Our Story
About ezbake technologies
ezbake technologies helps solve baking industry challenges of extending shelf life, creating
“clean labels” by supplying ingredients that improve products, improve production efficiency or replace chemicals. Our core products (enzyme-based baking ingredients) help increase customer satisfaction by improving quality. Custom blended products improve texture and mouth feel while holding moisture to increase shelf life of fresh or frozen products or speed the drying process for low moisture products. ezbake has various mixes and bases as well as a line of basic ingredients and processing aids including baking powders, oils, trough greases and release agents. ezbake technologies is certified as a woman-owned business by WBENC International.
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History
In 1993, Rita Tolvanen and Ted Tolvanen founded ezbake technologies in Dallas, TX. It began as a two-person entrepreneurial organization with offices in their home. The company still operates from Flower Mound, Texas, a suburb of Dallas.
Ted was born in Finland and after years of training as an apprentice with different Masters in Finland, Germany and Switzerland, he was certified as a European Master Baker. After working in exclusive New York bakeries, Sara Lee awarded Ted a scholarship to attend the six month A.I.B. course on industrial baking. He is a lifetime member of AIB. Before ezbake technologies Ted worked in product development for Kroger Bakeries, Campbell-Taggert, Frito Lay and Weston Bakeries. He started an International Baking Consultant business with clients such as Keebler, Frito Lay, Galbusera, Fazer, Rheon Equipment, Barilla and others. Ted retired from day-to-day participation in the business but remains a valuable resource.
Born in Detroit MI, Rita attended prestigious Cass Tech High School in Downtown Detroit. She
received her BA degree from Texas Christian University and her MBA in International Business from Alvar Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland. Prior to ezbake technologies, Rita worked in the electronics industry. While studying for her MBA she taught business English in Finland. Later, Rita also taught International Business, International Marketing and Future Trends in International programs. She currently serves as CEO of the company.
Our Team
Kate MacEwen
Kate MacEwen is ezbake technologies VP of Business Development and Marketing has more than 14 years of business and nonprofit fund development. Kate began her career at the then Michigan Women’s Business Council (now the Great Lakes Business Council) where she was able to see firsthand the value of a WBE certification. Kate has an undergraduate degree in voice performance and political science from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in communication from Eastern Michigan University. Kate is proudly owned by a pack of spitzes and resides right outside of Ann Arbor, MI.
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Shaena Sparrow
Shaena Sparrow is ezbake technologies VP of Purchasing and Logistics, has a little over seven years of experience in her field of expertise. She began with ezbake as a data collector in 2006 and has since graduated with a degree in Supply Chain Management from Grand Valley State University. Shaena has held her title, along with assisting in other duties, since 2011 with ezbake technologies. She has also attended a few different AIB classes to broaden her knowledge of the baking industry.
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More roles she has held through the purchasing/logistics realm include raw material buyer, supplier quality supervisor, materials variance supervisor, and program buyer at Unique Fabricating, Inc. and Webasto Roofs System in the automotive industry.
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Aside from work she enjoys her two dogs, boating, snowmobiling, skiing, and playing sports (in specific rugby). She resides in Sterling Heights, MI.