and microbiological aspects of food science and the importance of food safety.  What I love most about being a woman in science at Fuchs is supplying safe, quality food to consumers, including my own family.  No one thinks about what goes into ensuring the quality and consistency of our favorite snacks.  As a scientist, I am looking for repeatable results that keep consumers happy and products on the grocery store shelves.  When shopping, I love looking up and down the aisles and knowing that I was a part of making products people love!” – Lisa Bookhultz, QA Manager

“I am incredibly proud to be a woman in science, especially as a food scientist at Fuchs. It’s inspiring to be part of a field that directly impacts the quality of the food we eat, making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field reminds me of the importance of representation and the impact women can make in shaping the future of science and technology.” – Vic Cappadora, Associate Food Scientist

As we celebrate this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions of our female scientists at Fuchs. Their passion, innovation, and dedication not only drive our success but also inspire future generations of women in science. By breaking barriers and bringing diverse perspectives to the table, these remarkable women are shaping the future of science and technology. We are proud to support and celebrate their achievements today and every day. Here’s to the incredible women at Fuchs and around the world who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in science.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

We have had quite a few new additions to our sales team this year! To wrap up our employee spotlights for the year, we are excited to introduce those who have joined the Fuchs sales team recently. They come from all over the United States and share in our mission to bring the joy of food to life for people around the world through delivering comprehensive, customized support to our partners.

Keep reading to learn more about the new additions to our sales team!

Vyto Jozaitis, Regional Sales Manager (Midwest)

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I value my family, friends, travel, and spending time outdoors. My hobbies include anything that keeps me active outside! I also enjoy action sports: paddleboarding, surfing, skiing, road and mountain biking, fishing, and scuba diving. If it keeps me outside, I am probably interested! In addition, I enjoy art and dabble in cooking, drawing, painting, and photography, but these days the only painting I do is related to home remodeling. My wife Alexis and I live near the Indiana Dunes National Park in NW Indiana with our cat Moon, where we recently purchased our first home.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: My favorite part about Fuchs is the people!

Q:  What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: I am looking forward to getting more involved with customer product development and finding more products on retail shelves that include Fuchs seasonings.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: There are just too many great food options to have a favorite! I like a variety of seafood and noodles, but my day-to-day diet leans heavily on fruit and vegetables. With that said, I could eat Thai or Japanese food every day!

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Kyle Neu, Business Development Manager

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio but I currently reside in Charleston, South Carolina. I am an alumni of Centre College located in Danville, Kentucky. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics & International Studies and earned my MBA at the University of South Carolina. My previous experience includes working in real estate, marketing, and consumer and market insights.

My wife and I love to travel. We usually try to leave the US once each year. I enjoy cooking at home and trying new recipes. One of my favorite recipes to make is a Dutch baby pancake for brunch on the weekends. I also enjoy keeping up with Cincinnati sports teams and enjoy watching USC Gamecocks football and basketball games. My wife and I just welcomed our first child this November!

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: My favorite part of my role at Fuchs so far is looking at the future potential for Fuchs and the food industry in general. There are so many interesting and dynamic innovations occurring in the food industry, and Fuchs can play a huge role in those projects. I’m excited to be a part of that future. 

Q:  What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: I alluded to it a bit already, but I’m most excited to be a part of creating the future of the food and beverage industry. I am excited to help companies with product development and create a better customer experience to meet consumers’ rapidly evolving tastes. I am also excited to help expand the business and bring in new and exciting projects.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

 A: All styles of BBQ. I’m spoiled in Charleston, as it’s got some of the best BBQ in the US!

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Jeanette Mullens, Senior Account Manager (South)

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I attended the Community College of Baltimore County for my associates degree and then graduated from College of Notre Dame of Maryland with my bachelor’s degree in administration of business management, magna cum laude, all while working full time. These days, my hobbies are mostly centered around my children, Lilliana (10) and Tobias (7), who are involved in lots of sports and keep us very busy and active!

I am the second eldest out of four children; all of us graduated from Perry Hall High School in Maryland, which is where my father and his siblings all went. I played softball and danced (tap, ballet, jazz) for 13 years, was part of the varsity cheerleading squad in high school, took honors classes, and was on the senate team. I moved to New Orleans in 2009 for work and met my husband, Josh, on the downtown Irish Parade route, which he was marching in. We married in 2013 at Le Pavillion on Poydras Street in New Orleans and moved to the Northshore (Madisonville, LA) in 2017. 

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: My favorite part is working with such an incredibly talented and amazing group of people who I can learn from and take that knowledge into all of my customer interactions.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: My goal is to expand my territory, one state at a time, and develop true partnerships with current and new customers. I look forward to being a subject matter expert and the first supplier that comes to mind when they are looking for a high-quality custom product.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: This is a tough one because I’m a lover of all food, but if I had to pick one to eat every day it would have to be anything Mexican!

Q: Anything else you’d like our customers/fellow employees to know about you?

A: I am a Type A personality to a fault, and my Myers Briggs is ESTJ. With that comes fierce optimistic energy, a loyal Leo personality, and a fiery Italian, German and Cherokee heritage.

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Nick Zampounis, Senior Account Manager (Midwest)

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I‘m an Ohio native, born and bred.  I grew up in Northeast Ohio, in a small town called Streetsboro. I attended high school in Akron at St. Vincent St. Mary (where LeBron James went) and moved to Cincinnati for my undergraduate degree.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Operations Management and earned my MBA from the University of Florida in 2022. Cincinnati has a weird way of sucking you in, so I’ve now lived here since 2012. I love the Cincinnati Bearcats and, unfortunately, love Cleveland sports.

I got married in April 2024 to my wife Ashley, who is also from Cincinnati with deep roots in the Southeast Ohio region.  We don’t have any kids yet, but we do have a dog that we adopted, and she’s more than enough to handle right now.

I began my career in the food and beverage industry by working in supply chain and planning.  I moved into sales in the midst of COVID in 2020, and I haven’t looked back.  I love that this industry is constantly changing and innovating, and I’m looking forward to growing my knowledge and expertise in seasonings.

I seem to have a million hobbies, and my favorite one depends on the day, but I love cooking, completing do-it-yourself home improvement projects, and the outdoors.  I also enjoy skiing, and my friends and I have been going on an annual ski trip since 2018. I’ve skied around the Matterhorn in Switzerland, but don’t let that fact fool you; I’m not that good at skiing, but I love the atmosphere! I try to go camping a couple times a year if time allows, but at the very least I just love spending time outside.

A fun fact about me is that my family owns an olive farm in Greece, on an island called Samos, which is also where Pythagoras was born.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far? 

A: So far, the best part of Fuchs is the people.  Since my first day, everyone has been helpful, welcoming, and excited about coming to work every day. The close-knit teams and internal support are great to have. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role? 

A: I’m most looking forward to connecting with my customers and continuing to build out our existing relationships while also fostering new relationships.

Q: What’s your favorite food? 

A: I love so many different types of food, but if I had to choose one thing it would probably be a Cubano sandwich.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

Rhonda Wheatley joined the Fuchs team in October of 2022. She began her career here as a mixing operator and has since taken on the role of forklift driver. She is fully trained to run all mixers and forklift trucks. As a mixing operator, she manages and oversees all machines within her department to blend ingredients into compound seasonings for processing. As a forklift driver, she safely performs routine movement of spices and finished goods throughout our warehouse and production areas.

We are excited to introduce Rhonda, recognize her outstanding work at Fuchs, and learn a bit more about her!

Rhonda Wheatley, Mixing/Forklift Operator

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I’m a busy mom, and I enjoy spending time with my four girls, the oldest being 8.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends. A fun fact about me is that I’m a big karaoke fan!

Q: Tell us about your specific role at Fuchs.

A: When I started at Fuchs, I was a 2^nd shift mixing operator. Now, I’m also a certified forklift driver and enjoy learning about each role in the mixing area. I hope to be an expert in each very soon!

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: I love coming to work. Every day I look forward to working with my co-workers. We have a very close bond which allows us to work together well as a team. I really enjoy working alongside my supervisor, Larry!

Q: What goals do you have for yourself this year?

A: One of my professional goals would be to become a control room operator, which I am currently working towards. I also want to better understand the procedures of the oil room, so that I am fully trained and equipped in all aspects of the area in which I work. Finally, I would also like to learn other areas of the business and have the ability to switch departments to allow more flexibility within the workplace.

Outside of work, I want to teach my four daughters that anything is possible and that they can achieve anything, even if someone says they can’t.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: A nice medium well steak!

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

Dan Ringer joined the Fuchs team in June of 2022 as a part of our maintenance department. He performs preventive maintenance on our mills’ equipment to ensure that all processes run smoothly. We are excited to introduce Dan, learn a little about him, and give some insight into what our maintenance department takes care of on a daily basis!

Dan Ringer, Maintenance Mechanic

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I took some HVAC courses at South Carroll High School, and shortly after graduating, I began working for a residential HVAC company. After around 15 years in the HVAC industry, I accepted my position at Fuchs.

When I’m not working, I enjoy hanging out with friends, eating crabs, riding dirt bikes, watching sports (NASCAR mostly), grilling and hanging out outside, and relaxing around the house.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: One of my favorite things about working at Fuchs is the variety of equipment I work on. Every day is a new project, and I’m constantly learning about each piece of equipment. In addition to that, I’ve had the opportunity to work on welding, which I’ve also enjoyed learning more about during my time here.

Q: What goals do you have for yourself this year?

A: Some of my goals would be to earn certifications in all three types of welding and learn more about commercial HVAC since I already have experience with residential HVAC.

Q: Anything else you’d like our customers/fellow employees to know about you?

A: I think that Fuchs North America is a great place to work!

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

Courtney joined the Fuchs team this past November as the project lead for our new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, which is the system that brings together multiple parts of our business including customer orders, purchasing, production planning, and finance. We are very excited to welcome Courtney to the Fuchs team. Keep reading to get to know her a bit more!

Courtney Mathena, ERP Project Lead

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with undergraduate degrees in linguistics and Spanish, and then I continued my education at the University of Kansas to earn my master’s degree in higher education administration. After doing a lot of large-scale program organization and creation at universities, I started to step into more clearly labeled project management positions, eventually bringing me to Fuchs.

I love these kinds of opportunities because I get to learn about what people do, where they want to go next, and what we can improve along the way— all while organizing and getting to know people. Outside of puzzling together various projects, I also love playing video games, reading, and spending time with my family! I have two cats, Bruce and Hank, and a dog, Kermit; they are all very snuggly.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

So far, I love working on a project that everyone is excited about and that will make everyone’s day that much smoother. It’s even better that everyone is so kind and welcoming, even when I ask them a million questions about what buttons they click on their computers.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

I’m most looking forward to collaborating with everyone to make a clear and documented way of using our new ERP system!

Q: What’s your favorite food?

It depends, but if I’m snacking, something salty! However, cinnamon rolls are a perfect dessert.

Q: Anything else you’d like our customers/fellow employees to know about you?

It’s exciting to work so closely with so many experts here at Fuchs, so please stop by with any ideas or questions about the ERP project, or just to chat!

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

Dylan is one of our newest Associate Food Scientists on our R&D team. He interned at Fuchs while completing his final semester in college and joined us full-time following his graduation. Keep reading to get to know Dylan a little more!

Dylan Kurstedt, Associate Food Scientist

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I graduated from Stevenson University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. I began my time at Fuchs as an intern and was hired right after graduation to start full-time as an Associate Food Scientist. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and trying new things.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: My favorite part of Fuchs is the community. Everyone here is nice to talk to and it’s great for communication inside and outside of the workplace.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: I’m most looking forward to learning about new foods and discovering new seasoning blends.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: My favorite food is squid or octopus.

Q: Anything else you’d like our customers/fellow employees to know about you?

A: I’m always ready and willing to try new things so feel free to reach out for anything!

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

Karlee Roberson is one of our newest Associate Food Scientists on our R&D team. She interned at Fuchs in college and joined us full-time following her graduation. Keep reading to learn about Karlee and her goals and aspirations both professionally and personally.

Karlee Roberson, Associate Food Scientist

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I received my degree from Stevenson University, and while I was attending, I completed my capstone internship through Fuchs. In my free time I really enjoy reading, hiking, and traveling.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: There is a lot of flexibility in my position. I get to develop products using my own creativity, but I also have the opportunity to collaborate with the rest of the R&D team.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: I’m most looking forward to helping brands achieve successful results for challenging projects.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: Steak or anything that’s grilled and seasoned well.

Q: Anything else you’d like our customers/fellow employees to know about you?

A: I started college with a focus in biomedical engineering, and while my career path has completely changed, I believe my desire to help others has stayed the same.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

Zach Barton, Jordan Breining, and Caelan Troy all joined the Fuchs team recently! Zach is a cost accountant and has already become a vital asset to our accounting department. Jordan joined the customer service team in the second half of last year and has been wonderful serving some of our customers from all over the U.S. Caelan is our new continuous improvement engineer and has already made many positive contributions to our team. Keep reading to learn more about Zach, Jordan, and Caelan!

Zach Barton, Cost Accountant

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I went to University of Maryland Baltimore County and have a bachelor’s degree in math with a minor in economics. I’ve been a credit correspondent, assistant estimator, project accountant, and now a cost accountant. Some of my hobbies include lifting weights, watching movies, playing/watching sports (soccer, football, snowboarding), and taking my dog to the park. Fun fact: I got married this year!

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: Participating in sensory tests I think is really cool. Also, going in the plant to see how everything comes together and seeing the raw ingredients.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: Advancing my education to perform a wider variety of accounting tasks. I’m looking forward to the new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: Donuts/baked goods. I have a sweet tooth.

Jordan Breining, Customer Service Representative

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I am the youngest of five kids. In my free time I really enjoy being outside in nature, kayaking and hiking are some of my favorite outdoor activities.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: So far, I’ve really loved working with the other ladies in customer service; they are always willing to help which has been great. Everyone has their own way of doing the job, so taking bits and pieces of those experienced processes has been a great way to create an approach that works best for me.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: Getting involved with the party planning committee!

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: Any form of potato.

Caelan Troy, Continuous Improvement Engineer

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I’m a 24-year-old from Annapolis with a B.E. in mechanical engineering which I earned from SUNY Maritime College, a small institution in the Bronx. While I was there, I was the captain of the swim team and set 6 individual and relay records (sadly, only two remain). Before starting at this fantastic company, I was working in the Merchant Marines as a marine engineering officer on offshore vessels. When I’m not working, you can catch me at the gym, boating on the Bay, playing video games, or hanging out with my roommate’s dog, Mojo (hopefully soon-to-be featured pet of the month!). I’m excited to be here and have loved my first four months!

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: If I had to pick just one thing, I’d say that my favorite part of my role is the perfect balance between diving into data and getting my hands dirty on the plant floor. I love learning new ways to manipulate computer programs and crunching the numbers, but there’s just something about the satisfaction of rolling up your sleeves and making things happen in the physical world! Whether I am tinkering with a new-to-me program, or covered in cinnamon dust, I’m always faced with a new challenge and a learning possibility. Can’t beat that!

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: I’m a lifelong learner at heart, so it’s no surprise that the thing that I am most looking forward to about this role is the endless potential for learning new things. I look forward to continuously being able to challenge myself to think outside of the box and make both our processes, and the company as a whole, better! Who knows what kind of new and exciting things are just around the corner? Bring it on!

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: Most nights I’m eating the typical chicken and rice. Nothing beats quick and easy! (But also, specifically the Bungalow Burger from Big Gun Burgers in Charleston, SC).

Q: Anything else you’d like our customers/fellow employees to know about you?

A: I have had nothing but great experiences with everyone here at Fuchs so far and can’t wait for more! If you ever want to stop by my desk and say hi, the door is always open!

Interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page to check out our current job openings!

Earlier this month, Kaylin Feeney joined the Fuchs team as our new marketing coordinator! Kaylin’s expertise in marketing will undoubtedly benefit our customers, as she assists with analyzing consumer trends and identifying up-and-coming flavors to feature in new innovations. Keep reading to learn more about Kaylin!

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I am a Towson University alumni, with a degree in Business Administration and a focus in Marketing. I started out my career in real estate, interning with a team throughout college and then transitioned into a full-time real estate salesperson position once I graduated. I quickly found that I much preferred the marketing side of real estate over the sales side, so I decided to step away and look for a position in the marketing field, leading me to my new position at Fuchs.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, cooking, and baking. My newest ambition is golf; I’m definitely still learning but have high hopes. A fun fact about me is that I have an unusual skill in always picking the perfect size Tupperware container for leftovers.

Q: What is your favorite part of your role here at Fuchs so far?

A: My favorite part of my role at Fuchs is the diversity of each day. As the marketing coordinator, I wear all kinds of hats, and getting to work on so many different projects is both fun and rewarding.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your role?

A: I’m most looking forward to bringing a new perspective to the marketing department, as well as building friendships with my co-workers.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: A good cheeseburger (& fries) always hits the spot!

Learn more about our marketing capabilities here.