What made you choose to work for Nestlé Purina? What makes you stay at Nestlé Purina?

I chose Nestlé Purina because it is a premier Brand Management organization that would allow me to learn from some of the best marketers in the industry and grow brands that have a strong emotional connection to consumers. Not only has Nestlé Purina fulfilled and exceeded my expectations of being a thought leader in the industry, but also the people here genuinely care about my success and growth within the company.

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

My favorite part of working for Nestlé Purina is the value the company has on work-life balance. It goes beyond just flexibility of working hours; it is an attitude that is shared with everyone. Supervisors and co-workers understand the importance of a strong business, but they also understand the importance of personal time away from work.

How has Nestlé Purina helped you grow professionally?

I have grown professionally through challenging projects and working with mentors to learn new marketing skills. There are also many different training classes available, both offline and online that help marketers stay responsive to the newest marketing trends and methods. In addition, for young marketers, Nestlé Purina has created a peer led training program (FUSE) that helps Marketing Associates and Assistant Brand Managers develop necessary skills to be successful in marketing.

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

Be ready to smile when they take your picture for your badge. That picture will be around for your entire career.

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

A few of us played a friendly practical joke on a friend in the office. One of my co-workers had the Hamlet (Beggin’ Strips Dog) costume in her cube. While she was at a meeting, another co-worker climbed into the bag storing the costume. When she walked into her cube and sat at her chair, a furry hand came out the bag. Needless to say she wasn’t ready for Hamlet to come to life.

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

Training for triathlons with my ultimate goal to complete a full Ironman Triathlon.

What items in your office could you not live without?

My turbo fan (for mornings where I work out at the Purina Fitness center) and my Comedy Central stress ball (helps me think when I am coming up with ideas)

What’s your favorite place in St. Louis to relax and unwind?

Forest Park. In the winter, it is a great place to sled and ice skate and in the summer it is a great place to run, bike, and play golf.

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I probably would still be an Engineer working in Oil & Gas.

What’s the most thrilling vacation you ever took?

I took a trip to India a few years ago with 14 friends from grad school over New Years. We got to travel around a lot of India visiting palaces, temples, and of course the Taj Mahal.