Our Team
Margaret Daskis - President/Founder/Certified Food Scientist
Obtaining her Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science from the University of British Columbia in 1979, Margaret realized that to work in a Food company she would have to understand the language of the associated departments, so she attended BCIT to further her education in accounting, management, economics and marketing and sales. The traditional food processing industry was collapsing in the early 80s which although looking bleak actually provided Margaret with exceptional experiences working for a lot of diverse companies. January 1983 brought an opportunity to work at Nalley's Canada, starting as Quality Control in their cannery, then into their dressing plant, pickle plant and later as production supervisor in the snack plant. Through the next 10 years her role evolved from Quality Assurance Manager to Director of Technical Services (Quality Assurance and Research and Development was a mouthful!). The mid 90s saw the next major wave of changes to the food industry with many large companies ceasing their production operations in B.C. During her management role at Nalley's Canada she received a diploma in Total Quality Management from Queen's University and qualified many food processing facilities creating complementary products for Nalley's and their clients.
The creativity and resiliency of the B.C. entrepreneur and their focus on healthy living and environmental stewardship opened up an exciting avenue for unique and varied food products. The main thing missing was access to food science consultancy. Margaret was asked to provide expertise to a number of contacts who knew of her background and Fresh Ideas & Solutions Inc. was born in 1998 where she and Connie Wong began providing consulting support to the B.C. food industry.
Throughout her career, Margaret has been an active participant in the BC Food Technologists and its affiliates, Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) and Institute of Food (IFT). Her contributions have been acknowledged through the IFT Leaders Award, CIFST Award for Food Safety and Quality Award and participation on the executive committee hosting the 1984 and 1994 CIFST Conferences in Vancouver. Being a member of the inaugural class of the Internationally recognized Certified Food Scientist designation, Margaret confirms her accumulated education and expertise in the profession of food technology.
Obtaining her Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science from the University of British Columbia in 1979, Margaret realized that to work in a Food company she would have to understand the language of the associated departments, so she attended BCIT to further her education in accounting, management, economics and marketing and sales. The traditional food processing industry was collapsing in the early 80s which although looking bleak actually provided Margaret with exceptional experiences working for a lot of diverse companies. January 1983 brought an opportunity to work at Nalley's Canada, starting as Quality Control in their cannery, then into their dressing plant, pickle plant and later as production supervisor in the snack plant. Through the next 10 years her role evolved from Quality Assurance Manager to Director of Technical Services (Quality Assurance and Research and Development was a mouthful!). The mid 90s saw the next major wave of changes to the food industry with many large companies ceasing their production operations in B.C. During her management role at Nalley's Canada she received a diploma in Total Quality Management from Queen's University and qualified many food processing facilities creating complementary products for Nalley's and their clients.
The creativity and resiliency of the B.C. entrepreneur and their focus on healthy living and environmental stewardship opened up an exciting avenue for unique and varied food products. The main thing missing was access to food science consultancy. Margaret was asked to provide expertise to a number of contacts who knew of her background and Fresh Ideas & Solutions Inc. was born in 1998 where she and Connie Wong began providing consulting support to the B.C. food industry.
Throughout her career, Margaret has been an active participant in the BC Food Technologists and its affiliates, Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) and Institute of Food (IFT). Her contributions have been acknowledged through the IFT Leaders Award, CIFST Award for Food Safety and Quality Award and participation on the executive committee hosting the 1984 and 1994 CIFST Conferences in Vancouver. Being a member of the inaugural class of the Internationally recognized Certified Food Scientist designation, Margaret confirms her accumulated education and expertise in the profession of food technology.
Samantha Daskis - General Manager/Sales
Samantha has been involved with Fresh Ideas & Solutions in many capacities over the years.
Currently, she has the diverse role as General Manager, which entails receiving all new potential clients to ensure the right services can be provided, managing consulting projects, and continued training of employees in food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices. Samantha continues to develop contacts and knowledge about the industry, from ingredient sourcing to packaging to various types of manufacturing equipment. She is continuously learning and will always be pursuing the most current innovations.
As of 2024, Samantha will be serving on the Board of Directors for the Fraser North Farmer's Market Society, bringing the expertise in Consumer Packaged Goods and connection to the local food systems that she has developed over her years with Fresh Ideas & Solutions Inc. to help expand the reach of the farmers market vendors that the Fraser North Farmer's Market Society serves.
Samantha has been involved with Fresh Ideas & Solutions in many capacities over the years.
Currently, she has the diverse role as General Manager, which entails receiving all new potential clients to ensure the right services can be provided, managing consulting projects, and continued training of employees in food safety and Good Manufacturing Practices. Samantha continues to develop contacts and knowledge about the industry, from ingredient sourcing to packaging to various types of manufacturing equipment. She is continuously learning and will always be pursuing the most current innovations.
As of 2024, Samantha will be serving on the Board of Directors for the Fraser North Farmer's Market Society, bringing the expertise in Consumer Packaged Goods and connection to the local food systems that she has developed over her years with Fresh Ideas & Solutions Inc. to help expand the reach of the farmers market vendors that the Fraser North Farmer's Market Society serves.