The people behind the process

Meet the Melt-to-Make team

Food scientists, problem-solvers and gummy enthusiasts helping brands bring better products to life.

Tim Van Epps

Chairman, Co-founder

A a founder of the company, Tim serves as a driving force behind Melt-to-Make®, helping shape the company’s vision, growth, and continued innovation.

Sarah McLaughlin

Vice President, Products and R&D, Co-Founder

As Co-Founder and R&D leader, Sarah drives product innovation & proudly represents Melt-to-Make® across the industry.

Kirsten Wedegartner

Vice President, Sales & Marketing Operations

Kirsten leads sales and marketing operations, strengthening internal processes and helping drive Melt-to-Make®’s continued growth..

Jake Goodyear

President, Co-founder

As President and Co-Founder, Jake leads Melt-to-Make®’s strategy and operations, turning the company’s vision into continued growth.

Brian Sowal

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Brian leads Melt-to-Make®’s sales and marketing strategy, driving growth, expanding brand reach, and strengthening customer relationships.

Chris Pappademas

Technical Director

Chris brings deep technical expertise and creative problem-solving to his role as Technical Director. He helps Melt-to-Make® clients optimize production, scale confidently, & create premium gummies through customized support & innovative solutions.

Kristen Foley

Senior Sales Executive

Kirssy drives client relationships & serves as a leading presence for Melt-to-Make® at industry trade shows, connecting customers with the right solutions for their growth.

Erin Peterson Scully

Sales Operations Manager

Erin keeps sales operations running smoothly, supporting the team & ensuring every client receives a seamless Melt-to-Make® experience.

Jordan Baldwin

Senior Marketing Coordinator

Jordan brings the Melt-to-Make® brand to life through initiating creative campaigns, engaging content, & strategic marketing initiatives.

Dale Parda

Quality Assurance Manager

Dale leads quality assurance, ensuring every Melt-to-Make® product meets rigorous standards for safety, consistency, & performance.

Zac Bail

Business Analyst

Zac turns data into actionable insights, helping Melt-to-Make® make informed decisions & identify opportunities for growth.

Austin Lingerfeldt

R&D & Sales Operational Support

Austin bridges R&D and sales, preparing customer samples, fulfilling sample requests, & supporting hands-on educational classes.

Peggy Eichelberger

Sales Associate

Peggy supports customers throughout the sales process, connecting them with the right Melt-to-Make® solutions for their needs.

Susie Gao, PhD

EXTERNAL CONSULTANT | PhD FOOD SCIENTIST

Susie brings PhD-level food science expertise, providing specialized technical guidance, product insights, and scientific support to the team.

Tatiana Daza-Merchan, PhD

R&D Applications Scientist

Tatiana supports R&D as an Applications Scientist, applying technical expertise to product development, testing, troubleshooting, and translating innovative concepts into practical solutions.

Scott Basterache

Plant Operations Manager

Scott oversees plant operations, ensuring Melt-to-Make® products are produced safely, efficiently, & to the highest quality standards.

Kim Dowling

Accounting/Human Resource Manager

Kim manages accounting & human resources, supporting the people & financial operations that keep Melt-to-Make® moving forward.

Sara Clemons

Kitchen Supervisor

Sara leads day-to-day kitchen production, ensuring every batch is made safely, efficiently, & to Melt-to-Make®’s quality standards.