Rick Elyar has served consumer packaged goods (CPG) clients for 25 years as a business development specialist in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. He has a particular passion for and expertise in the food and beverage markets.

Elyar recently joined Haskell’s CPG Group as a Director of Business Development, and he is thrilled to be able to provide clients, old and new, the capabilities of a design-build leader and the contractor ranked No. 1 in the Food & Beverage industry in two consecutive years and three of the past six.

“I feel very fortunate to be part of a team that’s ranked No. 1 for two years in a row,” he said. “There’s truly a client-focused business approach and, without a doubt, an incredible level of in-house expertise that we bring. I can go to any specific industry, and I've got a team behind me that knows that industry. That’s huge.”

A Pennsylvania native and graduate of Penn State, Elyar and his family live in suburban Baltimore. He and his team will focus their efforts in Haskell’s Eastern Region, particularly leveraging his connections in the northeast.

“His familiarity with the industry, his location in the northeast and his connection to the local client base will provide instant credibility and trust,” said Dave Bartels, CPG Vice President of Strategic Planning and Development. “Rick is extremely likable and approachable and will be a solutions-oriented problem solver for our clients.”

Elyar has particular interest and knowledge in food safety, having completed the coursework to become an FDA-recognized “Preventive Controls Qualified Individual” (PCQI).

His work with one former client demonstrated how he combined that expertise with his relationship-focused approach to each client and project. A land-based aquaculture company needed a new facility where it would cultivate its fish populations. To some, it was a fish barn, but Elyar approached it with science and safety in mind.

“Each client has a different need,” he said. “In this case, it was the unique performance requirements of a land-based aquaculture facility that integrated a seafood processing operation. It needed climate and humidity control. The facility had to be energy efficient and utilize finishes that were corrosion resistant. It needed recirculating aquaculture systems that related to the process world because they aimed to reuse 90% or more of their water. The facility design needed to address biosecurity considerations and need to be scalable for future expansions. Then downstream from the RAS operation was a seafood processing operation, which circles right back to food safety and creating separation to mitigate cross contamination risks.”

Haskell’s ability to provide concept-to-commissioning solutions to complex challenges, especially its robust engineer, procure, construct (EPC) capabilities, circles back to Elyar’s enthusiasm for his new role.

“Having the process, packaging and material handling expertise inhouse is a true advantage,” he said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to provide clients with truly great turnkey solutions.”

Contact Rick Elyar to explore how Haskell can create best-in-class solutions for your Consumer Product, Food & Beverage or Beer, Wine & Spirits needs.