When Lovepacs, a Central Texas nonprofit dedicated to feeding children in need, acquired a new space in Little Elm, Texas, the organization needed help transforming it into a functional and efficient operational hub.

Recognizing an opportunity to put their expertise to work for a cause they already had been supporting, team members from Haskell’s Dallas office offered to launch Project Lovepacs, a pro bono initiative to optimize the layout of the new facility.

“It was a great chance for the Haskell team to give back in a meaningful way,” said Senior Integration Manager Matt Mustard, who led the effort.

Lovepacs coordinates with local schools and volunteers to provide meal packages to students who might otherwise go hungry when school cafeterias are closed, such as during holiday breaks. Its new space needed to be configured for the effective processing and handling of foodstuffs.

The original scope of the project focused on assisting Lovepacs in optimizing the layout of their new facility and evaluating which equipment could be reused from their previous location. The Haskell team – which also included Project Integrator Barrett Teakell and Senior Designer Oscar Ponce – provided detailed 2D drawings and 3D models to help visualize the space and ensure every square foot was used effectively.

As the project progressed, however, the team encountered unexpected challenges that required flexibility and quick thinking.

First, team members discovered that the original building dimensions provided by the client were incorrect. A setback that could have delayed progress instead turned into an opportunity to create a more accurate and functional layout. The team swiftly pivoted to rework the design, including demolishing an existing stage, guided the client through the necessary changes and maintained project momentum.

Another major hurdle involved integrating over 50 pieces of existing equipment into the new space. This required detailed measurements and 3D modeling to ensure everything fit and functioned properly.

“Oscar’s exceptional work modeling this equipment under tight timelines proved to be a critical factor in the project’s success,” Mustard said.

Despite these challenges, the final design was delivered on schedule and enthusiastically approved by the client.

“Project Lovepacs was a reminder that sometimes the most impactful work comes not from winning contracts, but from serving others,” Teakell said. “In this case, it helped ensure that more children across Texas won’t have to worry about their next meal.”

About the authors:

Barrett Teakell is a Project Engineer for packaging, dedicated to using practical expertise for meaningful impact. Barrett graduated from the University of North Texas’s Mechanical and Energy Engineering program and has been at Haskell since 2021. A recipient of Haskell’s Living the Values award, Barrett brings warmth, professionalism and purpose to his work.

Oscar Ponce is a Senior Packaging Designer. His experience in design and drafting creates an importance to bringing concept ideas to 3D creations. Oscar has years of experience in the mechanical, process and manufacturing industries. He has been with Haskell since 2024.