Andrew Barninger

Formerly APEXcm, Inc. and Peak Nutritional Products. Manages Quality, Research & Development, and Regulatory Affairs.

As the founder of Nouveausweet®, a biotechnology start-up in the low sugar/alternative sweetener industry, I lead the research and development of food and nutraceutical products with a focus on creating specialized formulations for chocolate confections, bars, and cookies that meet client specifications. My role involves extensive collaboration with specialty ingredient suppliers and nutraceutical companies to innovate and enhance product offerings, including pioneering the use of novel sweeteners in chocolate products. I oversee the sourcing and procurement of ingredients and coordinate with manufacturers to optimize production processes. My commitment to innovation is demonstrated through ongoing research into new functional foods, ingredients, and advanced production methodologies. I also contribute to the field through rigorous nutrition, supplement, and exercise research, which informs the development of our products as well as scholarly articles and professional presentations. Additionally, I author recipes and manage food photography for publications, supporting brand visibility and educational initiatives. My expertise extends to developing scientific content for industry professionals and providing nutrition consulting to semi-professional and collegiate athletes. My research includes conducting clinical and pre-clinical studies to explore various training modalities and their effects on metabolism, significantly advancing our understanding of sports science.

At BL Bio Lab, I managed a team of four R&D Engineers and Technicians, whose innovative approaches contributed to a remarkable average of a 167% increase in sales month-over-month since my starting date. I also oversaw the Label Compliance Team, employing a self-governance system to maintain compliance with CFR 21 Part 101. I spearheaded the modernization of our nutrition and supplement facts panel creation by incorporating ESHA Research Genesis R&D® Food and Supplements Formulation & Labeling software. My contributions extended to leading the development of internal software designed to streamline the formulation of dietary supplements, as well as the control and management of inventory, procurement of raw materials, and management of batch records in line with 21 CFR Part 111. I implemented a system to efficiently organize and manage raw material specifications, allergen documents, and certificates of analysis, which greatly enhanced our product development processes. Additionally, I developed tools and resources using Excel that enabled the quick and accurate development of new products. I acquired Preventative Control Certified Individual (PCQI) knowledge, which was crucial for the safe manufacturing of acidified foods in compliance with CFR 21 Part 114. My role required me to work collaboratively across multiple departments to ensure that BL Bio Lab upheld Current Good Manufacturing Practices in preparation for NSF/ANSI 455 Certification. Furthermore, I was responsible for interviewing and hiring new members for our R&D team, focusing on areas such as dietary supplements, liquids, and cosmetics, ensuring that our team remained at the forefront of innovation and compliance.

In my previous role, I successfully transitioned our flagship product from initial concept to full-scale manufacturing. I developed and maintained robust relationships with ingredient suppliers, product manufacturers, and laboratories, focusing on diverse product verticals such as confections, dairy, and hemp. I played a pivotal role in researching and developing the provisional patent for the (Thrē) Natural Sweetener and crafted the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan to ensure quality control throughout the commercial kitchen and production processes for Nyrvana chocolate truffles. I instituted and maintained Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) across our food manufacturing production lines and systems to effectively control the material chain of custody. My role involved implementing a streamlined inventory management process using CIN7 and directing both new product formulation and existing product reformulation alongside our research and development team. Additionally, I assisted co-manufacturers in scaling products from benchtop prototypes to full-scale production and worked closely with food and supplement ingredient suppliers on material procurement and validation. I was responsible for qualifying ingredients and final products through third-party laboratories and creating accurate nutrition facts panels using ESHA Genesis R&D Foods software.

In my previous role, I was responsible for conducting comprehensive nutrition consultations to assist clients with their dietary, training, and supplementation needs, ensuring they received personalized guidance tailored to their specific health goals. My expertise extended to developing educational materials on nutrition and supplements, which served both clients and staff, enhancing their understanding and enabling informed health choices. I also spearheaded the execution of in-store educational seminars, termed Master Classes, which focused on various disease states, adjuvant therapies for disease management, and the role of supplementation in treatment protocols. These sessions were designed to deepen knowledge and foster a proactive approach to health among attendees. Furthermore, I took on the role of educating employees about supplements and nutrition, providing them with the necessary knowledge to support and advise our clients effectively. This initiative not only improved service quality but also empowered our staff by expanding their professional competencies in the health and wellness sector.

-Managed all social media content for "The Muscle PhD" social media platforms. -Planned content schedule, development and execution. -Worked closely with marketing department developing marketing and content strategies. -Developed educational, scientific content in the areas of health, nutrition, and human performance. -Organized an online course in the area of exercise and nutrition science. -Assisted in building website and uploading content. -Wrote and proofread articles for web content.

-Developed ketogenic and low carbohydrate recipes for social media and web platforms. -Planned, developed, and photographed recipes for a published book on the ketogenic diet.

In my role as a Sales Associate at GNC, I consistently exceeded the sales standards and key performance indicators established by management, demonstrating strong sales acumen and an in-depth understanding of our product line. I played a key role in orchestrating product samplings at local fitness facilities, an initiative that significantly boosted company sales by enhancing product visibility and engaging directly with potential customers. My responsibilities also included providing customers with personalized assistance and evidence-based information on our products. This enabled me to offer informed and responsible guidance, helping customers make decisions that aligned with their health and wellness goals. This approach not only improved customer satisfaction but also cemented our reputation as a trusted source of health and nutrition products.

-Assisted in planning and executing research for published articles and abstracts. -Developed content for social media platforms

-Successfully developed bench top samples for a nationally selling product. -Provided constructive input regarding new and existing products. Coordinated with marketing staff to produce and ship product samples to major national and international retailers.