Mike, U.S. Companion Animal Division, Territory Business Manager, puts his relationship with his customers first. His job is selling Zoetis’ companion animal products to veterinary practices in Ohio. Many of Mike’s customers have also become his friends, and he says they have always supported him, especially when his personal life got tough. Read on to learn how Mike’s customer relationships have been the foundation of his career.
Quarter-century of Support
Mike recently celebrated his 25th anniversary with Zoetis. He initially found his job in 1992 through a newspaper advertisement, and he has worked in sales ever since. Today, some of Mike’s customers are the same ones he first called on when he started at the company. Among these longtime customers as well as his newer customers, Mike has made friends. He is passionate about his customers: he knows their families, their favorite restaurants, their hobbies. That’s why when Mike’s first wife died of breast cancer in 2005, his customers rallied in support of him. In his wife’s memory, Mike started a charity called the Mary Grace Memorial Foundation. The foundation helps families affected by cancer with life necessities like mortgage and rent payments or gas and grocery expenses, so families can focus on battling the disease. Many of Mike’s customers are supporters of the foundation. They sponsor its annual 5k race, and they organize and finance teams so their employees can participate.
Customers Come First
Mike is equally committed to his customers. He knows when they succeed, we succeed. Mike says that’s why he appreciates working for Zoetis—because when his customers need innovative solutions to animal health challenges, Zoetis delivers. Spending time with his customers is Mike’s favorite part of his job, and he considers it critical to success. “The fun part of my job is interacting with my customers. I am proud to work for a company that does what is right: for our customers, our colleagues, and our industry. I work for the best animal health company in the world.”
Steve, Senior Vice President, Companion Animal and U.S. Distribution, nominated Mike for this colleague spotlight because he exemplifies the Zoetis Core Belief of being Customer Obsessed. Steve said, “When you ask Mike what he likes most about his job, he always talks about his customers. In return, Mike is well-respected by his customers, as well as his co-workers and competitors.”
Mike’s manager, Kim, Area Business Manager, Sales, U.S. Companion Animal Division, agrees. She said, “Mike is very passionate about doing what is best for his customers, and they know he has a sincere interest in their success. This is well-deserved recognition for Mike.”