Associate Spotlight: Kate Janes
Learn more about Kate Janes, Manager, and her experience as part of the Research & Development team.
Q. Can you tell us a little about your role at PDI?
Janes: I am an R&D manager supporting both new product development and marketed products. My team focuses on EPA regulated and surface cleaning products.
Q. What does “Be the Difference” mean to you?
Janes: “Be the Difference” means that everyday the work I do contributes to a company and products aimed at improving and saving lives. It is fulfilling and motivating to know that even when work is hard or difficult – we are all here to do our part in contributing to an overall safer environment.
Q. What impact do you feel your function has had on the industry, particularly during COVID?
Janes: My team was directly involved in generating the data allowing our products to make disinfection claims against SARS-CoV-2. Achieving that claim on our portfolio has a huge benefit for our customers, and I am immensely proud of the team for their dedication and drive to get it done. Additionally my team is, and continues to be, directly involved in supporting supply chain and quality remediation activities, many of which arose from the pandemic.
Q. Can you provide some insights on your team dynamics / working relationships with colleagues?
Janes: It’s great to work with people of all different levels and functions within the organization. I work with a diverse group of people, all of whom bring their own knowledge, experience and skills. I enjoy being able to collaborate and work closely with them to achieve success and overcome challenges.
Q. Have you participated in any charitable programs or events through PDI? If so, which ones and what impact did that program have on our local community?
Janes: I have participated in many of the charitable programs at PDI including Meals on Wheels, local food/clothing drives and donation matching. PDI matched my donation to the local animal shelter where I adopted my cats and I was also able to give them product, which they were extremely grateful for. Most recently I have started working with the Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN) as a subcommittee member of the Community Activity team.
Q. How long have you been with PDI and why have you decided to stay with the company?
Janes: I have been with PDI since June 2019. PDI’s mission and commitment to “Be the Difference”, my team and colleagues and the opportunities the company provides all are reasons I stay with PDI. I’m am proud to see our products when I’m at the doctor’s office, or eating a burger at Shake Shack.
Q. How has the company evolved since you joined?
Janes: Within the 2 ½ years I have been at PDI I have seen a lot of growth and overcoming challenges – especially during COVID. We are all constantly striving to be better and this shows in continuously working towards improved processes and resources for the company. Within the R&D function, the investment and implementation of an electronic laboratory notebook system is a huge improvement over the paper notebooks that were used when I joined and truly contributes to improved data capture, review and in the end ability to innovate and develop products.