The Customer Corner

New to PTS Employee Perspective

New to PTS Diagnostics

We recently sat down with one of our newest hires Shelby Smiley, Technical Support Specialist, to learn what drew her to PTS Diagnostics and what it’s been like to start a career during one of the most unique time periods in our nation’s history.

Shelby is a spring graduate of IUPUI’s Master’s Program for Biomedical Engineering and started her role on June 22, the week when everyone was transitioning back on-site. Below is her insight into the past couple of months at PTS Diagnostics.

Q: What have you noticed in regard to our company culture?

A: Everyone has been extremely open and friendly. People notice that I’m new and have gone out of their way to say hello to me. I also think it’s very nice how open and approachable our executive team is – This is definitely are rarity and a great example of leadership starting at the top.

Q: What stood out to you about PTS Diagnostics when you went through the interview process?

A: Those who I spoke with talked about how the position offered me room to grow and shape my career. This stood out as a positive to me in that I wouldn’t be pigeon-holed into a role and that my job duties could change depending on both my interests and the business’ needs. To me, this was a contrast from large companies that might not offer this same type of career advancement.

Q: Has your role changed at all given the current circumstances?
A: I’ve had the opportunity to ease into my role, really understand all of my training procedures, and not feel rushed or “thrown into the deep end.” This has allowed me to be more confident and flourish as a product expert. In mid-July, I was able to travel to a screening event in Granger, Ind. with Mike Schroeder (Sales) and Nichole Reeves (TSS). It was great to get into the field and witness first-hand how our products can close gaps in care for those with conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Q: Has it been difficult to meet coworkers in this unique environment?

A: Honestly, there have been a lot of unintended positives. Instead of being in a situation that was overwhelming and difficult to remember names and faces, the quarantine has allowed me to meet people in waves and this has led to more meaningful connections. Thank you to everyone who has waived, started up a conversation, and made me feel so welcome.

Q: What are your initial thoughts about our new global headquarters?

A: The building is a blessing in disguise and the innovative technology provided for our TSS’ has ensured that we don’t miss a beat. As more organizations call on us for virtual vs. in-person training, our state-of-the-art cameras make it easy to read all test results and demonstrate the proper methods for handling our devices. Given its resounding success, I see this trend of virtual training remaining valuable even post-COVID.

Q: What do you most look forward to when normalcy returns?

A: I’m very excited to participate in company events and gatherings. I already feel like a part of the PTS Diagnostics family, but interacting in “employee appreciation days” and other get-together’s is inherently fun and will only further my positive feelings toward the organization.

Thank you, Shelby, for sharing your experiences with us and welcome to the PTS Diagnostics family!

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Quarterly Question: What's your favorite Fall activity?

Quarterly Question

My favorite Fall activity is:

Bonus: Pumpkin Spice Everything?

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight

Gretchen
Robertson

Senior Manager PreVantage Solutions

When did you join PTS?
May 2019

Name three hashtags that describe you
#proudnewgrandmother, #enthusiasticskier, #herderofdistributorreps. (you know, as in herding cats!)

Favorite place to “get away”
The Mountains of Colorado, which is where I live!

Best part about your job at PTS?
Helping our distributors sell truly relevant POC devices.

Secret Talent?
It’s a secret😉

Favorite part about working at PTS?
Being part of the PTS Family

One thing you can’t resist?
My new grandson, Jamison!!

Best advice you have ever been given?
Under Promise and Over Deliver

Kaddy
Davis

Technical Support Associate

When did you join PTS?
August 2004

Name three hashtags that describe you
#helpfulhand #socialbutterfly #sometimeslucky

Favorite place to “get away”
I would usually say somewhere on a beach. But this year I visited Minnesota for the very first time and I really enjoyed the peaceful environment and nature that reminded me of my homeland (Estonia).

Best part about your job at PTS?
Over the years I have worked in multiple departments and in my current position I have the opportunity to apply skills I have learned from each role. As a technical support associate there is variety in my day to day tasks.

Secret Talent?
Baking (Took 4 years of baking classes).

Favorite part about working at PTS?
My favorite parts about working at PTS are the people, I have made lifetime friends in my time here. Also, PTS offers employees the ability to grow and develop in their career.

One thing you can’t resist?
Peanut M&M’s

Best advice you have ever been given?
“Whatever you do – give it 100%” – track coach

Rich
Mussmann

Vice President, Global Product Development

When did you join PTS?
October 31, 2017

Name three hashtags that describe you
#helpfulhand #socialbutterfly #sometimeslucky

Favorite place to “get away”
Pontoon on Crooked Lake

Best part about your job at PTS?
Praising people propelling projects that promote perfected Point-of-Care products.

Secret Talent?
Puzzling Sudokus, except for the world’s hardest one that I got from Mark Sweet.

Favorite part about working at PTS?
Pursuing new ideas and technologies develop in their career.

One thing you can’t resist?
A good story around a campfire.

Best advice you have ever been given?
Best career advice was to manage the “-ilities”, i.e., visibility, mobility and ability…in that priority order. It’s the order part that made me frown at the time I first heard it. I can say that in seeing careers and lives play out over many years, there is actually good coaching wisdom in that advice.

Jennifer
Cua

Materials Manager

When did you join PTS?
January 2014 after the PTS acquisition

Name three hashtags that describe you
#diligent, #appproachable, #multitasker

Favorite place to “get away”
The ocean.

Best part about your job at PTS?
No two days are the same.

Secret Talent?
Accurately know the time without a clock.

Favorite part about working at PTS?
My coworkers.

One thing you can’t resist?
A good crime novel.

Best advice you have ever been given?
Don’t worry about what you can’t control.