"I am able to impact the brand fromevery consumer touchpoint. From how the brand speaks to the pet owner at the shelfto how it actually feels to use and experience the product."
Department
CheckMark
Position
Group Creative Director
Role
Manages a group of 8 writers, art directors and designers. The group works on brand architecture and strategy development, in-store and online marketing programs, and promotional communications for Beneful, Fancy Feast, Mighty Dog, and PurinaCare.
Time with Nestlé Purina
3 years
Pet
Brittany (15-year-old dog)
What made you choose to work for Nestlé Purina? What makes you stay at Nestlé Purina?
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company presented the exciting opportunity to help shape and evolve brands in their entirety, both from a marketing communication and product innovation perspective. Unlike the big advertising firms I worked at in New York and Chicago, I was only able to impact a brand through a TV campaign or print ad I created. Here, I am able to impact the brand from every consumer touchpoint, from how the brand speaks to the pet owner at shelf to how it actually feels to use and experience the product.
What's your favorite or most rewarding part of working for Nestlé Purina?
The great group of people I get to work with. They are not only among some of the most talented art directors, designers and writers I've worked with, they’re a lot of fun!
If you knew then, what you know now, what's one piece of advice you would give to someone coming into the company?
A lot of what we do falls under "the bridge not crossed before" heading. The process is iterative and intuitive. Be fearless about being innovative. That's what comes with the territory when you work for the company who is the pet food category leader.
What's something about working with Nestlé Purina that has surprised you?
It doesn’t feel like a big corporation.
Describe your experience working at Nestlé Purina in one word.
Ever-evolving. It never is the same old, same old here.
What items in your office could you not live without?
My kids' artwork
What’s your favorite place in St. Louis to relax and unwind?
A Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.
If you weren't doing your current job, what would you be doing?
Park Ranger for the National Park Service.
What's one hidden skill or talent you have that would surprise your coworkers?
Horsemanship
How has Nestlé Purina PetCare Company helped you grow personally?
The passion to keep coming up with innovative ways to help care for pets really permeates the entire company from top to bottom. It makes you want to be a part of that passion every day.