PoppingFun Team
PoppingFun has the strongest team with the most experience in helping customers develop concepts using Crystals™ as an ingredient or component. Decades more in experience than any other source in the world.
Lynn A. Hesson
President & CEO
Our story began in 1989 when Mr. Lynn Hesson, a popping candy pioneer, became fascinated with carbonated candy technology for food science applications in ice cream, cereals, candies and treats. Lynn came from a law degree background and later transformed his knowledge and education to develop a dynamic Carbonated Crystals™ company. Over the next decade he personally worked with key marketing, R&D, and production staff in over 40 countries to help them develop new and innovative ways to use carbonated candy as an ingredient in a wide range of food applications. He then founded a manufacturing operation in Wisconsin using his own production specifications for producing high quality candy (now referred to as Carbonated Crystals™) in high volumes, becoming then and still the only such facility in North America!
Stephen L. Hesson
Executive Vice President
Stephen brings 18 years of Popping crystal experience and leadership to the team. Over the years Stephen has taken on an increasing role in successfully managing all aspects of the company's operations and is integral to the growing capabilities of the company. Stephen works closely with product development, quality, and production to help customers bring the best quality product to market while providing full transparency in the process.
Ron Robinson
Sales / Marketing Manager
Ron has over 30 years in retail management and sales. Coming from an extensive background in inside sales and retail operations, Ron adds a new viewpoint to the management team! He has been involved in many different industries with a great track record for growth and new product development and retail implementation.
Lori Cramer
Director of Research and Development
Lori has been with the company for more than 16 years. She brings a background in R&D/manufacturing of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical precursors. After switching to food science, Lori discovered a flair for flavors. She combines her technical skills with creativity to find unique ways to make our customers' ideas pop!
Anne Robinson
Director of Quality Assurance
Anne brings over 20 years of quality management experience from pharma and medical devices to cosmetics and commercial products. She was working in a high profile quality/regulatory position, but after having one conversation with Lynn about the potential of carbonated crystals, she was sold! She promptly changed course and joined the team.
Ty Noll
Controller
For the past four years, Ty has been the Controller of PoppingFUN. He is a highly effective financial manager with over 30 years of experience specializing in finance, operations, and corporate tax law. Ty is always looking for innovative ways to enhance profitability and growth and enjoys developing strategic goals and objectives.
Ian Hesson
Production Manager
Ian has been involved in the company since he was 14, doing everything from cleaning bathrooms to learning how to operate various machines in the facility. Since Ian started out on the low levels, he aims to bring what he learned over the years into his new management role to further aid current and future employees to be the best they can, while maintaining a common goal - to change how the world views carbonated crystals!
Claire Brill
Social Media Manager
Claire is new to the team but is bringing a strong presence for Popping Fun on social media. Claire has worked with multiple companies growing their presence, creating content and PR immediately after graduating from college with a Bachelors in Business Administration - Entrepreneurship. Claire brings her experience of entrepreneurship as well as marketing that has accumulated through courses, help with creating a company, working with multiple companies, as well as winning the pitch competition at her college that laid out a business plan for a new product concept.