Case Studies: Benjamin Stone

Name

Benjamin Stone

Job Title

President/CEO

Company

Stone Medical Corporation

City, State

Moline, IL

1. Please briefly describe what you do.    

As CEO of the Stone Medical Corporation I am responsible for management of the company’s operations including oversight of clinical trials, commercial development of our product line, fundraising, intellectual property development, and strategic planning of future operations.   

2. How many years have you been working in a science related field?

10 years. I have worked in phlebotomy for a clinical lab, cancer research, and as an entrepreneur. I invented our company’s technology several years ago and have been working on its development since then.

3. What degrees do you hold and from what Universities?

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Iowa.

4. What subject in school was the most challenging for you? Why?

I found band to be the most difficult subject. I had little or no talent for my instrument (French horn) and had to work constantly to reach mere mediocrity.

5. What subject in school did you enjoy the most? Why?

Physics. Our teacher for the class was extremely knowledgeable, provided many creative activities, and allowed for open discussion and debate amongst the students.

6. What/who inspired your interest in science?

Teachers and professors in all stages of my education and personal experiences have always kept my interest in science.

7. What impact does your work have on society? Why is it important that other people learn about and consider your profession?

We are working on the solution to a multibillion dollar problem that has persisted for over twenty years and results in lower quality patient care. Without our efforts, it is quite possible that the current problem would have continued for several more decades.

Our economic system fosters and rewards innovation in a way that is unmatched by much of the world. We have a responsibility to maintain and use that system to continue our progression forward.

8. What do you like most about your job?

At this time, I am currently free to learn, work, and develop in nearly any area related to the business that interests me. There are very few limitations on what I can learn and apply to the business. 

9. What challenges have you faced in your career? 

My original career path was much more conventional and I was told more than once, “don’t quit your day job”.

10. What other thoughts/comments would you like to share with people considering a career in science?

While science and technology are fundamental to the development of our world, people should always push themselves to the deepest understanding and appreciation of as many areas as possible including business, politics, art, culture, law, and philosophy. A narrow view of the world often leads to narrow results.