BIO-CAT Microbials recently did a podcast with Sandy Almendarez, editor in chief at INSIDER along with Chris Penet, vice president and Steve Lamb, Ph.D., technical director. In this podcast, they will discuss the following:
To listen to this podcast, visit INSIDER podcast. 
Dan joined BIO-CAT in 2014 after graduating from the College of Charleston with a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. While obtaining his biochemistry degree, Dan conducted extensive research in crystallography of the enzyme structure. Dan is an expert in the enzyme industry and pharmaceutical industry. He regularly performs market analysis and research to identify new business opportunities, strategic partners and new products. In addition, Dan designs and oversees all aspects of BIO-CAT’s clinical studies, often collaborating with contract research organizations (CRO). He also has extensive international business experience. Dan is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the International Probiotics Association (IPA).
Katie brings over 11 years of experience in the biotechnology field. She began her career at BIO-CAT in 2007 as a biochemist in the lab. Katie is now a Senior Technical Sales Representative and has been instrumental in developing and maintaining relationships with customers by providing product and industry knowledge, innovative technical information and exceptional customer service. She also has extensive international business experience. Katie worked for Biocatalysts, Inc. for 2 years, where she facilitated their growth of specialty enzyme food products and enzyme design for manufacture services in the U.S. market. Katie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics: Veterinary Business Management, and a minor in Animal and Poultry Sciences from Virginia Tech
For nearly 25 years, Mike worked as a district manager at the Sharper Image where he managed over 25 stores and successfully increased sales, hired and built high powered teams at each location. Mike joined BIO-CAT Microbials in 2008 and overseees the day-to-day operations and management of all employees.
Karen has an extensive background in agriculture, with over 25 experience in the field. Her expertise includes an in-depth understanding of farming practices, agriculture retail management, and sales. Karen managed an extensive agriculture retail store that focused its products on farming supplies with a significant emphasis on agronomy practices. She was promoted to technical sales position where she provided regional sales and technical support for over 100 retail outlets. In addition to her work experience, Karen was raised on a beef farm, and today, she and her husband reside on their working dairy farm.
Jessica has over 12 years of experience in microbiology and laboratory research. Dr. Spears earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a doctoral degree in Microbiology from Ohio State University where she worked on RNA modifications explicitly focusing on the Trypanosoma brucei tRNA deaminase enzyme. After graduating, she spent one year studying tRNA modifications and their potential implications in HIV interventions at the RNA Institute at SUNY Albany before joining the BIO-CAT Microbials team in 2013.
Stephen has worked over a four-year period in various departments at BIO-CAT including Production, Quality Control, R&D, and Sales. He graduated from Towson University in 2014 with dual bachelors of health science degrees and a psychology minor. After graduating from Towson, Stephen worked in the financial services industry for several years in Colorado.
Jenn began her career at BIO-CAT in 2010, working in the customer service department. In May 2016, she was promoted to the sales department. Prior to joining BIO-CAT, Jenn worked for over 10 years at Yves Delorme in Charlottesville where she started in production, was promoted to customer service and finally to the IT department. Jenn studied Sports Medicine at the University of Georgia.
Erin graduated from Virginia Tech in 2014 where she majored in Food Science and Technology with a Business concentration. She is a Charlottesville native who worked briefly in the wine industry before joining our sales team.
Michael brings over 15 years of business, purchasing and sales experience. He worked as the purchasing manager at PBM Products, the leading global supplier of store brand infant formula and baby/toddler foods. He was director of sales for firstSTREET, a consumer goods marketing company and also spent two tenures with Gold Violin, a multi-channel retailer selling products for independent living, as the inventory manager and director of wholesale. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Radford University.
Marc brings 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with experience in product development, clinical laboratory operations, clinical research, sales and marketing with International Genetic Engineering, University of Virginia, Miles Inc., and Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals. Marc earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology at the University of California, Los Angeles and is a certified health coach.
Elaine has 20 years’ experience in quality, regulatory and manufacturing support roles in the pharmaceutical industry, most recently with Allergen Pharmaceuticals International. She has a master’s degree in Industrial Pharmaceutical Science, an honors degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Coventry University, UK and a diploma in Pharmaceutical Science from Sligo IT, Ireland. Elaine oversees regulatory needs, defines regulatory requirements for our strategic plan and interfaces with key regulatory agencies. In August 2017, Elaine relocated from Ireland to Virginia.
Charlie brings over 30 years of experience in real estate finance and printing industries. In his former position as president of American Press, he was responsible for the operational and financial management of the company as well as directing sales and marketing. Charlie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Oregon and completed a graduate program in real estate finance at the University of Wisconsin.
Julie brings over 25 years of experience in the biotechnology field. Most of her career has involved basic science research focusing on treatments for cancer and high cholesterol. She has also served as a project manager at a CRO and was the QA/QC Director and general lab manager at an environmental testing laboratory. Julie also works as an adjunct professor at South University, where she teaches Microbiology. Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Master’s in Anaerobic Microbiology.
Mark has over 30 years experience in nutrition science, medical device/diagnostics and prescription and over-the-counter drug markets. He has experience in sales strategy, product development, portfolio management, strategic partnerships and team development. Mark has continually pursued growth opportunities that have led him to live in metro New York, Seattle, Columbus, San Francisco, Chicago, Corona Del Mar, California and Columbus, Ohio. Mark has resided in the Charlottesville, Virginia area for the past seven years. Mark is a native of Chicago and a graduate of the University of South Florida – Tampa.
Bill has over 25 years of experience in commercial financial services and has an in-depth understanding of strategic goals and financial matters. He came onboard in 2009 and has brought profound changes to BIO-CAT’s bottom line. Bill graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. As a member of the executive team, he is responsible for developing company goals, objectives and strategic planning. Bill is proficient in understanding our current strengths and planning for the future. Bill also serves as a Director on the Board of Blue Ridge Bancshares.
Enzymes have been a part of Chris’ life since he was a kid. He began helping his father with his business when he was a senior in high school. With years of historical knowledge and a broad understanding of the enzyme industry, Chris controls all aspects of the company’s operations. After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology, Chris worked in the production department at Amano International Enzyme Company. When BIO-CAT was formed, Chris was in charge of customer sales and production. A decade later, he was promoted to president. As the leader of the executive leadership team, Chris plays a pivotal role in the overall strategic direction of the company’s future.
