If necessity is truly the mother of invention, then for Kristy S. Thompson’s veterinarian father, there was a real need for an alternative to the heavy, metal racks he was using to line pet cages in his Metairie, Louisiana, animal hospital. So in 2000, Dr. Marty St. Germain invented a new type of rack that was plastic, lightweight, and easier to clean. The new Paw Protector Cage Racks worked so well he began marketing them to animal hospitals and pet stores. The business became so successful, that Ms. Thompson soon joined him in running the family business.

As co-owner of Cage Racks Direct, Inc., Ms. Thompson processes orders and oversees manufacturing and distribution of the racks. She also updates the company website and actively courts kennels, veterinary schools, pet spas, and other new markets for the product. In addition to her responsibilities at Cage Racks Direct, Ms. Thompson is vice president of sales and marketing for a NoteStreamer, a new company that builds software applications for mobile devises that help users manage sales documents and appointments and to track manufacturing, distribution, and other useful data.

Ms. Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in child development and family studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. A member of SPCA, she also volunteers at the Southern Pines Animal Shelter.