Debbie McCuaig, President and CEO

Team effort

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"No person can work as an island here. In manufacturing there's a whole flow of materials being ordered, coming in the door, tested and the product is made. Then it's put in either warehoused or sent out and there's invoicing.

"The whole cycle, the process, has to keep going and so everybody's function overlaps. It's really exciting to make something new and everybody's involved in getting it out the door."

Images from my workplace

replace this with your real content

Where I work

I'm a Chemist but my official title is President and CEO for McCuaig Solutions Corporation, a Winnipeg-based company in its tenth year of operation.

We develop and manufacture a variety of products such as creams and ointments for personal care and over the counter pharmaceutical applications.

McCuaig Solutions specializes in custom product development, contract manufacturing and private label services. We have fewer than ten employees.

Therapeutic products

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"I've crossed over into making drugs, because of my background in regulatory affairs. I'm able to do more therapeutic products because now I have a facility.

"Other people ask us to develop these products. We're able to make them and private label them for them.

"We're registered as a natural health product facility so if customers want to export, what we've done is take care of the regulatory work and the product development."

Fun and creative

Product development is my favourite part of this job. It's like baking a cake without a recipe. I can add whatever I want, mix it up in the lab and see what happens. If I add things in the wrong order, the batter will be too thin or too thick or it won't work out.

When I'm making a lotion or shampoo, I need to add the raw materials in the right order. Sometimes I won't know if I've done this until I'm finished. I've made all of the forty plus products we make right now.

Industry trends

People often want to use the latest trends they read about: animal-free products, fragrance-free, colourless, aloe, vitamin added or essential oils.

They come up with the idea and want to incorporate those elements or ingredients because it will be their marketing platform.

We help them develop the formula. With hemp oil for example, we make sure hemp oil is the active ingredient in the product, whether it's a two-in-one shampoo or ointment.

Stereotyping scientists

Thanks to movies like Back to the Future and cartoons, people often think scientists are either reclusive or a little bit crazy. People think lab accidents and things blowing up are common.

I am focused and passionate in the lab but I'm not crazy and my work isn't dangerous because I follow proper procedures. I am focused but I still have perspective. I often work alone in the lab but I'm not a recluse.

Most scientists I know don't fit either stereotype at all.

Balancing home and work

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"I love my spare time. When I first started my business I probably worked seven days a week. It was really a hobby of mine.

"Then I realized work isn't going to go away and it's moving forward and we'll carry on.

"Now I keep my weekends to myself. I love the outdoors. I look forward now to keeping my personal and my work time separate."

Modest upbringing

My childhood was pretty typical; I went to school and both parents worked. We didn't have fancy cars or anything like that. We went for summer vacations to Winnipeg Beach or rented a cottage. I appreciated that. It helped me develop life skills.

I'm glad everything didn't come easy because I probably wouldn't be successful in my business. If you want something you have to work for it. You learn to do what needs to be done and you learn patience. Not everything comes immediately.

Loves to travel

I'm fortunate we can travel. My husband and I try to get away every year. We've gone to Mexico, Cuba and Britain. I don't want to go someplace and lay on the beach. I like to go and see how that culture lives and what they do. That's why I investigate ahead of time.

I read books about what people eat and how they live. I'd like to go to Scotland, because of my roots. I've also never been to Quebec.

Volunteers with youth

I volunteer for school science fairs. They enjoy having a woman scientist assess different projects. I enjoy being able to mentor students one-on-one.

A couple of times I had high school students come for a half day a week for four months. They tackled jobs to help stimulate their interest in a scientific environment.

On a personal note, I'm involved in church activities and outreach programs. I find it relaxing and rewarding. It's a way for me to give back.

Proud Manitoban

Manitoba is so friendly. I've been dealing with businesses, customers and people in the community throughout my life and I love the people. I enjoy the size and growth of the province.

I'm very proud to be a Manitoba manufacturer. "Made in Manitoba" is on every label and I promote Manitoba on my website and at trade shows.

I enjoy the different types of weather. I also enjoy the cost of living. We wouldn't have a house on the river within twenty minutes of work anyplace else.

Family a priority

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE) 

"They're all family people here. The main thing is not just to get the product done, it's so they feel like they've accomplished something. At the end of the day they can feel, ‘I got it done" and they can go home to their families.

"You know what's important. You go home to your family and make yourself dinner, enjoy your evening with your family. I feel good at the end of the day when we're happy that's what got done. Tomorrow's another day. Don't worry, it'll be here tomorrow."

Inside work

My job is all indoor work and there's no real physical labour. I spend a lot of time sitting when I'm dealing with administration or business aspects. In the afternoon when I'm in the lab, I walk around more.

We moved to our current location two and a half years ago. It's larger than our previous space. My office window overlooks Omand's Creek and I have a lot of natural light.

The entire place is well laid out, but I love my lab. It's very large with ample space for product development.

Product development

My customers call with questions or problems. They want a product that will make hair have more volume. They want a dog shampoo that will leave the dog's coat tangle free and fluffy. A nursing home wants something for bath tubs that will help them with infection control.

I love meeting with customers to hear about what they need. Then it's my job to develop a product that will help fill their need.

Varying pace

The pace and stress level vary. Sometimes it's relaxing and very nice. That's usually when I'm happy to see a big order go out the back door. It can be hectic when we have a big order to get out. There's no stress with product development, which I love.

My stress comes from not being able to please everybody. I decide which projects to work on and which to refuse. I have to be tactful when I tell customers I'm not going to be able to tackle their project for a while.

Organized workplace

We have a system in place and we're very organized because everything has a procedure. We have ISO 9001 certification so we've gone through the process of creating systems and determining how things flow. Everybody's well trained and we communicate a lot, which helps.

My staff feels comfortable asking questions so to understand what's going on, both in the office and the lab. That's what's nice about a small company. It's interesting to see all of the different functions going on.

Contributing to economy

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"Our health system, our education system, the growth of the province - it all depends on us being successful and making a net profit.

"That means taking raw materials, contributing to the economy, making money and putting it back into the economy.

"You feel part of the bigger picture. You're not just stand alone."

Important skills

I need to have a clear understanding of the regulatory guidelines and be familiar with Canada's Food and Drug Act, especially when I'm developing product. I need to know what raw materials are acceptable to use.

I also have to be very familiar with regulatory documents and changes. I have to document everything so I can explain how I made it, how I packaged it and who was involved in those processes. Math and science are important for weighing ingredients in the lab.

Personal and professional growth

I deal with people all the time. I was shyer when I started the business than I am now.

It's tough when I'm working with clients who want their products manufactured because I'm dealing with people and their dreams.

I need to be responsible and clear and give them complete information because it's important to them and their livelihood. As I develop, this becomes less difficult.

Ongoing learning

There are many factors in this environment that ensure I'm continuously learning. New products are introduced while others are banned and I need to be familiar with changing regulatory guidelines. I also need to be familiar with varying export guidelines for a number of different countries.

On the job training comes with life. I've learned things in the lab and in business I couldn't have learned in school. I'm always problem solving, analyzing and learning.

Customer inquiries

Once I've made contact and the customer has questions, I ask them to email. Often the questions are quite technical, so to be sure I'm communicating clearly, I use email so there's less chance of misunderstanding. It's particularly important when they're asking regulatory questions.

Before I respond, I look up the answer to ensure my response is correct. I need to be sure I'm giving them the right advice, because one of the things we do is give technical support.

Great work experience

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"What I'm doing here is really just an extension of what I've done in my workplace. Vita Health gave me the basic quality control. At Arjo it was all product development and worldwide regulatory and seeing the different equipment and everything.

"I needed that ability to be able to learn how to make my products and what equipment to purchase. RW was more of the same thing. It definitely worked out perfectly."

Right fit

I need to play in my work. I got my position at Vita Health in the lab doing quality control. Within six months I knew I didn't like it. There were no windows and no people. I felt locked up.

From there I moved onto Arjo where I worked in product development and got involved in the regulatory side of things. I fell in love with it.

There was an immediate response from the lotions and ointments we were preparing and I enjoyed working with people.

Starting the business

I had the right education but the work experience definitely helped. You need to get a job where you're going to learn different kinds of skills.

At Arjo I developed products for hospitals like shampoos, ointments and things like that. That's where I learned about all the equipment.

When the company moved to Ontario, there was nobody in Manitoba doing those sorts of things. People started approaching me to make products and that's how I got started.

Serendipity

I didn't have a career path. Things just worked out for me and it's amazing how nicely things turned out. At college and university I studied something I enjoyed and found good jobs.

I didn't plan to have my own business. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew I had the life skills and practical working skills to make it happen.

When your mind is open, you have the will and you're open to opportunity when it comes along, you go for it.

Get involved

We didn't have science fairs or the Internet when I was in school. When I go into schools now, there is almost 100% participation in science fairs. Students are encouraged to just come up with an idea and give it a try. They have science fairs at Red River College and at career symposiums.

My advice to kids is to go to those events, talk to people and see what others are doing. Use online research tools. Ask people if they know anyone who would be available to mentor you. Phone associations and ask questions about how you can get involved.

Manitoba legacy

(TEXT FROM SOUND BITE)

"For three generations we've been part of Manitoba. I can see how we're growing and developing and I want to be part of that.

"I'm a Manitoba manufacturer. I'm not moving the company anywhere. We started here. We're staying here. Customers really appreciate that. I want to be part of Manitoba's successes and I want to carry on here."

Growing company

The company's growing and has been growing continually for the last five years. I don't have an unrealistic goal of making $10 million in two years and destroying myself in the process. I want to see the company continue to grow and be profitable.

I want to get into export and to promote "Made in Manitoba". I'm looking forward to getting not only into the States but South America and other countries to learn how things work there and get my products over there.

Company’s future

In five years, I'd like to see the company double in size because we're into export markets. I would like our new building to be up in a couple of years. We expanded two and a half years ago but we're already ready for more room.

Part of my plan is to get some property and build a building to expand into. We'll get into export and continue doing what we're doing, bringing on new customers and promoting things.

Ongoing learning

I would like to continue to learn things that would help me grow the business. I need to identify courses I can take to help my people grow. They need to develop in those areas and then as a team we can be a lot more productive.

New markets are opening up and I'm very excited about that. I want to learn more about the logistics on a different scope, how to export. I would also like to learn more about marketing.

Manitoba opportunities

Opportunities in Manitoba are excellent right now. We're being identified as the biotech province in Canada. Most of the jobs and all of the new jobs in this industry are being created in Manitoba.

As far as I know, practically all the graduates coming out of school have jobs before they graduate. There is a vast shortage of people with a chemical background. Our industry is growing at a fast rate and we need people.

Job market info

The links below take you to federal and regional government information on employment, education, salary ranges and long range prospects for this career.

The official title for Debbie's occupation is "Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Manufacturing Company" and its NOC* code is 0016.

Human Resources and Social Development

Who Hires - Manitoba Labour Market Information

*Each occupation has an official name and unique number called the ‘National Occupational Classification' code or 'NOC'.

Education

High School

Useful High School Subjects:*

- Industrial Arts
- Business
- English
- Chemistry

*Source: JobFutures.ca

For those out of school, Adult Learning Centres can help you get or upgrade your high school diploma, including adding subjects that are required for work or further education. All Manitobans are normally entitled to 4 free courses.

After high school

University of Manitoba

Faculty of Science
Department of Microbiology
Department of Chemistry
Department of Biochemistry

University of Winnipeg

Department of Chemistry

Red River College

Applied Chemistry
Applied Biopharmaceutical Processing
Applied Pharmaceutics
Chemical and Biosciences Technology
Chemical and Biosciences Technology Co-op
QA/QC in Pharmaceutical Industry
Business Administration

Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface

Faculté des sciences

Brandon University

Department of Chemistry

Assiniboine Community College - Brandon

Business Administration

University College of the North - The Pas/Thompson

All Programs (PDF)
Business Administration - page 27

Skills

Useful Experience/Skills*

- Leadership
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship Skills
- Communication Skills

*Source: JobFutures.ca

There is not yet an Essential Skills* profile for this occupation.

*Essential Skills provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.

Professional resources

Health Care Products Association of Manitoba - HCPAM
Focuses on the development of the Biotech and Pharmaceutical Medical Device industry in the province and provides training, networking and information on many issues and programs that create opportunities for better market access and the achievement of quality standards

Chemical Institute of Canada
National umbrella organization for: the Canadian Society for Chemistry, the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering and the Canadian Society for Chemical Technology

Manitoba Quality Network
Provincial organization providing resources, services and activities to support organizations in their pursuit of quality and organizational effectiveness

Canadian Manufacturers Association, Manitoba Division
An organization providing support to Manitoba manufacturers

Women Business Owners of Manitoba
Provincial organization providing information, resources, support and networking opportunities for Manitoba business women

International Organization for Standardization
A network of national standards institutes

Related careers

Pharmaceutical Chemist (NOC 2112) 

Managers in Manufacturing and Utilities (NOC 0911)

Pharmaceutical Salesperson (NOC 6221)

Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture) (NOC 0811)

Chemical Engineers (NOC 2134)