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Meet Our Team
Darrell Bigalke
Founder and Owner of QualiTru
Q&A with Darrell
Darrell Bigalke is the founder and owner of QualiTru Sampling Systems. He has a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Food Science with an emphasis in dairy microbiology. Darrell’s specialization in contamination control established him as a valuable consultant to the dairy industry and speaker at numerous dairy conferences for over three decades.
What is your favorite quote?
"Your test results are only as good as your sample."
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
After working at Ecolab for ten years, I negotiated a sales and marketing agreement for the aseptic sampler and in 1983 the company was incorporated.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Biology.
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Bryce National Park, South Africa, and my cabin.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I wish I could cure cancer!
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
My medication, fishing tackle, and shotgun.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Reflecting on the impact of my dad's life made me appreciate him as a positive role model. He prioritized family, country, community, and church.
How do you define success?
Helping improve the quality of life through contributions to the industry, food safety, and mankind.
What is one sampling solution story that stands out in your mind?
Being able to identify the source of contamination at an ice cream plant that had caused a serious foodborne illness outbreak.
What was your first car?
1984 F150 truck.
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
Being a successful entrepreneur.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Having great employees and rewarding them.
The best advice you have ever received?
Be honest.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Ian G. Davis
CEO
Q&A with Ian
Ian G. Davis is QualiTru’s new Chief Executive Officer. He comes with more than 25 years of senior-level management experience, including leadership positions in sales, operations, and information technology in the food, travel, and logistics industries in the U.S. and Europe. Most recently, he was Vice President of Operations for a privately held industrial services firm based in Indiana. He began his career working at a dairy in his native British Columbia. Davis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia.
What is your favorite quote?
”Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” - Babe Ruth
What was your favorite subject in school?
Math
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
Through a professional friend
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
It’s a longer list than three but London, Paris and Sydney were fantastic
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Despite my fear of heights, flying
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
Cards and notes I have kept and filed away from my wife and kids
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
I lost my mother in 2020. It is a vivid reminder that every day is a blessing and that life is made richer by those you share it with.
How do you define success?
Building businesses that create value for shareholders and customers with people that are passionate about what they do and feel they are better versions of themselves for doing it with you.
What was your first car?
1987 Pontiac Fiero
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
A few pounds (and years) ago, I would run sub 4-hour marathons
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Seeing people collaborate to create and then execute “big yardage plays” that transform a company
The best advice you have ever received?< ?
Be aware of ALL the decisions you are making when making a decision.... because you are never just making one
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Anne Bigalke
VP of Strategic Development
Q&A with Anne
Anne Bigalke, QualiTru’s Vice President of Strategic Development, holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Political Economy from the University of Puget Sound and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from St. Catherine’s University. Anne spent her summers as a youth assembling sampling kits at the family business. Prior to working at QualiTru, Anne worked in Malaysia managing six development centers; she returned to her roots in Minnesota and a job at QualiTru that kindled her passion for the dairy industry. Today she enjoys working with industry experts to develop scientific studies and guidelines to gather better in-process data while working with a passionate team to prepare for future sampling needs.
What is your favorite quote?
"At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou
What was your favorite subject in school?
Didn't have a favorite – I more enjoyed finding ways to connect different subjects. I studied International Political Economy in undergrad – so it was all about identifying overlaps. I found my work in Malaysia was an even greater time for learning – from managing a team of 10 people, speaking a new language to learning a new 'boleh' lifestyle.
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Vietnam, India, and Badlands South Dakota. Maybe more than anything – it's the unknown and building a list of where to go next. I love exploring new places.
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
A summer job with too much curiosity. I was enrolled in a program in the Netherlands – but couldn’t leave an amazing opportunity. During that summer I called different Quality Managers who brought me in and taught me why they choose to use our sampling system and the impact it made on their work. That experience convinced me that there was so much more to explore and don’t see an end anytime soon. Wake up every morning excited to work with customers who show me how our system is solving a problem for them and many are willing to support others to improve the industry – it is the best thing I could ask for.
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
Passport, microplane grater (for testing), and eye mask.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Working with Cornell University, we set up a study to compare string sampling to individual cow sampling. The first round of results were not favorable. This challenged us to decide whether to pursue the report or not. We decided that we need to continue the study for the best interest of the industry as that fulfills our mission to improve food safety.
How do you define success?
Success is aligning our team with farmers, haulers, and Quality teams to make better quality and safer food. On a more personal note, as a child I didn't know what my dad 'did', but I knew he saved lives by creating safer food. Now I know that our sampling equipment helps the industry produce safer food with accurate process and product data. I hope that my son, one day, sees our team continuing to make a healthier community.
What is one sampling solution story that stands out in your mind?
I worked with a farm out in Michigan that had issues controlling SPCs. They thought our equipment was introducing contamination after several weeks of tearing apart their milking room. We set up a diagnostic test with 5 sample points across their milking room and found the sock filters had sediment that led to elevated counts only after 5 hours of milking. Weeks of headaches were solved in 12 hours.
What was your first car?
Honda CRV.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
I love connecting passionate people with the right tools. Working in dairy, I get to feed my endless curiosity to learn from the hardest working and driven people behind some of my favorite foods. Extremely grateful to work with such passionate people who are shaping food safety and supporting farmers.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Ability to travel anywhere in no time – cut out travel time.
If you could have dinner with any person (living or deceased) who would it be and where would you dine?
I would make breakfast with my Grandma (now passed). I have so many great memories of waking up too early in the morning, listening to the radio, and baking/eating cinnamon rolls together.
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
My nickname was Annie Oakley – I have a good shot.
The best advice you have ever received?
My dad taught me to always look for a win-win ending for business and personal life. He didn’t even need to say it – he acts on that attitude every day.>
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Barbara Grayes
Vice President of Sales
- Phone:(651) 501-2337
Scott Larson
VP of Operations and Supply Chain
Q&A with Scott
Scott Larson, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry with a minor in microbiology from the University of Minnesota and is a Certified Professional Project Manager. Scott’s strong operations and supply chain background, leadership experience and technical skills coupled with his participation in various successful product development efforts are great assets to the company.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do good things and good things will happen”
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
Timing and a professional connection.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Biology
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Norway, The Big Island (Hawaii), BWCAW
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
Phone, wallet and photo albums.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Supporting my elderly father with dementia before his passing.
How do you define success?
When all stakeholders of a project, task or initiative are satisfied with the outcome.
What was your first car?
1978 Chevy Malibu, baby blue and with a white vinyl top
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
Hiking up Mauna Kea.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Solving challenges as a team and pleasing customers!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to prevent illness in children.
If you could have dinner with any person (living or deceased) who would it be and where would you dine?
Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle
The best advice you have ever received?
Motivation transcends all parts of your life.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Laura Bordeaux
Controller
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Dan Funke
Senior Account Executive
Q&A with Dan
Dan Funke is the Senior Account Executive at QualiTru Sampling Systems. He has the perspective of having grown up on a dairy farm and an extensive dairy industry background. Dan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and an MBA from the University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business. While working at Grande Cheese, Dan learned the importance of helping farmers improve the quality of their milk. He has previously held positions at Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) as a Quality Milk Specialist and Senior Territory Business Manager. Dan loves using analytics to solve complex problems and provide customer-focused insight.
What is your favorite quote?
“Your life is made of two dates and a dash. Make the most of the dash.”
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
QualiTru reached out to me via LinkedIn to discuss an opportunity they had available.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Welding and woodworking in high school. Business and economics in college.
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Lambeau Field in Green Bay WI, Puerto Rico, Mexico.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
If I had a superpower I wouldn’t tell anyone about it. Doing good deeds cloaked in anonymity sounds like a good time to me.
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
Probably nothing else. If my loved ones and pets are safe that’s all I need. The rest can be replaced.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
I feel being a parent has made me a stronger person. It is one of the most rewarding– yet challenging – journeys you will ever embark on. Somehow you find the strength to make it all happen. It’s a purpose greater than yourself.
How do you define success?
I define success by the success of those around me. I find joy in using my skills to help others achieve their goals. It’s fun to get to the top of a mountain, but it’s even more rewarding to bring others along for the journey.
What is one sampling solution story that stands out in your mind?
The sampling solution story that comes to mind hasn’t had its ending written yet. Recently, we started working with a customer who was having issues with their finished product. The company reached out to us and asked for help. We worked with their Quality Control team to suggest various locations to install sample ports in their plant. They are now gathering valuable data using our sampling ports. This is something they couldn’t do in the past. It has been extremely rewarding to work through this process with them.
What was your first car?
The first car I was allowed to drive was a 1977 Buick LeSabre – a mint green 4 door. The first car I owned was a 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix – a cherry red 2 door.
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
My wife and I were Foster Parents for a few years.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Working with customers to help them solve problems.
The best advice you have ever received.
It’s never wrong to do the right thing – Mark Twain.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Mara Herschbach
Marketing Manager
Q&A with Mara
Mara Herschbach is the Marketing Manager at QualiTru Sampling Systems. She graduated Summa Cum Lauda from Metropolitan State University with a BS in Marketing and has more than two decades of experience as a Designer, Creative Manager, and Creative Director overseeing integrated marketing campaigns across emerging businesses, video, photoshoots, print, digital, and social as well as lead rebranding and design efforts for large-scale, corporate identity systems on a global scale. She has an appetite for learning new things and has also acquired a degree in graphic design and certificates in practical application for web design, video editing, and animation.
What is your favorite quote?
“Drop the Mind”
This is a Buddhist expression I learned when stranded in Amsterdam due to the Volcanic ash in April 2010. It roughly means the mind is the source of all our problems and if we can step outside the mind (let things go) then we can enjoy life. So, if you are reading this, I challenge you to “drop your mind” and enjoy the moment...
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
Job posting on LinkedIn.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Floral Design, Photoshop, Video Editing.
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Germany, North Shore, Disneyland.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Teleport. Sometimes you just want to get there and I hate wasting time trying to get there.
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
My 222 Featherweight sewing machine, photo albums, my laptop.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Becoming a mom and raising kids. There isn't anything I wouldn't face or take on when it comes to my kids.
How do you define success?
Success is achieving a sense of fulfillment.
What was your first car?
1977 Ford Fastback Mustang, Turquoise with white leather interior.
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
College algebra with an A-!! Of course, my son had to tutor me, but I did it. Math is not my superpower…
What are your favorite parts of your job?
So far, I really like the people. Looking forward to meeting more customers and visiting more farms/plants in the future.
The best advice you have ever received?
If you make a mistake, own it, fix it, learn from it, and move on.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Gwen Raddatz
Customer Service Specialist
Q&A with Gwen
Gwen Raddatz is the Customer Service Specialist at QualiTru Sampling Systems. She started her career with QualiTru more than 30 years ago. Gwen is involved in a wide range of activities such as Project Management, Accounts Receivable, Client Retention, Workflow Improvement activities and is part of our Social Media team.
What is your favorite quote?
"The greatest source of happiness is the ability to be grateful at all times." – Zig Zigler
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
I started working for QualiTru (then called QMI) as a product assembler in 1987 while in high school. I became a full-time office employee in 1991.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Science.
How do you define success?
Doing work that is meaningful, both in my personal life as well as my professional life. Success is waking up every morning knowing that I make a difference doing what I love!
What's one of the favorite parts of your job?
I love working with our customers on a daily basis - identifying and anticipating their needs and delivering on our promise of great products and great customer service. Every time!
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
England, Hawaii, Belgium.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
John Otte
Inside Sales Representative
Q&A with John
John Otte, QualiTru's Inside Sales Representative, earned a Bachelor of Science, Sales and Marketing degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota and has extensive experience in sales and operations as well as an agricultural background. John enjoys connecting with his customers via a consultative approach to learn about their situation, help them solve problems, improve their processes and ensure they have a terrific customer experience.
What is your favorite quote?
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
How did you end up working at QualiTru?
I saw the job posting & really felt it would be a great opportunity to combine my agricultural and consultative sales backgrounds to improve food safety and quality.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Agricultural classes in high school. In college my favorites were Sales, Marketing & Advertising classes at St. Mary’s University & Ag classes at UW-River Falls.
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Playa Del Carmen area of Mexico, Washington DC, Yellowstone-Grand Tetons.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To cure previously uncurable diseases like cancer & muscular dystrophy.
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
Cell phone, photo albums, passport.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
Finishing college while working full-time & raising a family further enforced setting priorities in each area of life to maintain as a best of a work-life balance as possible.
How do you define success?
Success is giving your best effort in all that you do, improving the lives of those around you and remembering to value others ahead of yourself.
What was your first car?
1970 Dodge Polara.
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
Received an award for the Outstanding Undergrad Capstone final paper at St. Mary’s University.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Building relationships with customers and helping them solve problems and providing a great customer experience.
The best advice you have ever received?
People won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Mai Kong Vang
Admin. & Warehouse Assistant
Q&A with Mai
Mai Vang has been the Administrative & Warehouse Assistant for QualiTru Sampling Systems since 2018. She is valued for managing and executing many critical company functions, including customer invoicing, accounting support, receiving, logging and inspection of incoming products, product assembly, fulfilling sales orders and coordination of shipping, as well as warehouse management.
Do you have any kids, and if so, how many?
Yes, Nathaniel Yang and Nolin Yang.
What's one of the favorite parts of your job?
Being able to meet the needs of our customers.
What was your first car?
A Toyota Camry.
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
My important documents and photos.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Lanette Mayer
Special Projects
Q&A with Lanette
Lanette Mayer, as Head of Special Projects, supports marketing through our social media platforms, writes/edits articles, and coordinates volunteer/service projects and company events. She has a master's degree in Special Education from the University of St. Thomas and previously had a rewarding career as a speech/language pathologist.
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
A girls’ vacation to London, and trips to Wales and South Korea.
What was your favorite subject in school?
English and U.S. History.
If you could have dinner with any person (living or deceased) who would it be and where would you dine?
I would love to have dinner with Michelle Obama in one of my favorite cities, Chicago.
What are your favorite parts of your job?
Working with such a great creative team and the staff outings.
What is your favorite quote?
"Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever." from All the Light We Cannot See by Andrew Doerr. I love that book and the quote serves as a reminder to continue to grow, explore, and not miss out on opportunities, no matter our age.
Your house is on fire, all loved ones (including pets) are safe. You can safely retrieve 3 items. What do you get?
Family pictures. That’s it.
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person? Taking a two-year cancer journey with my best friend taught me a lot about the intertwining of inner strength and gratitude.
How do you define success? Success is having a purposeful career, enjoying time with family, and having relationships and experiences that enrich my life.
What is something you have accomplished that few would guess?
I raised money and trained for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer with a group of ten colleagues during the summer of 2006. We walked 20 miles a day for three consecutive days and tent camped two nights. Great experience!
What are the top 3 concerts you have attended?
Neil Diamond and Elton John/Billy Joel.
The best advice you have ever received?
Remember it’s just stuff. Let it go.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Samantha Welch
Quality Manager
Samantha Welch is the Quality Manager at QualiTru Sampling Systems. Samantha graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, specializing in Food Engineering. She has experience as a brewer in a Milwaukee craft brewery and most recently worked in the quality department at a dairy production facility in the Minneapolis area.
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
Evan Dorniden
Accountant
Q&A with Evan
Evan Dorniden, QualiTru's Accountant, is a 2022 graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, majoring in accounting and finance. He was most recently a Staff Accountant at Southview Senior Communities. Evan brings strong analytical and organizational skills to the company and looks forward to opportunities for challenges and growing his knowledge and expertise in the field.
What is your favorite quote?
“A winner never quits and a quitter never wins.”
What was your favorite subject in school?
Math
What are the top 3 places you have visited?
Barcelona, Paris, and San Francsico
What was your first car?
Nissan Maxima
- Phone: (651) 501-2337
