Karen Hobbs
Karen Hobbs is the founder of KH Food Safety Consulting and Services LLC, the first and only food safety consulting company in Winnebago County, Illinois. A Rockford University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, Karen has built an impressive career spanning over two decades in food safety and public health. Beginning as a public facility inspector in 1997 and later serving as a plan reviewer for the Winnebago County Health Department, she gained extensive experience auditing restaurants, food trucks, schools, government institutions, farmers' markets, and other food service operations. Her expertise also extends to tanning salons, tattoo parlors, and liquor compliance inspections, along with infection prevention protocols implemented at Swedish American Health System. In 2021, Karen founded KH Food Safety Consulting and Services LLC to offer businesses a client-focused, streamlined approach to food safety compliance. Leveraging her deep understanding of regulatory processes—including health department plan reviews, licensing procedures, and coordination with fire, building, and sanitary agencies. Karen helps clients navigate complex compliance requirements efficiently. Her bilingual skills in English and Tagalog further allow her to serve a diverse range of clients, ensuring clarity and accessibility in her consulting services. Karen’s commitment to public health and client advocacy is matched by her dedication to community and industry education. She provides tailored workshops, training, and compliance solutions to help businesses operate safely and successfully. Recognized by clients and colleagues for her professionalism, expertise, and ability to simplify regulatory processes, Karen continues to make a lasting impact on the food safety landscape in Illinois and beyond. She has also partnered with the Parks Chamber of Commerce and Belvidere Chamber of Commerce to promote economic development, where she teaches and proctors Illinois-mandated Manager Courses for food operators and their employees.
• Rockford University- B.S.
• Rock Valley College- A.S.
• 2024 Women’s History Month Honoree, recognized by Representative Dave Vella and the Illinois House of Representatives for contributions to small businesses and public health
• Parks Chamber of Commerce
• Belvidere Chamber of Commerce
• When I can, I volunteer with a local non-profit organization called Hope Reaching Out, which helps provide necessities to homeless or underprivileged families.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my drive, ambition, the support of my family and friends, and, most importantly, faith in God.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to get out of the weeds and just put myself out there. Stay true to your passion for helping people make their lives easier, and the rest will follow. Always remember, credibility helps build integrity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to master their craft, develop strong communication skills, seek out good mentors, and not be afraid to make mistakes because that how you grow.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Having spent over two decades of my career in public health, one of the biggest challenges I have experienced has been shifting from a service-focused mentality to a business-oriented mindset.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are my faith in God, creativity in cooking and music, and maintaining balance through my drive to learn new things and self-expression.