Al Chodola
Co-Founder - Chief Executive Officer
Al is CEO and co-inventor of JOYN botanicals. He holds a B.A.S.C in Chemical Engineering and is a (P. Eng), and holds a law degree (LLB), from the University of Toronto. He has been practising law since 1974 and has represented clients in mergers and acquisitions all over the world. He has vast experience including representing some of the worlds biggest companies in large-scale industrial greenhouse farming, insurance defence, construction, as well as the automotive sector.
Laura Chodola
Co-Founder - Chief Strategy Officer
Laura is the Chief Strategy Officer at JOYN, and also the co-founder of Tealish Fine Teas, a leading Canadian specialty tea company. A career entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, Laura has helped build Tealish into an industry leader, and is an expert in developing and bringing to market trend setting products in the food, beverage, health, and wellness industries. Laura has worked with some of North America’s largest retailers, developing both private label and co-branded product lines with a focus on consumer engagement and education. Laura holds an Hons. BA from the University of Toronto in Psychology and Economics.
Michael Rachmel
Co-Founder - Chief Innovation Officer
Michael is the Chief Innovation Officer of JOYN, and also a co-founder of Tealish Fine Teas, a leading Canadian specialty tea company. With over 15 years of experience, Michael is an innovative leader, with a critical eye for quality and efficiency. He has overseen and managed the company’s growth, leading the production and sourcing teams, as well as the wholesale vertical of the Tealish business. He has acquired, cultivated and managed a significant client base of top retailers, restaurants, and hotels across North America. Michael holds an Hons. BA from the University of Toronto in English and Economics.
Scientific Leadership
With a track record of breakthrough innovations, our science leadership team consists of trained chemist and Emeritus Associate Professor with 37 years experience at a leading University Medical Centre. With a BSc in Biology and Chemistry, and M.Sc and PHD in Chemistry, our team has authored approximately 70 peer-reviewed original peer-reviewed articles, as well as 15 review articles and 8 book chapters. They are also the owner or co-owners of approximately 60 patents / patent applications and the products associated with these patents are sold worldwide. Recognized as an experts, our science team has consulted for numerous major manufacturers during the past four decades and have started and successfully exited several companies, including ones in the natural health products sector.