What's your favorite or most rewarding part of working for Nestlé Purina?

I enjoy the collaborative culture.

If you knew then, what you know now, what's one piece of advice you would give to someone coming into the company?

Seek out and network with a variety of people in the organization. Learn what they do and a little bit about how they work. You never know when that information or contact will help you do your job.

What's something about working with Nestlé Purina that has surprised you?

When I first came to St. Louis I was pleasantly surprised by the "can-do" attitude & culture. People here assume they will succeed and through teamwork, one way or another, they do.

What are your long-term career goals at Nestlé Purina?

My long term career goal is to keep initiating and executing positive change for the organization, to always have an interesting project to work on, and to never become bored or stagnant. If I can do that every day, I’ll be happy.

What is the funniest experience you’ve had at work?

Some of the funniest times would have to be roasting people who are having a milestone anniversary or are retiring. Some people are very good story-tellers.

Tell us about your pets.

I have a 3-year old Jack Russell Terrier, Josie. We adopted Josie from a shelter. When she was turned in to the shelter, she was pregnant. She had 9 puppies at the shelter, all of whom were adopted before we adopted Josie. Josie has the “Jack” attitude. She thinks she’s a big dog. She also loves to run and bark. She will run from the bedroom hall, full speed, bank off the back of the living room sofa and back down the hall to the bedrooms. Every time she banks off the back of the sofa, it scoots back 6 inches. After doing a few laps, she enjoys sleeping in front of the fire. She gets so close to the fire, she starts to pant and has to get down and roll on the wood floor to cool off. She’s a lucky dog, and we are lucky to have her.

What is the most exciting thing you are involved in outside of work?

Keeping up with my two sons who are 11 and 7.

What items in your office could you not live without?

Pictures of my family.

What’s the last book you read?

I am embarrassed to say, I have not read an entire book since my youngest son was little. My reading time is pretty much limited to airplane rides, so a "People Magazine" takes just about the right amount of time to read. I used to love Stephen King though.

How has Nestlé Purina PetCare Company helped you grow personally?

I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know a lot of very smart, conscientious, dedicated, kind, considerate people. I have made a lot of good friends here.