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.
• Rockford University- B.S.
• Rock Valley College- A.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my drive, ambition, and 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.
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 take advantage of resources like small business centers.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now 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 yoga, dancing, and self-expression.