Gary Feskens: Success Is Loving What You Do Students in Professor Jon Down's Strategic Management class recently welcomed Gary Feskens, Vice President of Category Sales' Development for Nestlé Purina. Down introduced him as a successful graduate of the College of Business. "If success is measured by loving what you do, then I consider myself successful," Feskens clarified.
After graduating from Oregon State in 1976 with a degree from the College of Business, Feskens began working for the Carnation Company, which was soon acquired by Nestlé. Although he has actually played many roles in several different companies, he has basically worked for Nestlé since graduation.
After an introduction to the many facets of the company, students were given a case study scenario that was similar to a business decision Nestlé faced related to brand consolidation and supply chain management. After receiving the feedback and opinions of the class, Feskens explained the decisions that were actually made in the situation and the outcomes of those decisions. Students learned about the actual magnitude and effects of decision making when managing 20,000 assorted products from dog food to coffee creamer. He explained about key learning issues in business, people, communication, process and tools, and the culture of a company.
"Change in the business world is inevitable," said Feskens. "Selecting the right people to make that change is crucial." He further noted that celebrating change or milestones along the way is essential. It reinforces teamwork and fosters the motivation to continually succeed.
"Sharing his work experiences clearly illustrated to the students the significance between the academic frameworks and models they are learning," explained Professor Down. "The fact that Gary is a COB alum and sat in the same seats that students occupy, made his visit all the more special." | 
