About Us

Mike Handy has enjoyed a successful career in the food industry for over 25 years. Like many, he started his career as a dishwasher and worked his way up, using both the "school of hard knocks” and a Culinary Arts degree. In addition to his work as an executive chef in high-end restaurants, he also owned his own bed and breakfast and taught culinary school for several years. In 2010 he went back to school and earned his degree in Food Science from California State University - Fresno.

For the last 10 years, he has worked in Product Development in the Food and Beverage CPG industry. Never shying away from a challenge, Michael's entrepreneur sprit led him to open his own food product development consultancy in 2018. He works with start-ups as well as established brands in the market. He looks forward to using his expertise to help take your project to the next level!

Amanda Hobson has 15 years food industry experience. She started her career working in various positions in the fine dining and casual restaurant world before focusing on the sweeter side and earning her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Pastry Arts and Specialty Baking at Seattle Culinary Academy. Searching for new challenges, in 2013 she attended Southwest Minnesota University to pursue a Bachelors in Science, Culinology. After graduating she gained experience working at a pasta manufacture in the San Francisco Bay Area. During her position she gained experience in refrigerated filled pastas, cut pastas, sauces, and prepared meals.

In 2018 she began a position with a Seattle-based culinary consultancy where she expanded her experience in many areas of development including extruded bars, refrigerated spreads, and marine ingredient applications.

Spring of 2021 she joined Michael in running his food product and development consultancy. As Co-Owner of AGS Consultancy, Amanda manages her own clients and projects. She also serves as a resource on technical baking and pastry knowledge for all projects.