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Confectionery Technology & Product Innovation Leader | Global Expert in Panning, Gummies & Dairy Applications | Award-Winning Instructor & Inventor Driving Advanced Food Solutions

Overview

Distinguished expert in confectionery science with decades of experience advancing product technologies for global brands and ingredient organizations. Work spans ingredient functionality, large-scale processing, formulation troubleshooting, and development of innovative confectionery systems. Frequent lecturer and instructor at universities, technical institutes, and international industry conferences. Contributions include award-winning research, scientific publications, and patented technologies supporting advancements in confections, dairy applications, and functional ingredient systems.

Short Bio

Veteran confectionery technologist and product innovation specialist recognized for advancing panning, dairy ingredient applications, and functional confection systems. Frequent global speaker and technical instructor with a strong record of scientific contributions and patented innovations.

What I Bring

  • Deep expertise in confectionery formulation, processing, and equipment

  • Strong background in dairy, whey, and nutraceutical ingredient applications

  • Proven success delivering technical education for global industry audiences

  • Extensive publication and speaking record across international forums

  • Recognized industry impact with multiple prestigious awards

  • Experience driving innovation for manufacturers and research institutions

Key Technologies & Product Expertise

  • Panning systems and process optimization

  • Hard candy and sugarless confections

  • Gummies and functional confection systems

  • Dairy ingredients: whey protein, lactose, milk derivatives

  • Automated panning equipment and process controls

  • Nutraceutical and better-for-you confections

  • Confectionery marketing and product strategy

  • Food processing and ingredient characterization

Titles Held

  • President – Knechtel, Incorporated

  • Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute – Research/Technical Role

  • Sunmark, Incorporated (Willy Wonka Confections) – R&D/Technical Role )

  • Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company / Amurol Confections Company – Technical/Product Development Role

  • Wilton Enterprises – Technical/Product Development Role

Career Highlights

  • Delivered dozens of technical lectures globally across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas

  • Recognized with major industry honors including the Candy Industry Hall of Fame, AACT Stroud Jordan Award, and IFT Chair Award

  • Co-author of influential confectionery publications and technical papers across whey applications, panning, gummies, and nutraceuticals

  • Instructor for University of Wisconsin and NCA industry programs in confectionery science

  • Inventor or co-inventor on 13 patents impacting confectionery and ingredient innovation

  • Published extensively in Manufacturing Confectioner, Kennedy’s Confection, Prepared Foods, and other industry journals

  • Contributed scientific work across diverse fields including aerospace research and artificial organ technology

Education & Professional Certifications

  • BS, Chemistry – Roosevelt University, 1971

  • BA, Mathematics – Roosevelt University, 1971

  • Minor in Physics

  • Graduate Studies in Chemistry/Mathematics – Illinois Institute of Technology, 1971–1973

  • MBA – Roosevelt University, 1976

  • Certified Food Scientist (CFS), 2013

  • Professional training in domestic and international confectionery and food processing courses

Languages

English- Native

Impact

  • Drove global advancement of confectionery science through pioneering work in panning, gummies, dairy ingredient applications, and functional systems.

  • Elevated technical standards across the confectionery sector by delivering high-impact training, shaping manufacturing practices, and influencing ingredient innovation on multiple continents.

  • Accelerated R&D progress for manufacturers through patented technologies, process optimization, and breakthrough formulation strategies adopted internationally.

  • Strengthened industry knowledge infrastructure as an award-winning instructor, advisor, and published authority whose work continues to guide product development and scientific best practices.

Experience

50

Years of Experience

Papers Published

20

Papers Published

Patents Held

13

Patents Held

Fields of Expertise