SPEAKERS

General & Breakout Sessions

Meet the speakers and leaders for the 2025 Freeze Dried Summit. These speakers bring a wealth of knowledge on everything from growing your freeze-dried business and mastering marketing strategies to tackling product development and packaging. Whether you’re looking for big-picture inspiration or practical, hands-on advice, you'll find sessions designed to support your growth and success in the freeze-drying industry. Take a look through their profiles to see how their expertise can help you take your business to the next level.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!!

Who's Speaking?

Jesus Macias

Jesus Macias, cofounder of Trendy Treats, transformed a pandemic side hustle into a $5.5 million candy empire with his wife Melinna! With 10M+ social followers and products in 500 stores nationwide, Jesus built their U.S. made candy sensation from just $3,000 in personal investment—proving that sweet success is possible in the freeze-dried industry!

CEO & Co-Founder

Trendy Treats

Gene Ligman

Gene Ligman is the founder of Suntorr Inc. and a freeze-drying industry authority with 20+ years of expertise! As the most sought-after consultant in the field, Gene delivers exceptional value through his profound understanding of applications and equipment in freeze-drying. His unique approach serves both equipment manufacturers and end users with unparalleled technical knowledge!

President & Owner

SunTorr

Troy Pettit

Troy Pettit, COO of TechSource Systems, revolutionized commercial freeze-drying with his exceptional automation programming and electrical design expertise! His innovative technology forms the backbone of TechSource's success as a top U.S.-based commercial freeze dryer manufacturer. Troy will share in-depth knowledge of how companies are scaling their freeze-drying businesses and how you can do it too!

COO

TechSource Systems

Jeffrey Bogusz

Jeff holds a B.S. in Food Process Engineering from Purdue. He developed non-chocolate confections at Hershey, then provided technical support at Cerestar/Cargill. At Ferrara Pan, he led R&D, improved gummy recipes, and helped create Nerds Clusters. In 2022, he started Lucky Teapot Consulting, developing nutraceutical confections and advising companies

Candy Maker

Lucky Teapot Consulting

Matt Graunke

Matt Graunke, sales and marketing manager at Parker Freeze Dry, brings extensive commercial freeze-drying expertise to our event! Matt educates professionals on scaling their businesses with Parker's equipment. Don't miss his invaluable insights on transitioning from small-scale to commercial freeze-drying operations!

Sales & Marketing Manager

Parker Freeze Dry

Levi Weischedel

Levi Weischedel is an innovative marketing consultant and creative partner for the Freeze Dried Marketing agency. As a dynamic video producer, his refreshing approach creates strategies that deliver results while keeping the process enjoyable and effective!

CMO & Creative Director

Freeze Dried Marketing

Richard DeLong

Richard DeLong is a pioneering force in floral freeze-drying technology with 35+ years of industry mastery! After founding Botanique in 1989, his innovation transformed preservation methods industry-wide. Richard's science education background and entrepreneurial vision will be an exciting topic for the summit.

Owner & CEO

NutriFreeze & CannaFreeze

Sean B Jones

Sean B. Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Foodynamics, brings over 30 years of executive leadership to the premium freeze-dried pet food industry. Sean has built a family-operated business specializing in private label manufacturing of high-quality treats for cats and dogs, transforming his passion into action.

Owner & CEO

Foodynamics

Stephen Cowan

Stephen Cowan is the founder of BeMicro, the first company in the U.S. to specialize in freeze-dried microgreens, and the host of the Plant Frequencies podcast. With a background in tech sales, Stephen transformed a garage startup into a national wellness brand dedicated to making farm-grown, functional nutrition accessible and convenient. He’s on a mission to reinvent how vegetables fit into everyday life—one microgreen at a time.

Founder & Microgreens Innovator

BeMicro

Jerad Ducklow

Jerad Ducklow, Executive VP at Parker Freeze Dry, is a business development expert specializing in commercial freeze-drying operations. With proven expertise in scaling businesses, financial analysis, and project management, he helps clients transition from small-scale to commercial operations while maximizing profitability and efficiency in competitive markets.

Retail Sales Director

Parker Freeze Dry

Nathan Wise

Nathan Wise leads sales at Sev-Rend which is developing eco-friendly packaging solutions for the food industry. His expertise in recyclable, compostable materials helps brands balance product protection with environmental responsibility. Freeze-dried foods is one of their fastest growing segments with their clients and he is looking forward to sharing his expertise in packaging.

Retail Sales Director

Sev-Rend

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