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Meet Shenika

Journey of Passion, Growth, and Making a Difference

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Our People

Describe your career path with Purina.
My career path at Purina is an incredible journey of growth and exploration. I joined Purina as a contractor working as front desk security. I then had the privilege of the Front Desk Receptionist role.
Working in the Tower, our main building at Headquarters, allowed me to forge connections with nearly 90% of the people at Purina, interacting with them day in and day out. I made it a point to know everyone's name as well as their pet’s name, which helped bring me closer to the Purina community. Being immersed in such a passionate company brings me joy every second of the day.
During my time as receptionist, I engaged in conversations with esteemed individuals as well as former and current CEOs of Purina. Although I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be at that time, I knew I wanted to remain part of the incredible Purina culture.
I completed my degree in Business, and I joined the Vet Marketing Team. I immersed myself to deeply understand our veterinary products to make recommendations to veterinarians to improve the well-being of our beloved pets.
Purina embraces and encourages my exploratory nature, and it allows me to find my true passions through different roles within the company. I moved into an Order Revenue Management role collaborating with internal teams. This role provided me with valuable insights into behind-the-scenes operations such as order processing, deduction management, and vendor inventory management.
I faced some personal challenges that required me to consider moving back to the west coast to be closer to my family. The thought of leaving such an amazing company weighed heavily on me, but little did I know that there would be more opportunities within Purina if I embraced a mobile work lifestyle. I started as a Territory Sales Manager, responsible for assisting customers with new products and services, explaining their features, generating sales growth, optimizing store conditions, identifying distribution opportunities, increasing inventory, and building strong relationships with partners. My interest in the brand side of marketing led me to my current role as a developing analyst working with the PetSmart Team. To support this opportunity, the company relocated me to Scottsdale, AZ. It's truly amazing to think that almost 10 years later, I’m still part of the Purina family, finding joy in each day as an opportunity to learn something new.
As our founder William H. Danforth once said, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

What is your favorite part about working with Purina?
My favorite part about working for Purina is the perfect blend of people, pets, and passion that defines the company culture. I have the privilege of being surrounded by colleagues who share the same dedication and enthusiasm for improving the lives of pets and their owners.
Working at Purina allows me to align my own personal passion for animals and their well-being with a career that makes a real difference. The satisfaction that comes from knowing that my work positively impacts the lives of countless pets, and their owners, is immeasurable. It's a privilege to be part of a company that values the human-animal bond and strives to make a lasting difference in the world of pet care.

Working in a Sales office, how do you collaborate and build relationships with your customers and colleagues?
Passion permeates every aspect of Purina, and it is truly inspiring. From top leadership teams, down to individual team members, there is a collective drive to go in everything we do. This passion fuels our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and quality, ensuring that we deliver the best possible products and services to pets and their owners.

How is Sales different at Purina? What are some perks/opportunities you are able to partake in?
Competitive Rewards:
Nestlé offers an attractive total rewards package, including a competitive salary 
Personal Growth and Development: Opportunities for personal growth and development to help you reach your full potential. This may include training programs, workshops, and mentoring opportunities. 
Mobility: There may be opportunities for international assignments or transfers, allowing you to gain valuable experience in different markets. 
Diverse Career Opportunities: With a diverse portfolio of brands and products, Purina can offers a wide range of career opportunities within the sales function.  Category strategies, developing selling proposals, managing distribution networks, or building field sales are just a few of the spaces you can explore.

Work-life balance is important at Purina. What are you passionate about outside of work?
I have a variety of interests and activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. One of my passions is interior design, as I find great pleasure in creating beautiful and functional spaces. As a self-proclaimed fashionista, I have a love for all things related to fashion and style, always staying up to date with the latest trends and enjoying the art of self-expression through clothing.
These activities and aspirations beyond Purina enrich my life, bringing me happiness, inspiration, and a sense of fulfillment. They contribute to my personal growth, creativity, and overall well-being, allowing me to find a balance between my professional and personal passions.

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