This video was made by Vetafarm
Interview with Jacob Mintern, Key Account Manager at Vetafarm
Tell us more about Vetafarm:
Vetafarm is Australia’s leading innovator in companion animal health and welfare. With all products being focused on improving animal welfare Vetafarm prides itself on producing the best for your pet, be it a bird, reptile, dog cat or small mammal.
Innovation remains the cornerstone of Vetafarm’s success. “All our products stem from a need to help the animal or its keeper” explains founder Dr Tony Gestier. “As a veterinarian, I am always aware of the need to constantly improve animal health and welfare; sometimes the best way to do this is to make the animal care easier for the owner”. Since 1990 over 450 products have been designed and marketed by the dynamic group at Vetafarm.
Quality Control is integral to the production process at Vetafarm and the Quality Assurance group are charged with making sure only the best products leave the factories.
Vetafarm understands that animals are like family. The ability to have problems solved by helpful friendly staff on the phone is important to the philosophy of Dr Gestier and his team; all the staff are avid animal lovers with a menagerie of animals between them.
Due to their ability to innovate, the Vetafarm team are also used regularly by Australian Zoos to develop new ways to help improve zoo animal health. By using their vast knowledge of animal health needs, nutrition requirements and the technical ability to make unique products, Vetafarm are a valuable resource for zookeepers.
What motivates Vetafarm to be a sponsor of Kaarakin?
Vetafarm’s love for animal health extends not only from manufacturing our own products, but to helping animal conservation efforts. Vetafarm’s beginnings were in the avian health industry, and they have represented a large portion of the industry for years. With this, they are able to contribute to amazing conservation efforts such as Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre. There is so much important and life-saving work being done at Kaarakin, and Vetafarm is so proud to be able to contribute by providing food for the birds and support where needed.
When did you start working at Vetafarm?
I first started working at Vetafarm in 2009 after leaving school, over the next two years I worked in all aspects of product manufacturing before leaving to start my apprenticeship as a boilermaker. After 7 years of the trade I returned home to Wagga Wagga and began my role in Key Account Management in February 2018.
Tell us more about yourself?
I usually spend my spare time building things in the shed or enjoying anything outdoors but mostly fishing, camping, four wheel driving or exploring with my partner and our 2 dogs -Dexter and Billy.
What is your role at Vetafarm?
My role at Vetafarm as Key Account Manager for Kaarakin, Australia Zoo and several other conservation centers across Australia is to handle the day to day transactions, provide support and continue to build relationships that give Vetafarm the opportunity to support such vital conservation work.
Up until August of 2018 I was in the Territory Manger role for NSW. My day to day included either being on the road travelling around to customers to deliver training, product info or anything else I could help with or in office do much of the same over the phone. After a restructure in August I was moved into the Key Account Manager role where I know deal with the day to day training, transactions and communications with our leading distributors, wholesalers, zoo’s and wildlife centres (like Kaarakin) across Australia.
What are your products? Which animals do you cater for?
Vetafarm caters for nearly any animal you can think of! As mentioned before, Vetafarm had humble beginnings in the avian industry in the early 1990s, and has since branched out in to small animal, reptile, falcons, dog, cat, zoo animal and much more! Our range is as diverse and specific as macaw diets to penguin vitamins to dog supplements and even a floating flamingo diet! The dynamic team at Vetafarm have developed over 450 products – among them are feeds, supplements, pharmaceuticals, bedding and medications. When a product doesn’t exist for an animal, that’s where Vetafarm comes in! You can view most of our range at www.vetafarm.com.au
Do you have exciting plans for the future?
Vetafarm always has many exciting plans on the boil at any one time! The goal is to release many more products that are currently in research and development. Vetafarm’s near future plans include functional treats for a number of animals. Stay tuned on that one!
