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About

Our Story

Innovative Pet Lab is a Science-Driven Pet Wellness Company. We are on a mission to empower the pet community with at-home tests and personalized solutions to enhance the lives and well-being of all pets.
Innovative Pet Care is redefining pet care with a line of scientifically proven at-home tests that evaluate your pet’s total health.
We understand that pets can’t tell us where it hurts or how they feel. Inspired by our love of animals, the Innovative Pet Lab team recognized the need to provide pet parents with the crucial information they wish their furry family members could convey.
Our journey began with a (18-year-old) dog named Linda, who shared life with our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Betsy Redmond. For many years, Linda struggled with chronic gastric issues, leaving her feeling tired and unwell. Ironically, Linda’s symptoms mirrored those of the patients that we were seeing in the human lab, where our CoFounders worked together helping treat individuals with chronic health issues.
Dr. Betsy realized if she could test Linda’s gut health using the same advanced methods employed for humans, she could identify the right diet, supplements, pharmaceuticals, and lifestyle changes to help Linda live a longer, healthier life. Linda lived to be 18 years young.
Linda’s journey sparked a revolution in pet health testing from the comfort of home, leading us to develop comprehensive testing and personalized treatment plans that transform the lives of pets everywhere.

Meet the Team

Jamie Smith
Jamie Smith
CEO & CoFounder
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Jamie Smith, CEO & Co-Founder of Innovative Pet Lab, brings over 15 years of leadership in diagnostics and digital health. She has transformed IPL from concept to reality, launching innovative at-home pet tests. With expertise in commercial strategy, market development, and Six Sigma-certified operations, she previously led teams at Everly Health Solutions and Genova Diagnostics. A graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Jamie is dedicated to revolutionizing pet healthcare while balancing life with her Navy-active-duty husband, three kids, and two beloved pets.
Dr. Betsy Redmond
Dr. Betsy Redmond
Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder
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Dr. Betsy Redmond, Chief Scientific Officer at IPL, is a leading expert in nutrition, diagnostics, and lab innovation. Holding a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Georgia and an MMSc from Emory University, she specializes in gastrointestinal health. Her career includes roles at Genova Diagnostics, Metametrix, and private consulting, focusing on research, education, and novel testing methods. A published author and award-winning expert in integrative medicine, Dr. Redmond is passionate about developing cutting-edge pet diagnostic tools.
Dr. Bob David
Dr. Bob David
Advisor
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Dr. Robert M. David, Chief Lab Officer at IPL, has over 30 years of experience in clinical laboratory leadership, specializing in molecular diagnostics, clinical chemistry, and toxicology. With a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, he has led high-complexity labs in clinical, pharmaceutical, and specialty sectors. Dr. David has contributed to advancing diagnostic methodologies, regulatory compliance, and laboratory growth, ensuring IPL delivers innovative, high-quality pet diagnostics.
Jennifer Gillen
Jennifer Gillen
Head of Marketing
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Jennifer Gillen, Head of Marketing at IPL, brings 20+ years of expertise in brand management, commercial strategy, and product development. She has played a key role in establishing IPL as a leader in pet diagnostics, overseeing consumer engagement and veterinary market expansion. With leadership experience at Genova Diagnostics and Metametrix, Jennifer’s strategic insights drive impactful marketing campaigns. She holds an MS in Business Administration from San Diego State University.
Katie Phillippi
Katie Phillippi
VP of Sales
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Katie Phillippi, VP of Sales at IPL, leverages over 20 years of experience in sales, recruiting, and management to expand IPL’s national reach. She specializes in building strong relationships with veterinarians and wholesale partners, ensuring IPL’s diagnostic tools reach pet owners. With a background in pharmaceuticals and business development, she previously founded her own recruitment agency. A graduate of Indiana University, Katie brings a results-driven approach to IPL’s growth.
Ward Watkins
Ward Watkins
Head of Purchasing & Supply
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Ward Watkins, Head of Purchasing & Supply at IPL, ensures seamless supply chain operations and procurement efficiency. With extensive experience in vendor relations, cost reduction, and logistics, he maintains IPL’s high standards while meeting growing demand. His background includes leadership roles at Genova Diagnostics and Metametrix, where he optimized supply chain processes and supplier relationships.
Laci Brown
Laci Brown
VP of Partnerships
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Laci Brown, VP of Partnerships at IPL, drives strategic collaborations and revenue growth, positioning IPL as a trusted pet diagnostics leader. With a background in education and business leadership, she excels in stakeholder engagement and innovation. Before IPL, she successfully ran her own business and held leadership roles in education. A Texas Tech University graduate, Laci brings a creative and results-oriented approach to expanding IPL’s partnerships.
Joe Zavala
Joe Zavala
VP of eCommerce and Retail Sales
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Joe Zavala is an experienced brand strategist with 20+ years in eCommerce, retail strategy, and supply chain operations. Specializing in category management, vendor partnerships, and omnichannel growth, he has helped brands strengthen their market presence and scale efficiently. With leadership roles at Everly Health and beyond, Joe leverages data-driven insights to drive strategic brand success.

Awards & Accolades

SKU CPG Accelerator Inaugural <br>
Petcare Track <br>
2023 Winner: <br>
Petcare Pitch
SKU CPG Accelerator Inaugural
Petcare Track
2023 Winner:
Petcare Pitch
Superzoo <br>
Purina & WPA <br>
2023 Winner: <br>
Pitch Contest
Superzoo
Purina & WPA
2023 Winner:
Pitch Contest
Leap Academy <br>
2024 Cohort 8 Class
Leap Academy
2024 Cohort 8 Class
Petcare Innovation <br>
Summit <br>
2022 Best in Show <br>
Spotlight
Petcare Innovation
Summit
2022 Best in Show
Spotlight
Pet Care Innovation Network <br>
Veterinary Innovation Summit: <br>
2024 Pitch Winner
Pet Care Innovation Network
Veterinary Innovation Summit:
2024 Pitch Winner
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