Ian Schenkel of Newport Beach is a mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in the food industry. Based in Newport Beach, California, he has developed a career that blends engineering knowledge with business practice. His professional work has ranged from designing machinery to leading large-scale food manufacturing, private labeling, and product development. He is best known as the founder of a food manufacturing company that has managed to remain strong for more than thirty years in a challenging market. His journey began with a degree in mechanical engineering, which gave him the ability to understand systems and improve them. Early in his career, he built machinery, work that later became a foundation for his move into food manufacturing. Unlike many who started in business with only a sales or marketing idea, he entered the industry with a technical mindset. Ian Schenkel Haliburton understood that reliable equipment was critical and that even the most minor efficiency improvements could add up to significant time savings across a year. Before starting his own company, he gained valuable experience in different areas of food production. Schenkel worked in private labeling, where he learned how to keep brand identity intact while managing high-volume production. He also acquired skills in specialized methods, including frozen vegetables and fire roasting. When he decided to build his own company, he knew it would not be easy. Margins in the industry were slim, supply chains were often unpredictable, and consumer preferences could change quickly. Despite these challenges, he focused on creating a business model that could adjust to market shifts without compromising quality. That focus led to long-term success. His company expanded, refined its operations, and grew stronger over the years. He emphasized fundamentals such as quality control, operational efficiency, adaptability, and the development of strong teams. Ian invested time in training and worked to build a culture where employees felt their contributions mattered, believing that people were the core strength of any business. His leadership style brings together technical skill and strategic thinking. He draws on data and experience, while also listening to his team and keeping attention on long-term goals. Away from business, he finds balance in boating and golf, activities that reflect his focus on patience and adaptability. His connection to Haliburton also provides perspective beyond the demands of daily business. After more than thirty years in the food industry, he has seen shifts in markets, consumer behavior, and technology. Through it all, he has learned that lasting success comes from consistent improvement rather than one single breakthrough. With 33 years in operation, his company is a reflection of persistence, adaptability, and the trust built with partners and employees. From his early years as an engineer to his current role as an entrepreneur, Ian Schenkel continues to focus on quality, efficiency, and resilience as the foundation of lasting achievement.
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