Sales allows me to talk shop and interact with a variety of people – fits my personality perfectly.

Meet Patrick

Patrick Smith is the ultimate team player. The San Jose Sharks and ‘Cuda supporter is also a big fan of Labcyte, which he joined in November 2015. The former “lab rat” who graduated with a chemistry degree from Penn State, decided to explore the commercial side of science, and thrived as the company’s first Inside Sales rep.

What is your title, and what is your role at Labcyte?

I’m the Inside Sales Manager. Inside Sales is responsible for selling service contracts and consumables to our customers. We have a close partnership with the field sales team and help to find new business. My specific role is that of a player/coach. I continue to sell, but also help to define/refine the role of Inside Sales at Labcyte.

What did you do before joining Labcyte?

I started off as a lab rat, then transitioned to the commercial side of science. First leap out of the lab was tech support. Next, I moved into field support then ultimately sales and marketing. Sales allows me to talk shop and interact with a variety of people – fits my personality perfectly.

What brought you to Labcyte?

I wanted to find a position that checked a couple of my ‘important’ boxes. First, the technology has to be both interesting to me and game changing. Secondly, it should have a good team of people with whom I will be directly interacting. Labcyte checked both of those boxes. The technology has stood the test of time and continues to enable science in ways originally not intended. The sales team has been very receptive to this new role and helped me tremendously along the way.

What’s the best part of your job?

This also ties in to why I’m at Labcyte. It has been fun to come into a brand-new role within an established company and help shape it. As the first Inside Sales rep, there was a general framework as to what the role would be. Over time, I had the opportunity to further define it and watch it evolve. It’s great to have this type of input.

How do you see your career developing at Labcyte?

I have been afforded the opportunity to have my career advance into a manager position since joining Labcyte. From here, I want to continue to grow the team with top notch people who will continue to help Labcyte grow and hit our revenue targets.

What do you do when you’re not at work?

I spend my time outside of work playing golf or cheering on the San Jose Sharks and Barracuda. I’m a huge hockey fan and try to get to as many games as possible. I used to play golf competitively. I still play some competitive matches, but I’m just happy to get out there and play. I also enjoy going to live shows/concerts. The most recent concert I went to was Muse and 30 Seconds to Mars - great show!

If you could cure any disease, what would it be and why?

Since I can’t choose them all, I would have a start with heart disease. First, it’s the top killer in the U.S. every year. Secondly, I’m sure everyone out there has lost someone close to them or knows someone that has lost a loved one to heart disease. I appreciate there are some environmental factors here, but if we could eliminate the #1 killer in the U.S., it would impact almost everyone positively.

Who is your favorite influencer and why?

My freshman advisor at Penn State, Michael Natan. He opened the doors of science to me at a very young age. Michael allowed me to join his research group my freshman year and work on a project, mostly independently. This ensured my love of science and having that independence very early in my career. Michael was also pivotal in my move to California, which wasn’t on my radar. He has been a great mentor, big brother figure, and friend, all at the same time.

What would be your best career advice?

Work smarter, not harder. This may be difficult to see early on in one’s career, but I feel it is the best advice. I’m not sure I followed this all through my career. I used to work long hours in the lab and other positions. But, being smarter about my approach and keeping a better work-life balance has really helped. Sometimes, you need to clear your mind to be more effective. You’d be surprised at how many times I have had ideas come to me on the golf course or at a hockey game.