Tomlyn Spotlight on Dr. Jim Spiezio

Posted by Tomlyn on Jul 31st 2014

Tomlyn® prides itself not only on our products but also on the people who make our company great. We want to introduce you to the faces behind our products to give you insight into why we do what we do to ensure you have the best products possible for your pets!

Our first Tomlyn Spotlight is with Dr. Jim Spiezio, veterinarian and scientific affairs manager for Tomlyn and our parent company, Vetoquinol, USA.

Q: How long have you worked with Tomlyn and Vetoquinol, USA?

A: I was in private practice for 11 years and then joined Vetoquinol/Tomlyn in September of 2008 (six years ago).

Q: Tell us what you do for Tomlyn.

A: As the scientific Affairs Manager, I generally work to keep our products up to date, and to ensure we’re meeting industry standards. Some of our products have been reformulated, and I’ve helped in that process, as well. I help disseminate the proper usage of our products to our staff and the public in general. I also work to keep track of product and consumer trends in the industry, while providing customer support all in an effort to continue to satisfy the changing needs of pets and their owners.

Q: What makes Tomlyn’s products different from others on the market?

A: First and foremost, I think the biggest difference is the quality of the Tomlyn line of products. Tomlyn produces products under the guidelines of current GMP’s (Good Manufacturing Practices) and the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council). Many of our competitors cannot say that. At Tomlyn, we pride ourselves on giving our customers the information and products they need, based on proven science, in order to better the lives of their pets.

Tomlyn has been a sign of excellence in the pet industry since 1976, and since then we have been making improvements and innovating new products based on scientific facts, not old wives tails like so many others.

Q: Which products were you involved in developing?

A: I was involved in the making of Pill Masker, a product designed to make administering medications to dogs and cats easier by folding it around any size pill or capsule, making it a flavorful treat instead of a dreaded medicine. The L-lysine chews and powders for cats, and the Puppy Drops vitamins are two others I also helped develop.

Q: Why did you decide to become a veterinarian and to work at Vetoquinol, USA/Tomlyn?

A: I became a veterinarian because I always liked science and animals. When the opportunity came to join the Tomlyn family, I had been in private practice for 11 years, and this provided me a broader way to use my science background for the good of pets and their owners than did traditional practice.

Q: What topics do you like discussing most with pet owners and customers about the products you develop and create?

A: I enjoy talking about our L-Lysine products for cats. I really like explaining how it can help a cat live a longer and healthier life.

Q: What question do you get asked the most by pet owners? What is your No. 1 piece of advice?

A: Can I use (this product) to treat my dogs/cats problem? Do not wait to bring your animal to the veterinarian especially if it’s a puppy or kitten.

Q: Which is your favorite animal?

A: I have many animals that I admire and am truly unable to place one above the other. I’m interested in all kinds from raptors to ocean mammals.

Q: What was the No. 1 influence on your becoming a veterinarian?

A: My interest in biology and wildlife conservation.

Q: What do you consider Tomlyn’s most popular product and why?

A: There are two products I consider to be Tomlyn’s most popular; Nutri-cal and Laxatone for dogs and cats. Nutria-cal helps provide a high calorie easily digestible palatable source of energy for dogs and cats of all ages and Laxatone has provided so many cat owners with hairball relief over the years that it could be one of our best products of all time.

Q: What motivates you on a daily basis?

A: I enjoy the challenge of my job. Keeping abreast with the fast growing and innovative pet food industry. This industry is one that is really exploding and is geared toward doing real good in the life of our four legged family members. Those are good motivating things for me daily!

Q: What three words would you use to describe Tomlyn’s products?

A: Proven, Effective and Affordable.