EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
BRETNA PARKER
Manufacturing Technologist
How long have you been with MMQCI and how did you first learn about our company?
I have been with MMQCI for 8 years. Joan, Clark and I had worked together in the past. Joan and I ran into each other sometime after she had started the company, and she was looking for new employees. I had been giving serious consideration to a career change to molecular after working in a clinical lab.
What are your primary responsibilities?
Primarily I do bacterial propagation and plasmid purifications. I have also been a member of the safety committee and social committee.
Describe MMQCI in three words:
Impactful. Educational. Growth.
What do you like best about MMQCI?
I like that products from a small company in Saco, Maine are reaching across the world making a difference in patient health care.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen since joining MMQCI?
SO much growth!
What has your experience been with our company culture?
Anyone in the company is willing to help you find an answer to a question that you may have.
What do you like to do in your free time?
On Saturdays I hang out with my son Parker. He is on the autistic spectrum. We like to get coffee and drive around to the beaches. I also have a great group of friends that I see frequently.
What’s the most unique part about working at MMQCI?
The collective knowledge of our staff and the positive impact we are able to have on the greater world through our products.
Where is your happy place in Maine?
Anywhere by the water—the beach is my happy place!
What’s your secret talent that most people don’t know about?
I have parking karma. My friends like me to drive because I usually get the closest parking spot!
What’s one thing that’s on your “Bucket List”?
Traveling to Italy was top on my bucket list until last year when I was able to visit. This year I will be crossing another item off my list and traveling to Ireland.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Follow your dream.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Portland, Maine. I raised my children Kelly and Parker in the house in which I grew up. It was built by my grandmother in the ‘40’s.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations, and why?
My children.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Sounds of Silence by Disturbed
How have you grown professionally since you’ve joined the MMQCI team?
I took on learning an entirely new science to join MMQCI. In my past career we used quality control products such as MMQCI’s in our everyday processes.
What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
I am reading Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
What is something about you that most people don’t know?
I went back to school as an adult to get a second degree, in Horticulture Studies and ended up graduating as valedictorian of my class. I worked for a landscape company for 5 years working on some beautiful properties by the sea. I also maintained some condo properties for some individual clients.
What best advice can you give someone who might be interested in joining us here at MMQCI?
We love a team player with an all-hands-on-deck mentality. Someone who is excited to learn and work with like-minded individuals.