DSF: Tell us about yourself and what made you go to Western Carolina University.
JB: Well, I’m originally from Rocky Mount, NC, where I actually still reside. I went to a small private high school, where I only had 20 in my graduating class, and I wanted something bigger, but not as big as some of the larger state schools. My first love was NC State, but I thought it would be too big for me. When I got to Western, I realized that it was harder being 350 miles away from home than I had imagined, so I transferred to Atlantic Christian College, which is now called Barton College, the home of our Delta Iota Chapter.
DSF: Tell us about your Delta Sig experience at Delta Omicron.
JB: I knew from the first time I went to the house that I was going to join. Out of courtesy to my friends, I rushed everyone else, but I knew I was going to join Delta Sig. Actually, prior to going to college, my parents were adamant about me not joining a Fraternity, but the guys of Delta Omicron had a table set up at Orientation, and Rodney Hines, one of the brothers, made a great impression on my parents. I learned responsibility, and had a very positive experience in Delta Sigma Phi.
DSF: Tell us about your company Barnhill & Associates.
JB: I do consulting for pharmaceutical companies. The company is small now, but I can expand depending on project load. The way the business works is there are big consulting companies with regular employees, and smaller firms who hire independent consultants. I can bid my own projects, or subcontract with other firms. I have offices in Las Vegas and in Rocky Mount. Our specialties include Scientific, Laboratory, Quality, and Validation issues within the cGXP arena. From laboratory training and quality systems development to cleaning validations, we have significant experience in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries. I have been working on a number of projects with Zila Pharmaceuticals in Phoenix for the last two years. It started out as a three month contract, and has been renewed continually for two full years. I also have done projects in Florida and Puerto Rico prior to my work in Phoenix.
DSF: Tell us about some of the clients you’ve worked with, and the services you’ve provided to them.
JB: I spent three and a half years at Abbott Labs, then worked at a contract lab which worked with 300 pharmaceutical companies, and then consulting kinda fell into my lap. In Puerto Rico, I worked on the Cordis Heart Stents for Johnson & Johnson, which was a neat experience.
One of the things that sets my consulting firm apart is my willingness to do cleaning validations for companies. I write and execute protocols for cleaning validations on pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment. A lot of consultants don’t want to have to go out in the manufacturing areas and do the dirty work, but I like doing it, and it sets me apart from other consultants out there and gives me a niche market. We also provide analytical method development of the testing method required to validate the cleaning validation. Our website is www.barnhillassociates.net.
DSF: What is it like being based out of different places for long periods of time?
JB: It gives me the opportunity to travel and experience things that I can’t in North Carolina. An example of this is my currentsituation in Phoenix. I am able to go to Southern California and Mexico on the weekends and experience a lot of great things it has to offer. If I were in North Carolina, I wouldn’t be able to do that.
DSF: What was one thing you gained from the Fraternity that you have utilized the most in your post-graduation days?
JB: Without a doubt, I learned loyalty and respect. If you treat people with respect, they will return it. That’s the way I do business. In addition, if you are loyal to someone, they’ll be loyal. I feel very loyal to my friends, and they are completely loyal to me as well. It’s a great way to live life.
DSF: Who has had the biggest impact on you throughout your life?
JB: My parents. There is no question about it. They’re really the epitome of working hard. I learned a lot from them.
DSF: What advice would you give to undergraduates to be successful?
JB: Make all the contacts you can make now, and remember people’s names. In addition, do as many internships and co-ops as you can while an undergraduate.
Use your Delta Sigma Phi connections, as I have never met a Delta Sig who wouldn’t be willing to help a fellow brother. If you set a plan for your future, Delta Sig can be instrumental in making that plan a reality.
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