Scott has had an expansive and diverse experience within his career here at PetSmart—ranging from spending time in our Distribution Centers in multiple states, rocking the Supply Chain department, and now making a positive impact in the Phoenix home office. He shared a bit about his #LifeAtPetSmart and career journey with us + a few bits to get to know him a bit better. Check out what he had to say below!
Tell us a bit about your PetSmart journey – where did you start, where are you now, and how did you get there?
Scott: My 8 years with PetSmart have been spent in Supply Chain, but my career path has been anything but traditional. I started with PetSmart as an Operations Supervisor at DC10 in Ohio (GO BUCKS!). As a front-line leader, I developed a deep respect for the hard work accomplished by our Leaders and Associates in our Distribution Centers. In my next role, I served as the Training and Operational Excellence Manager. This allowed me to leverage a background in process improvement while still staying connected to our associates. 18 months later, my family and I moved to Phoenix where I worked as a Sr Industrial Engineer at the Home Office. The next 2 ½ years went by in a flash as I had the opportunity to travel to each of our 7 DC’s and develop leadership skills and learn from many amazing leaders both at PHO and in the field. My goal was to grow as a leader, which took my family to DC38 in Georgia where I most recently served as an Assistant General Manager. That experience gave me a different perspective as a Leader of Leaders and strengthened my desire to continue to grow and develop. It challenged me to lead from a different level prior to transitioning to my current role as Sr Manger of Industrial Engineering back in Phoenix. I’ve learned a great deal along the way and am truly grateful for all the support I‘ve received throughout my career at PetSmart.
Tell us about your pets!
Scott: Let’s talk about Harvey (aka Haaaarrrrrrvey, aka Harvard, aka Big Boy)! In 2019, The Burke family got a Bernedoodle – half Bernese Mountain Dog and half poodle… and maybe half bear since he is now 135 pounds! He is absolutely awesome with our kids (Emma 12, Oliver 6, Charlotte 6) and truly is the definition of a gentle giant. The big guy loves to cuddle, is super lazy, and is already an old man at heart. Fair warning for those of you that will get the chance to meet Harvey when I bring him into the office, the “Berne-lean” is a real thing – he WILL knock you over if you aren’t ready!
Why do you enjoy your life at PetSmart or what are some of your favorite parts?
Scott: Easiest question so far – the people! Having had the privilege of working in 3 different states on 3 different teams, I can genuinely say that no matter where I was geographically, I felt at home. Every move and new role came with butterflies, and every time I was welcomed and accepted with open arms. I truly believe that this speaks volumes to the culture that has been created, fostered, and embraced across our organization.
What’s something interesting about your department or role that most people don’t know about?
Scott: Our team spends quite a bit of time partnering with different areas outside of Supply Chain to support our DC’s – it’s not uncommon for the Engineering Team to spend time with Store Ops, MP&A, Loss Prevention, or IT during a normal week. Speaking of normal, it won’t be long until we are traveling again. From DC Support to Vendor Visits to Trade Shows, the IE Team will rarely all be in the office at the same time. We’re also more than a little competitive… from go-cart racing to escape the room, we don’t like losing!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
Scott: I’m a HUGE football fan – my Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals, combined with Fantasy Football keep me more than busy in the fall. I used to be a thrill seeker (skydiving, cliff jumping, roller coasters, etc), but that’s taken a back seat these days to family bike rides and backyard grilling. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve turned down a quality milkshake (ALWAYS chocolate).
Any favorite stories or moments from over the years at PetSmart that you’d like to share?
Scott: WAY too many to share! Team-building events always stick out as lasting memories with my peers/leaders since it’s a chance to “escape” from the day to day – Bowling Night at DC10 to Spring Training Games at PHO to Golf Outings at DC38, it’s always boils down to quality time and interactions with the people I enjoy working with every day.
Anything else you’d like to say about PetSmart or your #LifeAtPetSmart?
Scott: I’m genuinely proud to work for a company whose values and morals so closely reflect mine. Knowing that PetSmart and its associates are doing what we can to make the world a better place is refreshing, regardless of the size or scope of the effort. Cheers!