Jeff, Class of 1993

Prior to Kellogg, I started as a manufacturing engineer on the GE CMP program and then became a GE Plastics Sales Rep. After Kellogg, I worked as an assistant Brand Manager on Gatorade and as a Brand Manager on Snapple for "the former" Quaker Oats in Chicago.

In 1997, I joined Danaher as a Group Business Manager in the Industrial Controls Group, assisting 7 Danaher companies with strategy and product planning. In 1999, I became Vice President and General Manager for the OEM division at Delta Consolidated Industries. During 2000, I also led the corporate web team that launched a Danaher corporate-wide Intranet as well as redesigned the website. Currently, I am the Director of North America Supply Chain at Fluke (working in Jim's organization - see "class of 1997").

What do I like most about Danaher? Danaher gives people the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and advance their career based on capabilities as opposed to a pre-set program. My short tenure with Danaher is proof. I have been challenged to tackle tough assignments outside my "historical" skill base, which are better preparing me for larger general management assignments. Danaher has listened to my career desires, worked with me to create a career path that makes sense for me, and challenged me to perform at high levels in stretch assignments. Furthermore, Danaher has provided excellent mentors, ensuring that I have the necessary support to assist my development. Danaher is a growth company, but, as opposed to other growth companies, we are very thoughtful about career planning for each individual.

Take a hard look at what you want to be doing 5 years from graduation. Make sure that you align yourself with a company and a career path that will get you where you want to be in the future. If you want to be a general manager in 5 years, don't become a consultant first. Go to a company, like Danaher, that will prepare you for general management by rounding out your weaknesses so that you can excel as a leader of an organization. Go to a company that knows how to have fun (unless you like companies that take themselves too seriously). Enjoy school and go sit in the Wrigley bleachers every chance you get!