Tate J. Wenning

Food Safety | Quality Assurance | Product Development | Food Manufacturing

Columbus, OH
419-852-9388 · Tatewenning@gmail.com · tatewenning.com · LinkedIn

Professional Summary

Food industry professional and The Ohio State University graduate with hands-on experience in commercial food production, product development, food safety, quality assurance, and process improvement. HACCP and ServSafe Manager certified. Adaptable, detail-oriented, innovation-minded, and AI-curious, with an interest in how emerging technology can improve food manufacturing, quality systems, product development, and operational decision-making.

Education

The Ohio State University — Columbus, OH
B.S. in Agriculture, Food Business Management · May 2026
Minor: Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Relevant Coursework: Food Quality Assurance · Food Safety · Dairy Processing · Food Additives

Certifications

HACCP Certification — The Ohio State University
ServSafe® Manager Certification — Valid through August 2028

Experience

C. Krueger's Finest Baked Goods — Columbus, OH

Product Development Intern · May 2025–August 2025
Production Associate · May 2026–Present

Supported product development from bench-top testing through scaled production trials for two new baked-goods formulations.
Collaborated with production and procurement teams on ingredient feasibility, cost, manufacturing scalability, and product consistency.
Operate and monitor commercial-scale bakery production while following established food safety, sanitation, quality, and production procedures.
Monitor production processes and finished products for quality and consistency while adapting to changing production needs.
Maintain detailed batch and test documentation supporting traceability, product consistency, and quality records.
Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation by identifying opportunities to strengthen workflow, consistency, and process efficiency.

Rooster Joe Coffee Company - Coldwater, OH

Food Preparation & Seasonal Recipe Development · September 2021–December 2025

Prepared and cooked menu items independently while maintaining food safety, sanitation, quality, consistency, and timing.
Helped develop seasonal recipes by testing ingredients, preparation methods, and flavor combinations.
Demonstrated independence, ownership, attention to detail, and adaptability in a hands-on foodservice environment.

Mercer Health Community Hospital — Coldwater, OH

Foodservice Operations & Inventory Assistant · June 2021–August 2024

Followed established food safety, sanitation, inventory, and quality procedures in a healthcare foodservice environment.
Supported ordering, receiving, and inventory control while maintaining accurate supply levels and responding to changing operational needs.
Built customer-service, teamwork, reliability, and adaptability in a fast-moving foodservice setting.

Leadership

The Ohio State University — Department of Food Science & Technology

Peer Mentor · August 2024–May 2026

Mentored 4–6 incoming students, providing academic guidance, study strategies, and connections to university resources.
Represented the Food Science & Technology Department at recruitment events and student-engagement activities.
Strengthened communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability while supporting students with different needs and backgrounds.

Skills

Food Safety & Quality: HACCP Principles · Food Safety & Sanitation · Quality Assurance · Process Monitoring · Batch Documentation · Traceability

Product & Production: Product Development · Product Formulation · Production Scale-Up · Sensory Evaluation · Ingredient Evaluation · Commercial Food Production · Continuous Improvement

Innovation & Technology: Entrepreneurship & Innovation · Process Improvement · AI-Curious / Emerging Technology · Microsoft Excel · Word · PowerPoint

Professional Strengths: Adaptability · Attention to Detail · Intellectual Curiosity · Problem Solving · Cross-Functional Collaboration · Ownership · Customer Service