Nathan

ORM ASSOCIATE

What's on your iPod?

My favorite artists include Peter Cincotti, Jamie Cullum, and any members of the Rat Pack. I also mix it up with country, rock, or punk; depending on my mood that day. One thing you won't see on my iPod is oldies. Sorry, Beach Boys!

What are your favorite books?

My favorite authors include Robert Ruark, Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, C.S. Lewis, and Theodore Roosevelt. My favorite book is generally whatever I'm reading at the moment, which happens to be The Crow Killer this week. Outside of entertaining books, I regularly read about business, investing, and personal development.

What made you choose to work at Nestlé Purina?

I wanted to work for a company with an excellent reputation, positive culture, and plenty of opportunities for rapid career development. After narrowing the field I made my decision based on personal preference. To excel in business and in life you need to have passion and drive in what you do. Nestlé Purina shares my passion for pets while still focusing on being best in class and delivering incredible business results.

What motivates you to continue working at Nestlé Purina?

In the short amount of time that I’ve been with the company I’ve become very confident that Nestlé Purina is the ideal place to develop my career. Because of the company’s size there are opportunities for change and advancement. I also am motivated by the pride that I feel for the Purina® brand. Knowing that our products are improving the health and well being of “man’s best friend” is extremely rewarding.

What has been the most advantageous opportunity provided to you at Nestlé Purina?

My superiors encourage and push for excellence. They honestly want each associate to excel and achieve whatever goals they have for themselves. They have given me some great opportunities because of this that have really strengthened my skills and been great experience.

What has been the most rewarding thing about working at Nestlé Purina?

What I find to be rewarding is knowing that I am gaining a great deal of experience and knowledge and still able to have fun. We work hard to beat our goals but I never dread coming in to work.

Describe your greatest experience with Nestlé Purina.

Recently I volunteered at the Incredible Dog Challenge®, a nation-wide dog competition, where I helped raise money for a local animal rescue group. While there I met with hundreds of pet owners and got to hear stories about how much their pets loved our products. One lady shared with me how her dog has a rare allergy and is only able to eat one of our special veterinary formulas. I also spoke with a volunteer from a Pet Rescue foundation that thanked me repeatedly for Purina’s contributions both financially and through donated food. It’s neat to be a part of something that touches so many people.

What do you wish you would have known about Nestlé Purina while you were searching for a job?

The many different departments and positions available for recent college graduates.

What is the most gratifying component about your current role?

Knowing that I work for a fantastic company that honestly cares about its consumers, employees, and the community around it. Even though I’m one employee among thousands I know that what I contribute everyday is important to the business.

What exciting projects have you worked on?

I’ve been able to have some pretty exciting experiences with Nestlé Purina.
Recently I was part of a committee that examined associates’ job satisfaction surveys and then developed plans to improve the scores across all areas of our department for the next survey period. It’s neat that everyone’s opinion matters to our leadership team.
I’ve also been working to strengthen customer relationships with a major retailer. As part of this project I gave a presentation at the company’s headquarters and met with their representatives to discuss possible business improvements and growth opportunities.

What has Nestlé Purina done to help you develop professionally or personally?

Nestlé Purina puts great emphasis on developing employees. This is evident through the constant training that is available and the great lengths that managers go to, to help you reach your goals. While several training classes are required in most departments they also offer a great deal more that an employee can take if they’d like to focus on a specific skill set such as leadership, technology, or recruiting.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

My passion for pets extends outside of my cubicle into my most cherished hobbies and memories. While I love playing Frisbee or hiking with my wife and dogs, I really love to see dogs do what they were originally intended for. Watching a setter or pointer sweep across an open field trying to catch the scent of a pheasant is one of the most beautiful scenes I can imagine. Nothing can compare to a retrievers excitement as he waits to leap into a frozen lake and retrieve a fallen bird. Not only do these activities allow grown men to feel the excitement and wonder of a child- but it bonds people and animals unlike anything else.

When you're out on the town, where are we most likely to run into you?

You would probably find me at one of the local restaurants around town. I love food, and enjoy trying out new restaurants and tasting different dishes. If I'm not there, you might see me at Forest Park relaxing, or exercising to burn off the calories from the large amount of food that I just ate!