In my interview for the position as Product Innovation Analyst at BSM Partners, I was told, “One year at BSM Partners is like four to five years of industry experience,” by Nate Thomas, BSM Partners' co-founder. I did not understand the depth of the statement when I joined the team a year ago, but it was a deciding factor in accepting the position. At that time, I was working in the analytical chemistry lab for a major pet food corporation. I enjoyed my job, but I was interested in finding a position that was challenging, versatile, and ultimately where I could learn and grow in my career.

Whitney enjoying kisses from her friend’s puppy, Zeke

What does BSM Partners offer to a person seeking to learn and excel in the pet food industry?

Versatility

At BSM Partners, every week can be different, and every day has been an opportunity to learn and grow for me. One week, I could be traveling to a manufacturer or a conference, and the next I could be formulating multiple canned cat food diets for a client. I enjoy the fact that my day-to-day is not limiting or rigid; and through my work, I am developing a multitude of skills. It’s exciting to not only develop my skills in my career but also my creative talents through working on the editorial board to develop content and social media strategies. As consultants, we work directly with clients, attending to their requests, such as formulating a variety of diets, visiting plant facilities, assisting in meetings, and giving the advice to ensure the best products for pets, as well as the betterment of their company.

Collaborative work environment

Within the first year, I have been able to experience collaborating with different areas of the pet food industry. BSM Partners is a multidisciplinary team that has many avenues of support for clients. This offers chances to receive advice or training from another disciplinary team. For example, I went with Dr. Shiva Garimella, the Director of Product Innovation, to view the beginning stages of a client’s plant facility. It was fascinating to watch the client administrators, engineers, and scientists develop the framework of how the plant would run. The BSM Partners, a coproduction of various assignments creates community and fluidity within the organization. Due to the diverse team that BSM Partners has grown to become, it is easier to stay current on regulatory updates, recalls, and the latest trends.

Mentorship from experts and hands-on experience

Although I work remotely, I’ve had ample opportunity to receive mentorship and hands-on experience. BSM Partners is a growing company that is big enough to allow me to gain experience with a variety of brand sizes, while also being small enough that I can have regular conversations with one of the founders as a new hire. It is priceless to receive advice and observe their methods as they are people who have been in the industry for more than 25 years.

Mentorship at BSM Partners has proven to be remarkable. My director, Emilie Mesnier, has been monumental in my growth as a Product Innovation Analyst. I appreciate that she takes her time and works to expose me to products, brands, and consulting tips. On our daily calls, we not only catch up on work projects but also life and its many challenges. She cares a great deal, and it shows through her thought-provoking questions and her willingness to ensure I understand details through a process. She unapologetically has my back and honestly, it is amazing that within this short year, I’ve gained such a profound person to look up to. Again, I cannot relay enough the impact the support from Emilie and other BSM Partners team members have had on me over this last year.

A family that cares

It can be cliché when a company says we are a family. I was wary about working remotely, but the BSM Partners team members are intentional about developing meaningful relationships. For example, the Product Innovation and Nutrition teams have a group study on the “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. It helps to build trust and understanding amongst the peers of our family at BSM Partners. Because we work remotely, the time we spend with each other in person at conferences is meaningful and genuine. Nate and Seth, the founders of BSM Partners, really instill a family environment into the foundation of the company.

Is one year at BSM Partners like four to five years in the industry? My answer is yes! In one year, I have been exposed to more than I could have imagined within the industry. I am growing in my career and exploring my creative talents. This company is cultivating a space where employees feel proud to be a part of the team, and ultimately want to stay long-term because BSM Partners is making strides to be impactful in the industry. I become a part of the process as I grow in BSM Partners, which is so moving and leaves me excited for my future.

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About the Author

Whitney Russell formerly served as a Senior Analyst for BSM Partners, where she worked with customers to formulate a variety of canned, kibble, and freeze-dried diets for dogs and cats. She has previous laboratory expertise with various techniques to accurately prepare raw materials, wet-finished products, and dry-finished products for laboratory testing. Whitney is currently a Project Manager with Naterra International, Inc.