Corporate
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Kent DeVries
President
Kent started in sales in 1991 and is now the president of Silva. He oversees all aspects of the business and continues to drive development in supply chain, operations, sales, and general business functions. Kent has served on the board of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) and for several non-for-profit boards. His hobbies include golfing, fishing, and skiing.
phone: 815-472-3535 x18
email: [email protected]
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Peter Schmidt
Senior Business Relations Advisor
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Sales
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Anthony Drost
Account Sales Manager
Anthony has been a Silva sales representative since 2007. He travels the U.S. and Canada visiting with customers and loves working on new food, pet food, and nutraceutical projects. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in human resources. In his free time he likes to go on group bike rides. His goal is to hike in every national park in the U.S. and Canada with his wife and two boys (completed parks: Banff, Jasper, Tetons, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Smokies).
phone: 815-472-3535 x27
email: [email protected]
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Carole Lane
Samples Coordinator & Technical Documents
Carole started at Silva in 2017. She coordinates all the samples sent from Silva. She prepares and ships samples of Silva’s products to customers for various needs including new project development, as well as needs for product testing and certifications for customs clearance. Carole also provides technical documentation for Silva’s products as requested by customers.
phone: 815-472-3535 x34
email: [email protected]
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Darren Van Essen
Senior Sales Manager
Darren started at Silva in 1997. Throughout the years he has worn numerous hats but a majority of his time has been within the sales department. His main sales focus is on key national accounts. Darren holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Calvin College with a minor in finance. Darren has also served in numerous committees at school and was president of the Crown Point Christian School board. Darren is a father of four boys and spends a lot of time coaching them in baseball and basketball. In his free time Darren enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. He is also an avid outdoors-man.
phone: 815-472-3535 x23
email: [email protected]
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Dave Agema
Key Account Sales Manager
Dave started with Silva in 2001 and handles the day-to-day business with both existing accounts and new customers to communicate product knowledge and service opportunities. In addition, he handles pricing, negotiates contracts, and works side-by-side with accounts on new projects. Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a marketing minor. Outside of Silva, he enjoys coaching his kids sports teams, vacationing with family, and attending local sports games.
phone: 815-472-3535 x29
email: [email protected]
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Jeff Weidenaar
Vice President of Sales
Jeff has been with Silva since 1998, always working within the sales arm of the business. He continues working with our customers, along with oversight of the sales teams and business development planning. Jeff directs the marketing efforts for Silva as well. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business with a marketing concentration. Jeff has served and continues to volunteer on various boards, including school board and church administration. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family, including his three children.
email: [email protected]
phone: 815-472-3060
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Kim Sherwood
Order Process Manager
Kim began working at Silva in 1999. She is responsible for invoicing, overseeing order information, entering and maintaining customer information, and she creates documents for export shipments. Outside of Silva, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, gathering with friends, reading, and pool days.
phone: 815-472-3535 x35
email: [email protected]
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Matt DeVries
Sales Administrator
Matt started with Silva in 2015 and directly assists customers with purchase orders, products, questions and concerns around shipments. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing with an entrepreneurship minor. In his free time he enjoys photography, working on vehicles, and spending time with family.
phone: 815-472-3535 x49
email: [email protected]
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Rachel Klasey
Sales Assistant
Rachel started at Silva in 2020; she assists customers with purchase orders, including questions and needs around daily shipments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Olivet Nazarene University. A wife and mom to three boys, she loves to travel with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys being outside—hiking, biking, or attending sporting events.
phone: 815-472-3535 x60
email: [email protected]
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Rick Balkema
Account Sales Manager
Rick began working at Silva in 2012. He enjoys every part of dealing with customers on a day-to-day basis and does his best to get to know them to make their jobs easier. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in German – International Studies and a minor in International Business. He spends his free time with his three young children, coaching and watching sports, and trying to enjoy it while it lasts! He also enjoys golfing when he can get away with it!
phone: 815-472-3535 x45
email: [email protected]
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Ronni Munyon
Sales Assistant
Ronni, who started at Silva in 2018, assists in the day-to-day operations of the sales team, which includes entering orders, production information, and providing general customer service. Prior to Silva she worked in customer service and had retail sales experience for five years. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with family, boating, and anything water-related.
phone: 815-472-3535 x43
email: [email protected]
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Samantha Justice
Sales Administrator
Sam started at Silva in 2016. She assists customers with purchase orders, including questions and needs around daily shipments. Sam can help you with all customer service needs and any needs of our products. Prior to Silva, Sam worked in customer service for several years. Outside of Silva, she enjoys reading, attending workout classes, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family.
phone: 815-472-3060 x58
email: [email protected]
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Sean Read
National Key Account Manager
Sean, who started at Silva in 2019, enjoys working with CPG clients across the globe. His focus is on new product development and contract management, both stateside and in international markets. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing with a sales management emphasis from the University of Dayton, and received his MBA from Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business. He enjoys time with his wife, Julia, and their dog, George, and when he’s able, enjoys tennis, golf, and skiing.
phone:: 815-472-3535 x47
email:: [email protected]
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Stan Kempczynski
Key Account Sales Manager
Stan has been with Silva since 2002, working within the sales department as an account manager. Stan enjoys helping customers solve problems and works to source and supply ingredients they need to achieve their goals. Stan holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University. He enjoys time with his family, coaching soccer, and all outdoor activities from water skiing to home projects.
phone: 815-472-3535 x30
email: [email protected]
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Tyler De Jong
Sales Support Administrator
Tyler has been at Silva within the sales department since 2012. His primary focus is working with the sales team to support achievement of various departmental objectives, especially top-notch service to Silva’s customers. Tyler also works closely with other departments to enhance Silva’s ability to serve customer needs at a high level. Tyler holds a B.S. in business with a management focus. In his free time, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and four boys, playing basketball and other sports, and anything outdoors.
phone: 815-472-3535 x44
email: [email protected]
Supply Chain
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Alesha Benedict
Vendor Quality Assurance Manager
Alesha, who began working at Silva in 2013, is responsible for implementing and managing the supplier quality programs, SEDEX, and social responsibility. She drives continuous improvement with suppliers to achieve vendor compliance and meet the raw material quality standards. She holds an M.S. in Education & Interdisciplinary Studies, a B.S. in Agriculture Science, and A.A. in Agriculture Business and is HACCP Certified and Preventative Controls Certified. Outside of Silva, she raises Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats and volunteers with the 4H Youth organization.
phone: 815-472-3535 x42
email: [email protected]
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Kelly Kelson
Import Logistics Coordinator
Kelly, who has been with Silva since 2001, is currently managing the Receiving/International Logistics department, with a focusing on global importing and customs compliance. She also coordinates Silva's local, outside sterilization needs and aids in managing raw material inventory. Kelly has an Associate Degree in Accounting. She enjoys biking, attending her sons' school events and sports, spending time with her family and friends, and any outdoor activities.
email: [email protected]
phone: 815-472-3535 x19
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Pontus Mattsson
VP, Supply Chain and Administration
Pontus has been with Silva since 2005 and oversees Silva's global raw material procurement, as well as the quality department and the Silva-China operations. Pontus holds a bachelor of science in finance and economics from American University of Paris. In his free time Pontus enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and the occasional round of golf.
phone: 815-472-3535 x36
email: [email protected]
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Rodrigo Nunez
General Manager, China Operations
Rodrigo has been with Silva since 2007, always in China developing and implementing various quality programs at this raw material point. He holds a computer science certificate and has obtained a Hazard Critical Control Point certificate, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Auditor trainee (AIB standard) and pest control principles. Rodrigo’s experience in the AD industry started back in June 1996 in Chile; he relocated to China in 2002, fell in love with the opportunities and challenges within China. and decided to stay. Since then, Rodrigo met a lovely Chinese national and got married in 2012. In his spare time, soccer is the preferred sport but he also enjoys ping-pong when weather does not allow outdoor sports.
phone: +86 135 7329 0627
email: [email protected]
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Roger Clarke
International Quality Director
As quality director, Roger is responsible for the Food Safety and Quality programs within our China operation and other overseas supply countries. He works closely with the Silva-U.S. team to ensure internationally recognized Food Safety programs, such as HARPC, ISO22000, BRC, implementation of FSMA and other quality standards are obtained and maintained to the highest level possible. He has spent over 40 years in the dried ingredients business, working around the world, and has visited over 50 raw material supply countries. Roger has been privileged enough to be the Technical Chairman and President of the American Spice Trade and Technical chairman and President of the European Spice Trade Association, and has worked with the United Nations on programs to help least developed countries become viable suppliers to the ingredients industry. He is a keen sports enthusiast, enjoying skiing, mountain biking, hiking and golf. Roger also has a passion for helping underprivileged school children in Kenya, where an ongoing school enhancement project is in operation.
email: [email protected]
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Tyler Huenink
Director of Procurement
Tyler has been with Silva since 2010 working within the purchasing department. He is involved with inventory management, product contracting with raw material vendors, and working on new product/new vendor development. Tyler strives to maintain and build relationships with our raw material vendors to ensure sufficient supply and quality products. Tyler holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a finance minor from Trinity Christian College. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys spending time with his two young children, as well as a variety of sports and activities such as cycling, hiking, running, and cross country skiing.
phone: 815-472-3535 x32
email: [email protected]
Quality Control
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Dan Monzin
Technical Services Representative
Dan started at Silva in 2018, and is responsible for providing technical documents and responding to customers’ questions. He holds a B.A. in political science with a concentration on research methodology, along with minors in Spanish and history. He also has six years laboratory experience. Outside of Silva, he enjoys spending time with family and friends; hiking; taking trips with his dogs; cooking; and, working on projects around the house.
phone: 815-472-3535 x21
email: [email protected]
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Nick Plebanski
Quality Assurance Manager
Nick started with Silva in February of 2017. He is responsible for managing Silva’s quality programs and processes to assure Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory compliance. Nick holds a B.A. in biology from Indiana University and is SQF, HACCP, ISO 17025 Lead Internal Auditor, and PCQI Certified. Starting his career in a laboratory setting, Nick had the opportunity to develop an understanding of microbiological issues related to food and the environment in which it's manufactured. This experience has helped him in his approach to identifying potential food safety issues and determining best actions to prevent them from occurring. Outside of the office, Nick enjoys spending time with friends and family.
phone: 815-472-3535 x66
email: [email protected]
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Samantha King
Quality Assurance Lab Technician
Samantha started at Silva in 2017. She handles incoming raw material and finished good item testing. She also distributes COAs to companies on shipped orders and performs other data entry tasks. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, and softball.
phone: 815-472-3535 x62
email: [email protected]
Operations and Shipping
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Enrique Garcia
Raw Material Receiving Manager
Enrique has been with Silva since 2002, always working within the receiving department, while also overseeing the receiving office duties. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, and also participating church activities with his loving family and friends!
phone: 815-662-4695
email: [email protected]
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George Albert
Vice President of Operations
George, who started with Silva in 2017, plans and monitors the daily operations of the company. He leads decision-making for operational activities and strategic goal setting.
phone: 815-472-3535 x33
email: [email protected]
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Lisa Stetson
Shipping Supervisor
Lisa has been with Silva since 2012, She coordinates the work flow from order to the warehouse to shipping, checks and compares freight costs, and supervises shipping employees. Lisa has an Associates of Applied Science and has been in the shipping industry for 28 years.
email: [email protected]
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Roberto Alcantar Jr.
Operations Manager
Roberto started at Silva in 2019, and oversees production and sanitation in the facilities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Purdue University, and enjoys spending time with family and watching sports.
phone: 815-472-3535 x13
email: [email protected]
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Tami Day
Shipping Coordinator
Tami started at Silva in 2018 and serves as a sales and shipping liaison. She prepares paperwork for customer shipments and provides management of the shipping department needs. Tami has over 20 years of experience in customer management, which includes past work in banking, sales administration, as well as property management.
phone: 815-472-2923 x55
email: [email protected]
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Tim Kelson
Facility Manager (Mechanic Street)
Tim has worked at Silva since 2000 and is responsible for managing the shipping, raw material receiving, and maintenance areas at Silva. As a part of his facility oversight, Tim is certified and holds a fumigation license with the State of Illinois. He has three kids and helps to coach their sports programs. Tim enjoys motorcycles, antique cars and trucks, and in general does his best to stay out of trouble.
email: [email protected]
Accounting
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David Cowser
Controller
David has been part of the Silva team since 2018, managing the accounting department. David holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Indiana University, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He enjoys time with his wife and two daughters, serving at his church, and rooting on the Cubs, Bears, and Notre Dame football.
phone: 815-472-3535 x48
email: [email protected]
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Lisa Evers
Staff Accountant
Lisa began working in the accounting department at Silva in 2019. She provides accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other accounting services. Outside of Silva, she enjoys spending time with family.
phone: 815-472-3535 x28
email: [email protected]
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Tim Niehof
Vice President of Finance / CFO
Tim has been a part of Silva since 2008. He oversees the accounting and human resources departments and serves on the senior management team. Tim holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant. He enjoys time with his family, while leading and serving in various church ministries.
phone: 815-472-3535 x20
email: [email protected]