Welcome to the Forty Over 40 blog. We frequently spotlight one of our honorees and their thoughts on reinvention, mentorship and momentum…plus a peek into what makes them tick.
This Q&A is with Dr. Jeanette Hill is the founder and CEO of Spot On Sciences Inc., a biotech company that develops and markets innovative medical devices that revolutionize collection and storage of biological fluids for medical research and testing.
In 20+ years leading research teams at biotech companies, Dr. Hill saw too many destructive mergers (and its destructive aftermath) and decided to launch her own venture. Dr. Hill’s unique combination of experience led her to launch Spot On Sciences, Inc. in 2010. Her patented device offers groundbreaking improvements in the way bio-specimens are collected for medical diagnostics.
1) What was a pivotal momentum of reinvention for you?
There was a “perfect storm” of events happening in my life. I was frustrated with the slow and bureaucratic pace of innovation at the large biotech company where I was employed and so left to start a flexible and quickly moving company.
Right about the same time my mother, who lived out in the country, was dealing with chronic disease and having trouble traveling to a lab for her blood tests. We thought that there had to be an easier way to get access to blood tests, and so developed our products so that blood could be collected and home and sent in the mail to a lab.
The last piece to fall into place was finding a women-centric entrepreneur accelerator right in my city. The accelerator gave me the skill set and confidence to start my own company. My patented technology came next and now we’re helping to bring life-saving tests to everyone.
2) Who has been a valuable mentor or sponsor?
Texas State University had a program that trained experienced businesswomen to become entrepreneurs and create startup companies. The instructors, aka Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIRs), devoted their time and resources to helping us learn, grow and network. I’m still in contact with those EIRs today and especially value their perspective as I grow my business.
3) What is your biggest goal right now?
I know that my technology can have a huge impact in healthcare so my goal is to bring the access of life-saving tests to everyone. Diagnostic testing through blood sampling is responsible for 80% of healthcare decisions but we’re limited by the way we get these samples. We still have to get ourselves to a lab and have a phlebotomist draw our blood. My device allows anyone to take a blood sample at any time, anywhere.
4) How did you get your first job? How did you jump to your second job?
When you grow up on a farm, as I did, your work life starts early. I learned how to drive a truck and tractor at age 8 which made me very popular with my school friends when they came over to play. My first paying job was de-tasseling corn which is where you pull the tops (tassels) off the corn to help pollinate certain rows of corn. In high school, my friend and I were the first females to be inducted into our FFA chapter. We were also the first two females allowed to take shop.
5) What time do you typically wake up? What do you do every morning.
My day starts at 6am so that I can walk the dog first thing. The walk clears my head and I can think about how to get the day off to good start.
6) How did you feel on your 30th birthday? What were you doing at that time?
I was in graduate school at Washington University working on a PhD program in bioorganic chemistry. I was tackling protein folding. For my 30th birthday I went on my very first cruise to the Caribbean.
7) How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?
I don’t do this very well but basically, I unplug by reading. I especially enjoy history and science fiction books. I even enjoy reading about my industry…scientific journals, trade journals, etc.
8) What’s the best networking contact you’ve made? How did you make it?
I met Dr. Mike Smolensky, a biomechanical engineering (BME) professor at the University of Texas, while working with BME students on the first prototype of my device. The student’s work caught the attention of this world expert in health science prompting him to tell me that my device was just what he was looking for in his upcoming research study. He has since become a valuable collaborator, mentor and friend.
9) What challenge / achievement are you most proud of?
I’m most proud that I was able to build a company from idea stage to actual products and have assembled a great team. I’ve just received a patent on my device so that’s another thing I’m really proud of. My mom, while she was alive, loved what I was doing and knew that she was the inspiration for my business.
10) What was the last business book you read?
“The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries.
11) What cause do you most want to advance?
I support all the initiatives to boost women in STEM and have joined various organizations that are making that their mission. I’m also dedicated to reshaping healthcare so that it works for all of us.
12) What song can’t you get out of your head?
Peace Frog by The Doors
13) What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
I’m from the “Show Me” state (MO) so I trust advice that comes from people who have actually walked in your shoes. My advice is to be wary of people who seem to know all the answers but have never been an entrepreneur.
14) What is your “keep me going” quote?
We often use the phrase “make it happen.” We start with a defined goal and then focus on the shortest path to get there.
15) What is your secret indulgence?
The old fashioned candy hearts made by Necco. I still haven’t gotten over the fact that they’ve changed all the flavors to fruity ones.
16) Who on the list of prior Honorees would you like to meet?
Linda Avey, 23and Me co founder; cause she’s disrupting healthcare just like I am.
Check out Dr. Hill’s full 40 Over 40 profile here!