Ben Schapelhouman

Experience

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  Nortel Networks

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2000

  Production Technician

  • Conducted hands-on work in a high-tech environment, specializing in the assembly andinspection of circuit boards.• Executed precision tasks involved in the fabrication process, including assembly and soldering.• Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including engineers and testers, to create and test products,contributing to the overall success of projects.• Implemented and adhered to strict cleanroom protocols, ensuring safe and controlled environmentfor motherboard fabrication, which played a crucial role in maintaining product quality and reliability.• Documented procedures, results, and observations meticulously, providing comprehensive reports tostakeholders that aided in project tracking, quality control, and future research and development efforts.• WHMIS trained. Worked attentively while referring to MSDS sheets and safety requirements. Show less

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  Self-employed

  Jul 1999 - Jul 2008

  Farm Owner/Operator

  •Founded and operated a commercial beef cow-calf/feedlot operation in Southeastern Ontario during a period of significant international market access challenges.•Strategically managed all aspects of livestock care, breeding, and feedlot operations, ensuring optimal herd health and productivity.•Orchestrated a small-scale cash-cropping enterprise to diversify revenue streams and add value to real estate holdings.•Proactively embraced new technologies and industry best practices, fostering continuous improvement in livestock and crop management for enhanced overall farm operations. Show less

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  DuPont

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2004

  Production Operator

  •Operated and maintained production machinery to ensure the efficient manufacturing of specialized nylon intermediate products within DuPont's portfolio.•Trained as a Railroad Brakeman, and also coordinated the planning and shipment of railcars from suppliers and out to customers.•Strictly adhered to safety protocols and quality standards, contributing to a secure and compliant production environment.•Collaborated seamlessly with team members to meet and exceed production targets, fostering a culture of teamwork and efficiency.•Conducted routine inspections, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on equipment, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous production.•Worked with precision and attention to detail, following standard operating procedures to guarantee the quality and consistency of manufactured products.•Participated in DuPont's ongoing training programs to stay abreast of industry advancements, safety procedures, and operational best practices.•Contributed to a positive work culture by actively engaging in team discussions, providing insights, and supporting process improvements.•Maintained accurate production records and documentation, ensuring compliance with DuPont's quality standards and regulatory requirements. Show less

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  Ingredion Incorporated

  Jan 2004 - Jan 2007

  Production Operator

  •Operated production equipment to manufacture starches, nutrition ingredients, and biomaterials, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and quality control measures.•Collaborated with team members to consistently meet and exceed production targets, contributing to a safe and compliant work environment.•Conducted routine inspections and maintenance on production machinery, minimizing downtime and supporting continuous production.•Implemented precise formulas and production processes, working with diverse ingredients to maintain high-quality standards.•Engaged in various tasks, including material handling, process monitoring, and packaging, to support the overall production team.•Actively participated in team meetings, contributing ideas for process improvements and fostering a positive work culture.•Maintained accurate production records and documentation, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.•Participated in training programs to stay updated on industry standards, safety procedures, and operational best practices, contributing to a knowledgeable and skilled workforce. Show less

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  Grant Farms Corp

  Aug 2008 - Mar 2012

  Farm Operations Manager

  •Managed a team of farm employees and equipment operators during the founding period of the farm, providing leadership, training, and guidance to ensure efficient day-to-day operations and foster a positive working environment.•Specified and negotiated the purchase of farm machinery and related systems.•Acted as the primary liaison between farm personnel and the owner, facilitating effective communication and collaboration to align operational activities with overarching business goals.•Orchestrated all aspects of farm operations on a large commercial grain and oilseed farm, ensuring optimal productivity, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.•Spearheaded the specification and design of a state-of-the-art grain handling and elevator system, from inception to completion. This included strategic planning and coordination with construction teams.•Applied expert agronomic knowledge to optimize crop production, implementing innovative strategies to improve soil health, crop yield, and nutritional quality.•Conducted thorough field assessments, leveraging precision agriculture technologies to monitor and analyze crop health, soil conditions, and implement data-driven decision-making.•Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, government agencies, and industry partners, fostering a network beneficial to the farm's success.•Implemented sustainable farming practices, integrating conservation techniques and environmentally friendly approaches to promote long-term soil health and resource sustainability.•Actively participated in ongoing professional development, staying abreast of industry trends, advancements, and best practices to continually enhance farm operations. Show less

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  TECC Agriculture Ltd.

  Mar 2012 - now

  Founder, Certified Crop Advisor - Ontario

  Agtech Entrepreneurship:•Founded TECC Agriculture Ltd. and led the company in pioneering technological advancements in agriculture.•Developed a growing customer base from scratch with very strong year-to-year retention.Crop Consulting Expertise:•Certified Crop Advisor - Ontario, providing independent consulting services to regional farmers, producer associations, and government agencies.Farmland Development:•Spearheaded farmland development initiatives, selected strategically important locations and geographies, optimizing land use and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.Innovative Crop Scouting Projects (Remote Cameras & Machine Learning):•Explored leading-edge technology in crop scouting, incorporating high-tech cameras mounted on electric dirt bikes.Commodities Originator/Exporter:•Played a key role in originating and exporting pulse crop commodities, specifically green peas and fababeans.Hybrid Operations:•Successfully managed hybrid operations, blending agtech entrepreneurship, crop consulting, farmland development, and commodities exporting. Show less

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  Area One Farms

  Jan 2015 - Mar 2018

  Farm Partner

  •Developed a large commercial cash crop land base in North Eastern Ontario’s Great Clay Belt in collaboration with equity partners.•Identified and selected geography with a sizeable, fertile, and undervalued land resource yet with excellent direct access to rail, natural gas, and highway infrastructure.•Targeted and then negotiated the purchase of over 40 properties from private vendors and consolidated them into one commercial farmland holding.•Oversaw the early improvement, draining and development of the farmland parcels. Show less