Ian Schenkel of Newport Beach

A mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur, Ian Schenkel has spent more than three decades working within the food industry. Based in Newport Beach, California, his professional life reflects a steady blend of technical understanding and practical business execution. His work has been shaped by long-term thinking rather than short-term gains, focusing on building systems that can operate reliably over time. Through consistent effort and careful planning, he has developed a reputation for applying engineering principles to real business challenges.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in nearly every central area of food manufacturing. His experience includes machinery design, large-scale food production, private labeling, and product development. Over the years, he became best known as the founder of a food manufacturing company that has remained active through changing markets for more than three decades. What sets his work apart is a focus on durability. Instead of simply identifying opportunities, he focuses on creating processes that endure. Whether improving a production line or developing a new product, he applies precision while remaining flexible when conditions require adjustment.

Early Career and Technical Roots

Ian Schenkel's professional foundation began with a degree in mechanical engineering. This education gave him a clear understanding of how systems function and how they can be improved through thoughtful design. Early in his career, he worked directly with machinery, designing and building equipment that would later influence his approach to food manufacturing operations.

Rather than entering business from a marketing background, he relied on technical knowledge. He understood the importance of reliable equipment and how proper design affects efficiency, safety, and consistency in food processing. He paid close attention to how time impacts production, recognizing that even minor delays, when repeated daily, could result in significant losses over a year. This mindset shaped his approach to efficiency and long-term planning from the start.

From Manufacturing to Entrepreneurship

Before starting his own company, he gained experience across multiple segments of the food industry. Through private-label work, he learned to maintain brand standards while producing at scale. This required balancing quality expectations with operational demands. He also developed experience in specialized manufacturing methods, including frozen vegetables and fire roasting, both of which depend on careful timing and controlled processes.

When Ian Schenkel Haliburton decided to start his own business, he understood the challenges that would come with it. The food industry often operates on narrow margins, with complex supply chains and shifting consumer preferences. Despite these realities, he focused on creating a business model that could evolve without compromising product quality. His goal was not rapid expansion but steady growth supported by dependable operations.

That approach proved effective. Over time, his company introduced new lines of business while continuing to refine its internal processes. This commitment to continuous improvement helped the company remain active in a highly competitive industry where many businesses struggle to survive in the long term. Longevity, in this case, was the result of consistent decision-making rather than aggressive risk-taking.

Keys to Running a Lasting Food Business

For him, managing a successful food manufacturing operation is not about following every new trend. Instead, it is about maintaining strong fundamentals and consistently applying them. Several guiding principles shape his approach.
Quality Control remains central. Ian Schenkel of Newport Beach believes a product’s reputation is established during production, making factory standards essential. Each step, including sourcing and packaging, requires careful oversight to maintain consistency.

Operational Efficiency is also a priority. By reducing waste and improving workflow, costs can be controlled without lowering quality. This balance allows the business to remain competitive while maintaining reliability.Adaptability also plays a vital role. Markets change, regulations evolve, and technology advances. A business must respond to these changes thoughtfully while remaining grounded in proven practices.

Team Development is another key focus. He understands that a business depends on its people. By investing time in training and fostering a respectful workplace culture, he supports long-term stability and accountability across the organization.
This practical and steady approach has helped the business remain active through many years of industry change.

Leadership in Action

His leadership style reflects a balance between technical analysis and experience-based judgment. He relies on data while also drawing on insight gained through years of hands-on involvement. Known for being approachable yet decisive, he listens to his team's feedback while keeping long-term goals in mind.

In Newport Beach, Ian Schenkel is recognized not only for his business role but also for his commitment to dependable partnerships. His approach has influenced relationships with suppliers, distributors, and partners who appreciate consistency and fairness. These relationships have contributed to operational stability and strengthened trust across the business network.

Lessons Learnt over 30+ years

Over more than 30 years in the food industry, he has witnessed economic changes, shifts in consumer behavior, and technological advancements. One lesson stands out clearly: lasting success usually comes from minor improvements repeated consistently over time rather than from a single breakthrough.

He often notes that maintaining a business can be more challenging than starting one. Long-term operations require persistence, especially when managing supply chain disruptions, pricing pressures, and regulatory updates. These challenges demand steady attention and thoughtful decision-making rather than reactive responses.

This year marks 33 years since the company began operating. This milestone reflects his ability to remain competitive in a demanding industry. For him, the importance of this achievement goes beyond the number itself. It represents the relationships built over time, the trust earned, and the shared progress achieved with employees and partners.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Ian Schenkel Haliburton spends time boating or playing golf. These activities offer a way to balance professional responsibilities with personal interests. Both require patience, planning, and adaptability, qualities that also influence his approach to business.

His connection to Haliburton provides a setting that contrasts with daily operations. Known for its natural surroundings, the area offers a slower pace and an opportunity to step back from the demands of routine. This change of environment helps maintain perspective and encourages reflection beyond immediate business concerns.

Looking Forward

Although his company already holds a strong position in the industry, he continues to look for ways to improve. This includes exploring new products, considering sustainable practices, and responding to evolving consumer expectations.

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into food manufacturing, he sees opportunities to implement automation and improve inventory systems. At the same time, he believes technology should support human expertise rather than replace it. In his view, quality still depends on skilled individuals making informed decisions throughout the process.

A Career Defined by Consistency and Adaptability

From his early days as a mechanical engineer to his long-standing role as a business founder, Ian Schenkel of Newport Beach has built a career defined by consistency and adaptability. Whether managing operations in Newport Beach or spending time in Haliburton, he continues to follow the same principles that guided him from the beginning. By focusing on quality, efficiency, and steady improvement, Ian Schenkel demonstrates that lasting success comes from patience, discipline, and a commitment to building something that endures.

Portfolio 1: https://ian-schenkel.com

Portfolio 2: https://ianschenkelhaliburton.com