Meet the
Chicken
Experts
With decades of experience, the Egg Innovations leadership team are the chicken experts. Through research, experience, and dedication, we have become the leaders in ethical animal treatment and regenerative agriculture.
JOHN BRUNNQUELL
PhD, President & CEO
A third-generation farmer and entrepreneur. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and Master’s degree in Poultry Science. His research has resulted in patents for both fat and cholesterol reduction in shell eggs. John recently earned his PhD in Avian Ethology at the University of Kentucky, where he focused on the study of natural chicken behaviors. John founded Egg Innovations in 1999, and has grown the business steadily to become the largest supplier of only free range and pasture raised eggs. He serves on numerous industry boards and committees, and has been recognized for his volunteer work, including being inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame and named an Outstanding Alumni of the University of Wisconsin. He and his wife Cathy were selected as the United States’ Outstanding Young Farmers by both the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Jaycees Organization. John has served as past President of the Wisconsin Agricultural Alumni Association, The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation, and Organic Egg Farmers of America.
CATHY BRUNNQUELL
VP of Credit & Consumer Relations
Attended the University of Wisconsin Madison. She has spent the last 20 years in a variety of roles with the company in addition to being involved in various agricultural organizations. She joins the senior management team taking an active role in strategic planning and enhancing the customer experience at Egg Innovations.
SHAWN HENDRIX
Chief Marketing Officer
Leading the marketing efforts of Egg Innovations, Shawn Hendrix brings more than 20 years of marketing and creative experience to his leadership role. With a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art, Graphic Design and Minor in English; Shawn has experience from many industries including more than 15 years within food and beverage that he brings to the team. Under his guidance Helpful Hens, the first to the market regenerative farmed premium egg brand, is growing its presence coast to coast. Additionally, his efforts to redefine the family values brand Blue Sky Family Farms allows for its continued growth in the free-range and pasture-raised eggs categories. By driving product and brand values with strategies to understand who our consumer is, what they want, and how we can help them; Shawn brings tactics forward to resonate with consumers, allowing the brands of Egg Innovations to achieve success.
BRIAN KLEPKE
Chief Operations Officer
Supply is the foundation of Brian Klepke’s leadership role with Egg Innovations. Starting at day 1 with the chicks and continuing every step through the process; Brian’s focus covers the care and raising of the flocks, the plant management and quality control as the team process and handles the eggs, and the logistics that leads to the wholesome eggs being available to customers. With 13 years of CPG experience and an additional 12 years of experience with broilers, Brian’s hand-on industry experience allows him to understand and connect these multiple moving pieces to lead to a strong operational unit at Egg Innovations. In addition to his work experience, Brian has his MBA from Cardinal Stritch University and completed Notre Dame’s Executive Leadership Certificate with 18 credits. Brian has been with Egg Innovations for three years.
STEVE LAQUA
Chief Revenue Officer
Attended St. John’s University and Capella University, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Business Management, with an emphasis in Leadership. Steve’s 25+ year career in the CPG industry has been focused primarily on food, working for a variety of companies including; Bimbo Bakeries/Sara Lee, Schwan’s Company, and Sparboe Foods. Areas of focus include Sales, Marketing, Customer Strategy, and Business Development. Steve joined Egg Innovations in March 2020.
JOSH VANDUSEN
Chief Financial Officer
Having worked in an egg factory in high school, Josh VanDusen used this experience and his expertise in accounting to grow into his current senior management role. From starting as a temp more than 9 years ago, Josh VanDusen has served Egg Innovations in many facets. He has gained insights to streamline processes and feels the organization’s pulse having previously served the company in the controller role as well as having been the director of plant operations where he managed inventory management, supply chain, flock planning, supply and demand balance, logistics, and out bound freight. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting from Indiana Tech, building on his Associate in Accounting from the International Business College. Josh uses his understanding of the company and accounting expertise to be a resource to improve ROI for the team, collaborating across departments working with sales, operations, and marketing.
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