Ryan, VP of Real Estate and Development, has been part of the PetSmart team for over 14 years. Read on to learn about his journey and some of his favorite parts about his #LifeAtPetSmart.
Tell us a bit about your PetSmart journey—where did you start, where are you now, and how did you get there?
Ryan: I started 14 years ago as a Real Estate Research Analyst. In that role, I was able to travel across both the US and Canada with our then CEO and other members of the Leadership team to visit both potential new locations and existing stores. During that time, I was fortunate to see a lot of our store network, visit new places, and meet with hundreds of our passionate and engaged store associates!
From there, I eventually moved into a transactional “deal making” role where I was responsible for working with team members across the company to bring successful new store opportunities in efforts of continuing our growth and serving new Pet Parents. Over time, I was given the opportunity to work directly with more divisions within the Real Estate team and now have the honor of working with the whole department.
What do you enjoy about your life at PetSmart?
I love the core of what we do as a company – we love pets, believe pets make us better people, and help save lives through adoptions with PetSmart Charities. These values create a culture that draws and engaged group of great people to work with us. I wake up every day happy that I work at PetSmart and knowing our company makes a positive difference for both pets and pet parents.
Why should folks looking to grow their career choose PetSmart?
Ryan: PetSmart is a great place to start and grow a career. There are constant opportunities to growth within one’s role at a store, within a department, or across the enterprise. There is a strong sense that we are all a team and hierarchy does not matter. We are all here for each other and our pets above all else.