Steven C. Hardek,

Steve C. Hardek is the Chief Executive Officer of ZoomEssence, Inc., a company specializing in advanced flavor delivery technologies for the food and beverage industry. Under his leadership, ZoomEssence has developed proprietary, heat-free flavor encapsulation methods that enhance taste, stability, and solubility, setting new standards in the industry.

Before joining ZoomEssence, Hardek held senior roles in finance and investment, including positions at W.R. Huff Asset Management, Duff & Phelps, and Chase Securities. He also co-founded Oracare, a company focused on improving dental patient care through innovative product development.

Hardek holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS in Marketing from Rutgers University. He is also a founding member and board member of ZoomEssence, Inc., contributing to the company’s strategic direction and growth.

In addition to his executive roles, Hardek has been actively involved in the innovation ecosystem, serving as a peer reviewer for the National Science Foundation (NSF) and sharing his expertise on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding strategies at events hosted by the University of Cincinnati.

Based in Hebron, Kentucky, ZoomEssence operates with a team of approximately 51–100 employees, focusing on delivering cutting-edge flavor solutions to leading brands in the food and beverage sector.