Josh Janzen

Josh Janzen

Applied AI & Data Science Leader

Turning enterprise business problems into production AI with measurable outcomes

About Me

I take enterprise business problems and turn them into production AI — designing, building, and deploying GenAI and data science solutions from proof of concept through to production. Currently Data Science Leader at Hormel Foods (Fortune 500), I bring more than a decade of delivering ML and AI systems, including several years of production GenAI at Fortune 500 scale.

My focus is practical: identifying the AI use cases that carry real business value, redesigning the workflows around them, and delivering solutions that produce measurable results. I am also the founder of Zen Software, LLC, an applied-AI software firm through which I explore and build enterprise AI applications.

Impact & Experience

AI & Data Science Leadership

Data Science Leader - Hormel Foods

  • GenAI initiatives and new data product development
  • Train other Data Scientists
  • Demonstrate what is possible with GenAI

Director of Data Science - C.H. Robinson

  • GenAI initiatives including LLM implementation for document processing
  • Developed and monetized data science applications connecting customer shipment data to transportation optimization
  • External-facing Data Science application evaluating supply chain efficiency

Technical Innovation

Principal & Senior Data Scientist Roles

  • Architected modern data solutions using Docker, FastAPI, and cloud technologies
  • Led implementation of recommendation systems and supply chain optimization tools
  • Pioneered data product development across multiple Fortune 500 companies

Applied AI Capabilities

Applied AI & Machine Learning

  • Large Language Models (LLMs) & agentic workflows
  • Enterprise RAG & knowledge systems
  • Document intelligence & workflow automation
  • Natural Language Processing

Platforms & Integration

  • Python, Docker, FastAPI
  • OpenAI API integration & multi-provider LLMs
  • Azure & Google Cloud Platform
  • LangChain, Transformers

Delivery & Leadership

  • AI opportunity assessment & strategy
  • Production deployment, evaluation & governance
  • Team development & mentoring
  • Product monetization & digital transformation

Conference Presentations

AutoML: Automating Data Science

MinneAnalytics Data Tech 2019

Explored how AutoML tools can enhance data scientist productivity while discussing the balance between automation and expertise. Demonstrated practical applications of AutoML in real-world scenarios.

Key Points:
  • • AutoML for data preparation and model tuning
  • • Impact on data science team efficiency
  • • Live tool demonstration

ETL Clickstream to Data Product APIs

MinneAnalytics MinneFrama 2018

Demonstrated a four-step process to transform clickstream data into production-ready ML models and APIs, requiring no backend engineering support.

Technologies:
  • • Apache Spark
  • • Cloud Computing
  • • REST APIs

Algorithmic Product Recommendations

MinneAnalytics FARCON 2015

Deep dive into the mathematics behind product recommendation systems, including live demonstrations of algorithms in action.

Focus Areas:
  • • Recommendation algorithms
  • • Customer experience enhancement
  • • Live system demonstration

Competitive Spirit

Professional Natural Athlete

NGA Pro Male Physique Competitor since 2015


Key Achievements:
  • 2025 NGA Green Bay Hardbodies - 1st Place Physique Pro Division
  • 2015 NGA Titan Classic - 1st Place Open Physique (Pro Card)

Connect