A leading producer of plant-based ingredients
Meet The Team
Introducing the team behind Lovingly Made Ingredients. Find out more about their journey and their passion for producing the finest plant-based ingredients for a healthier planet.
CHRIS SHIELDS - GENERAL MANAGER
Chris has become the honorary lumberjack of LMI. Many of you will remember Chris with less hair and plaid. When Chris is not fully submerging himself into Canadian culture, he also provides LMI with leadership, direction and vision.
"We’ve recruited a fantastic team here in Calgary and I’m so excited to see the LMI team grow. Providing a better source of ingredients and really driving out the sustainability mission right back to the farm. (I blend in on the farms now!). Our mission is important, and resonates deeply with me, we’re a force for good and will continue to push forward sustainable protein in the right way to engage consumers."
WENDEL KORVER - ENGINEERING MANAGER
Wendel brings a wealth of knowledge to the LMI team with 25 years’ experience designing and managing projects in Western Canada, most of them in various sectors of the Food and Beverage industry. Wendel leads engineering aspects of projects including installations and commissioning of equipment, implementation and maintenance of engineering systems, support production efficiency, maintenance and improvement programs to maintain and/or improve our manufacturing costs
Wendel grew up on a farm in Central Alberta and continues to appreciate the local agricultural community. He is excited that LMI is a leader in creating innovative plant- based food products using local ingredients and looks forward to its continued growth. When not at work Wendel enjoys the outdoor opportunities in Western Canada with his family.
JUDY DAY - FOOD TECHNOLOGIST
When it comes to food Judy knows her stuff, she is our very own guru. Judy keeps busy with development and innovation of new extrudate products.
"I’m originally from South Africa, I moved to Calgary with my husband in 2019. I joined Lovingly made ingredients in June 2020 and I haven’t looked back. It has been such a rewarding journey and every day I learn something new. I have worked in the food industry since 2006, primarily in food research and development roles."
GUILLAUME VIGNAIS - PROCESS TECHNOLOGIST
If Guillaume isn’t busy with his ultra running, he can be found cooking up a storm on his BBQ, making a plant-based feast!
"As Process Technologist my main responsibility is implementing the processes into the factory ready for production. I work closely with Research & Development to prepare for a scale up into the plant."
LUCY SHIELDS - OPERATIONS & PEOPLE MANAGER
Lucy is a yoga loving, coffee drinking mom of 2. She’s powered 80% by plants and 20% by caffeine.
"I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in LMI right from the start and it has been amazing watching the idea grow and seeing such a brilliant team come together and deliver what was once just an idea. Right now, my role is a very diverse one – I’m wearing many hats."
MIGUEL PARRA - MAINTENANCE & POWER ENGINEER
As Maintenance & Power Engineer Miguel is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of our food processing and packaging lines and the mechanical utilities such as high-pressure steam system, refrigeration system, instrument air and HVAC.
Miguel has 5 years experience in maintenance and 2 years experience working with boilers. Miguel studied Mechatronics Engineering in Mexico and enjoys all aspects of electrical maintenance.
CRAIG JACKSON - PRODUCTION MANAGER
With 20+ years of experience in the food industry, Craig has a strong focus on Food Safety, Health and Safety and Continual Improvement. Craig has in depth understanding of manufacturing processes and practices lean manufacturing. As Production Manager Craig is responsible for the daily coordination, improvement and execution of all food manufacturing; overseeing production, planning, quality control and maintenance.
When he isn’t at work you will find Craig with his family eating at local restaurants, hiking in the mountains or relaxing at home watching the Blue Jays game.
LINDSAY SUTTON - SALES MANAGER
Lindsay is our Sales Manager at Lovingly Made Ingredients. As a relationship-builder, solution-finder and results-driver, she is working on growing sales of our fantastic textured plant proteins into new markets. Lindsay is very passionate about our local food system and has worked in the food and agriculture space since 2003 - before it was cool. When not at work, she is likely looking for good local eats for her family (it’s all about the food!) and dreaming about being in her happy place: outdoors, regardless of weather, to hike, bike, garden, toboggan and snowshoe.
"I’m thrilled to be part of this team and help bring Lovingly Made Ingredients to the top of the industry for textured plant proteins. Food makers are looking for plant-based solutions that are clean-label, easy to use, allergen-free and most importantly great tasting. Well, this is it. Lovingly Made is doing something special here. Canadian-grown peas transformed into functional textured proteins – get ready for change and for the better!"
JHON LOPEZ - EXTRUDER OPERATOR
As an Extruder Operator Jhon will be responsible for the operation of the extruder, working towards interminable and efficient running of production. Jhon enjoys spending time with his daughter and son out in the fresh Alberta air, going for long walks with their dog. Jhon also attends his church regularly where he shares readings with others.
"I am excited to be here, it is a big challenge, and I am excited to work and learn more about this new product and learning more about plant-based products."
ARIEL CABANTAC - EXTRUDER OPERATOR
As an Extruder Operator Ariel will be responsible for the operation of the extruder, working towards interminable and efficient running of production.
"I am excited to be part of the pioneer team and to witness how the company started. Excited to learn new things. Excited to witness the success of the company and Looking forward to retiring in this company. Love the team!"