Meet the Team
Industry-recognized experts in flavor science
Whether tasked with duplicating all-natural flavors, crafting traditional favorites or creating uniquely innovative options for your specific application, our team is ready to deliver.
KEVIN BERDAK
Principal Flavorist/Analytical Research Manager
Flavor Experience: 40 years
Certified Flavor Chemist: 29 years
Degree: Chemistry & Biology, University of Missouri St. Louis
From: St. Charles, MO
Fun Fact: Owns 2 caves in Missouri and 15 abandoned gold and silver mines in Colorado
Favorite Flavor: Dark Chocolate with Caramel
RICK GIBSON
The most rewarding thing about this job is going to a store and seeing a finished product of something I flavored. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Chief Flavor Chemist
Flavor Experience: 48 years
Certified Flavor Chemist: 28 years
Degree: Business & Chemistry, University of Missouri St. Louis
From: Wentzville, MO
Fun Fact: Plays guitar in a band called “Bonedaddy” and plays in the orchestra pit for musicals around St. Louis
Favorite Flavor: Danish Pastry (Cinnamon Bun)
JULIA POLLARD
Working side by side with customers is so valuable and rewarding. We open their eyes and they open ours.
Flavorist
Flavor Experience: 15 years
Degree: Food Science, Purdue University
From: Southern Indiana
Fun Fact: Product Development Manager for a large quick service restaurant for 5 years.
Favorite Flavor: Whiskey
ADAM BERGE
We thrive on the exhilarating challenge of catapulting brands into the spotlight, infusing the market with a burst of innovation and excitement that leaves a lasting impression.
Sr. Applications Manager & Technical Sales
Flavor Experience: 7 years
Degree: Food Science, University of Missouri, Columbia
From: St. Charles, MO
Fun Fact: Plays hockey for the Penguins (part of the Arch Hockey Men’s League) in St. Louis. They won the Middle A Division Championship in 2019. Wood working hobbyist.
Favorite Flavor: Cold Brew Old Fashioned
NICK VIRIYASIRI
Being able to apply my creative side as a chef with my love of Chemistry is a dream come true.
Flavor Scientist
Flavor Experience: 5 years
Degree: Master of Science in Chemistry, University of Missouri – St. Louis
From: St. Louis, MO
Fun Fact: Former Hibachi Chef, now Sushi Chef
Favorite Flavor: Toasted Marshmallow
HUNTER ROHLF
The coolest part about the flavor industry is that it involves both strong analytical sciences and creativity. We use both of these attributes in tandem to produce amazing flavors from the ground up.
Flavor R&D Lab Technologist
Flavor Experience: 4 years
Degree: Food Science with a minor in Chemistry, University of Missouri-Columbia
From: St. Charles, MO
Fun Fact: I am an Eagle Scout
Favorite Flavor: Salted Watermelon
MEGAN SAMSON
Sensory research is a great tool that helps Beck and its customers through product development, ingredient changes, reformulations, product quality, consumer preferences, and more!
Sensory & Analytical Scientist
Sensory Experience: 6 years
Degree: Master of Science in Food Science, University of Missouri-Columbia
From: St. Louis, MO
Fun Fact: Megan used to produce and study Missouri Wine for research that supported the industry.
Favorite Flavor: Classic Lemon-Lime or Orange
LENA SAUER
In the flavor-making industry, creativity thrives, turning ingredients into art. Crafting flavors is a joyful journey of discovery, where every taste brings excitement. It’s a profession that blends science with art, making each day fulfilling and fun.
Applications Technologist
Sensory Experience: 3 years
Degree: Biology, West Virginia University. Business Administration and Management, University of Missouri – St. Louis.
From: St. Louis, MO
Fun Fact: Lena completed her first full marathon at the GO! St. Louis marathon in April of 2024.
Favorite Flavor: Pumpkin Spice
DARRYL SANDOZ
R&D Sample Coordinator
Sensory Experience: 6 months
From: St. Louis, MO / Los Angeles, CA
Fun Fact: Darryl traveled the world as a professional dancer and choreographer for celebrity music artists. I also appeared on several tv shows, dancing behind music artists.
Favorite Flavor: Blueberry
WAREN HOLLOWAY
R&D Sample Coordinator
Sensory Experience: 6 months
From: St. Louis, MO
Fun Fact: Warren was a golden glove boxer for 8 years.
Favorite Flavor: Strawberry-Kiwi
Warren is our 3-year award winning, record breaking compounding specialists!
KATIE BARDELMEIER
R&D Sample Coordinator
Sensory Experience: 6 months
Degree: Food Science, University of Missouri-Columbia
From: Arnold, MO
Fun Fact: I love to golf! I started playing in a league when I was 10 and played competitively throughout high school.
Favorite Flavor: Strawberry Creamsicle
OSCAR BOMGAARS
R&D Summer Intern
Sensory Experience: 1 month
Degree: Food Science, University of Missouri-Columbia
From: Columbia, MO
Fun Fact: I can eat an apple in one bite.
Favorite Flavor: Carrot