Blake Buccola Email & Phone Number

Palatine, Il, Us

Carol Stream, Illinois, United States

During my time at Givaudan Flavors - Carol Stream, I led several key projects and collaborated on larger-scale initiatives, gaining extensive experience in process optimization, quality improvement, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.Notable Projects:- Developed automated production schedule verification, ensuring proper changeovers considering allergens, color, flavor, dietary restrictions, and microbiological status.- Implemented a Dry Cleaning Verification process in the Powder Blending Department, significantly reducing changeover contamination discards year-over-year.- Launched a global program for raw material order of addition, improving organization and product quality, and trained operators for consistent results.- Introduced OEE measurement software in the blending department, boosting production rates and improving scheduling accuracy.- Collaborated with regional flavor-development and local quality teams to streamline new product industrialization and resolve production quality issues.- Led workshops focusing on Foreign Material Control, Quality Discards, Product Yield and Scrap, Changeover Optimization, and Standardization of Operator Training.- Developed programs to optimize order quantities and product BOMs, increasing blender utilization and reducing partial pour requirements without compromising quality.

Palatine, Illinois, United States

During my time at Heybecks Meat Market and Catering, I worked as a Lead Caterer, Retail Order Organizer, and Director of Festivals. In each of these positions, I learned valuable skills such as: team leadership, employee management, effective client interaction, food safety training, workplace organization, time management, and event planning.Notable Responsibilities:- Represented the company when corresponding with both new and existing clients interested in placing retail orders and planning future catering events- Planned out for menus, staffing, and equipment for complex catering events of up to 300 guests utilizing staffing of up to 20 servers- Worked on these events, setting up buffets, directing servers, preparing meals, serving guests, and interacting with event hosts- Assembled large, detailed retail orders for delivery and pickup- Trained new employees to work safely and effectively by adhering to the procedures put into place by the Illinois Department of Agriculture- As the director of festivals, I set up booth space, trained employees, prepared meals, handled payment, and maintain proper workspace hygeine for each festival in our yearly circuit.

Glendale Heights, Illinois

During my internships at Kronos Foods Corporation, I completed a number of projects on my own and contributed as a member of a team during larger-scale efforts. I gained ample experience in interdepartmental communication, manufacturing processes, production flow optimization, continuous improvement, safety considerations, and cost analysis.Notable Projects:- Designed a baffle system to increase airflow and heat transfer in the product cooling spiral- Optimized Production Schedules to reduce downtime and increase product consistency- Developed new operator procedures to reduce the frequency of product being out of spec- Collaborated with the Maintenance Department to optimize freezer evaporator defrost cycles- Conducted research comparing new wastewater chemicals to increase effectiveness and reduce costs- Developed emergency egress routes with labeled emergency equipment for each production area

Bachelor'S Degree In Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, And Automation Engineering, Gpa: 3.63

High School Diploma, Gpa: 3.75