Circle Beverage

Circle Beverage's mission is to provide enriching careers for our people, to uplift our partners, and to benefit society through our products and services.  

We are a turnkey contract manufacturer that specializes in complex canned beverage products for high-potential brands and retailers. 

We employ a meticulous, full-circle method of vetting clients and products, then onboarding and integrating them into our manufacturing infrastructure which enables us to act as their integrated manufacturing department.

We have helped to launch and grow some of the industry's most innovative products & brands by adding value through manufacturing services and our adjacent expertise in R&D, product commercialization, regulatory compliance & certifications, go-to-market strategy, distribution, and fulfillment.  Circle's certifications include: SQF (GFSI-recognized), FDA-registered, TTB Distilled Spirits Producer, USDA Organic, and B-Corporation.

Co-Founder and CEO

The Leather Book Library (exited 2021)

The Leather Book Library was founded to be the premier global service for custom book binding (www.theleatherbooklibrary.com).  The company established an international supply chain of suppliers and manufacturing partners, one of which acquired the company in 2021.

Founder

Indiana University Health

As the leader of the IU Health Plans Project Management Office, key responsibilities included:

(1) Developing a world-class Project Management organization with a staff of business and IT Project Managers
(2) Overseeing the Supply Chain function for the business unit: strategy, process, and people. ~$85 M in annual supply chain spend.
(3) Serving as a Customer Experience Champion to transform the IU Health Customer Experience.
(4) Driving multiple strategic initiatives to deliver a step change in performance and capabilities.

Manager, Project Management Office

Rolls-Royce

As the Supply Chain Projects Manager of the US Defense Aerospace business, key responsibilities included leading a staff of Project Managers and Supply Chain Designers, 25-50 project team members, and project budgets of up to $5M. Core accountability resided in setting supply chain strategies for the business unit and executing major change programs. Accomplishments included:

(1) Building an organization from scratch by attracting and developing top talent from internal and external sources.
(2) Decommissioning a manufacturing facility in Bristol, UK and implementing a new facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(3) Executing a program to transition R-R logistics work to various third party companies, equating to $5 M in annualized cost savings.
(4) Overseeing a Vendor Managed Inventory program for the Business Unit.
(5) Leader of the 'idea generation' pipeline for the business unit. Oversight of major change programs from inception to final delivery.

Supply Chain Projects Manager

Leader in the Global Logistics function which manages logistics services (transportation, warehousing, packaging, in-factory logistics) for Rolls-Royce across 50+ sites in North and South America. Key accomplishments included:

(1) Aligning Logistics strategies across all business sectors (Civil Aerospace, Defense Aerospace, Marine, Energy).
(2) Managing project teams of up to 10 team members and capital project budgets of up to $1 M.
(3) Led an inventory improvement program on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This program was focused on improving the business unit’s cash position.
(4) Governing Third Party Logistics (3PL) provider relationships to manage Logistics operations for the business

Global Logistics Manager

Rotational Leadership Development Program

The Coca-Cola Company

Supply Chain Associate

Beverage Manufacturing & Co-Packing | Business as a Force for Good @ Circle Beverage

I help teams to achieve unreasonable outcomes by serving and coaching them with relentless dedication.  

I am grateful for each of the world-class teams that I have had the opportunity to serve.

Manufacturing is my home. I love the daily collision of workmanship, engineering, and old-fashioned work ethic that is necessary to succeed in this industry.

My entire career has been spent in highly regulated sectors (healthcare, aerospace, food/bev manufacturing). I enjoy the chaos that these industries offer and to have the opportunity to bring clarity to that chaos.

I’m the father of 4 young children. Type 1 Diabetic since 1991. Lifelong health and wellness fanatic. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor.

LinkedIn is a place where I speak about the topics that I love. Manufacturing, leadership, and business as a force for good.  I hope you find my content of benefit.

I value hustle and integrity over any other human traits.

Matt Whiteside

Evolve Food Consultants

Evolve Food Consultants is dedicated to supporting food and beverage brands with a meaningful purpose. Our operational experience allows us to craft the perfect solution for your project. 
Check out our website at www.evolvefoodconsultants.com and be sure to reach out!

Founder / Food and Beverage CPG Consultant

Craize Snacks

As a Strategic Operations Advisor at Craize, I specialize in the creation and implementation of the entire supply chain strategy, along with budgeting, cogs optimization, and supporting the S&OP process, working closely with the internal team for a seamless execution. I also bring expertise in executing end-to-end product innovation pipelines from concept to commercialization to drive growth and success.

Strategic Advisor

In my position as a COO, I directed end-to-end management of establishing a second manufacturing facility, while overseeing all functions of manufacturing sites, significantly improving productivity and reducing COGS (most notably direct labor expenses and raw material costs).
I provided extensive support in budgeting and forecasting process, which include P&L modeling and S&OP.
I strategically devised and executed operational strategies during critical monitoring of day-to-day business operations.

Chief Operating Officer

R&D Director

Lakewood Organic Juices

Coordinated with cross-functional teams to formulate and implement new processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs within the company. 
Applauded for reducing operational expenses through utilization of alternative sources and reformulation of products in collaboration with procurement team.
Attained FSSC 22000 (GFSI) certification and organic certification through complex accountability of 100% of products.

VP of Compliance and Product Developer

Regulatory Compliance and Logistics 

Mr. Greens Produce, Bento Sushi, Tony Roma's Venezuela, Cold Pressed Raw

Consultant, Food Scientist and MBA

University of Florida

Food Microbiology Laboratory Research Assistant

ABC Research

Quality Lab Technician

USDA- ARS- WRRC

Processed Foods Research Intern

Esther is a self-driven and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in CPG operations, continuous improvement, food safety, quality, supply chain management, regulatory compliance and R&D. 

She brings a deep understanding of the food and beverage manufacturing industry and leverages her skills to optimize operations and achieve strategic objectives. 

Esther is a creative problem solver who consistently delivers projects on time and within budget, ensuring successful outcomes. With over 14 years in regulatory compliance and operations, she employs a lean approach to limit risk and establish creative strategies to optimize business operations and increase profitability. 

Esther is committed to making a positive impact in the food and beverage sector. 

MBA  |  B.S. Food Science and Human Nutrition  |  Operations Expert  |  Supply Chain Optimizer  |  Regulatory Compliance | Product Developer  |  HACCP |  HARPC |  FSMA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) | Food Safety and Quality ServSafe® Instructor and Proctor | SQF Practitioner | FSPCA International Adulteration Food Defense Plan Preparation and Reanalysis | IOIA NOP Processing Standards

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