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Alex Breckwoldt

Director of Research and Development

Chemia Corporation

Member since: 2011

St. Louis Chapter

What made you pursue a career in the cosmetics/personal care industry?

To be perfectly honest, it was a career path that I stumbled upon right out of college. In 2009, as a recent college graduate with a degree in chemistry and experience in inorganic and organic synthesis as an undergraduate research assistant in a medical research group, I always assumed that I would find a career in pharma. However, at that time no pharmaceutical companies in St. Louis were hiring, matter of fact not many people were hiring in 2008.I worked construction for my family for a time and eventually found a recruiter who placed me as a laboratory tech at Chemia Corporation. I spent time learning about perfuming while simultaneously overhauling the systems in place to modernize the processes and business. The variety of exposure that the cosmetic and personal care industry provide has kept me engaged and passionate about my career.

What advice would you give your younger self who is just starting out in the industry? 
Get involved in organizations like the SCC earlier. It will help platform your career and expose you to more knowledge and in turn more opportunities.

What is the favorite part of your job?

Being a part of a growing team is my favorite part of the job. I have the opportunity to lead some really talented professionals who bring years of experience and talent to the table. It has also been rewarding to grow our younger team members into new areas of responsibility that are both rewarding and fulfilling. I love being able to learn, lead, and teach.

What has been your most recent professional accomplishment?

Returning to this industry. I left the industry and company in 2017. My time away was spent learning and leading operations in a nationwide distribution company. I now have the opportunity to apply the concepts I learned in that role and help strengthen our organization.

How has membership in the SCC been of value to you?

I have served various roles in our chapter throughout the years. It has allowed me to travel and meet other members at the national meetings and I have broadened my abilities and strengthened my network as a result. Additionally, it has brought speakers to our chapter and I have learned immensely through those experiences.

What is a fun fact about yourself, outside of the SCC and your professional life?

In my free time I enjoy wood-working, mountain biking, playing guitar, fly-fishing, and automotive restoration.