In his own words: Gregory Austin, Division President, Targeted PetCare
What or who fueled your interest in manufacturing?
I have always been intrigued by how things are made. As a college student looking to capitalize on my Business degree, it dawned on me that every physical item in my dorm room, home, store, everywhere had to be manufactured to exist. From that point, I chose manufacturing as my career path.
What is your current role in manufacturing?
I am the President of a pet treat contract manufacturer in Warren, PA. The company, Targeted Pet Treats, manufacturers dog treats for pet brand owners and retailers under their brand name. Many of our customers sell the pet treats we make for them in pet stores and online throughout the world. We have a passion for pets and make healthy, nutritious products they can enjoy.
Describe your path to get to where you are today.
I previously worked for a company that managed many pet food and treat brands. My role with that company was to find manufacturers to help the brands launch new and innovative products. One of my brands, Milk Bone, was looking for a long-lasting dog treat and I found a manufacturer in Warren, PA, Targeted Pet Treats to do the project. After launching several other products for various brands at this location, I got to know the owners very well. When Big Heart Pet was being sold, the Targeted Pet Treats owners offered me an opportunity to run the Warren business for them as General Manager to enable them to retire.
What is your Superpower?
My Superpower would be in execution. My reputation was that if you had an idea for a product, give it to Greg to make it a reality. I am very resourceful in building and sourcing a team of people to handle the many parts of a project to make it all come together on time and budget.
Why is your role important to others – like to customers or end users?
At Targeted Pet Treats, our mission is to ‘Enhance the lives of pets, every day’. We make products that are not only great tasting for the animals, but that provide a functional component for their health and well-being. Whether that function is a dental treat to clean teeth and combat bad dog breath, or treats that provide, strong bones, a shiny coat or better digestion. We are pet lovers and we want pet owners to take their dogs health seriously.
What do you think the future holds for your career or others you inspire?
I recently took over the leadership of another manufacturing company that makes a wheat based; biodegradable cat litter, called sWheat Scoop. I see my career continuing to grow in manufacturing as I manage more and more companies that actually produce products that positively affect the quality of life for people and the animals that they love.
