The Spreadsheet Whisperer: How Keleigh Schettler Found Her Passion in Veterinary Inventory Management
Managing inventory from hundreds of miles away? For Keleigh Schettler, it's all part of the job—and she wouldn't have it any other way.
When most people hear the words inventory management, their eyes glaze over. But for Keleigh Schettler, it’s a calling, one she somehow makes sound… fun.When Keleigh Schettler describes herself as someone who gets genuinely excited about inventory management and creating functioning spreadsheets, she knows she's in rare company. "Said very few people ever," she jokes. But for this Inventory Manager at Moores Mill Animal Hospital in Auburn, Alabama, those spreadsheets represent something bigger: problem-solving, efficiency, and the kind of behind-the-scenes work that keeps veterinary practices running smoothly.
Keleigh's journey to veterinary medicine has been anything but conventional. Though she only officially entered the field in 2019, she's been surrounded by it her entire adult life—her best friends and spouse are veterinarians. Armed with both a BS and MS in Agriculture from Kansas State University, with emphasis in Animal Science and Anatomy and Physiology, she brings a unique analytical perspective to the profession.
From Corporate to Cozy Chaos
After working in both corporate and private sectors of animal health, Keleigh discovered her true calling in what she affectionately describes as the "cozy and chaotic" nature of private practice. But it was a corporate job that taught her one of her most valuable lessons.
"The easiest career decision I made was leaving a large corporate job where I was absolutely miserable," she reflects. "The best career advice I ever received was that you don't have to continue doing a job or career that you don't like or feel satisfied with. We change throughout life, and sometimes our goals, dreams, and aspirations change too. Life is way too short to do something that makes you miserable."
A Long-Distance Love Story
In a testament to both her dedication and the power of remote work, Keleigh recently made what she calls her most agonizing career decision: physically moving to Virginia with her husband Michael as he achieved his status as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology. But here's the twist—she couldn't bring herself to leave Moores Mill behind.
"Who would manage inventory and keep the spreadsheets looking tidy?" she asks with characteristic humor. Now working remotely from several hundred miles away, she continues to support the clinic she loves. "I enjoy harassing my clinic from several hundred miles away," she adds with a grin.
The move has been both painful and educational. "Physically moving away from Moores Mill Animal Hospital has taught me a lot, but it was and still sometimes is very painful," she admits. Yet her commitment to the practice speaks volumes about the connections forged in veterinary medicine—connections that transcend geography.
The Power of Authenticity
When asked what three qualities got her where she is today, Keleigh doesn't hesitate: "Authenticity, creativity, and willingness to learn a new skill that is entirely out of my wheelhouse." These traits have served her well in carving out a niche that combines her love of data analysis with her passion for veterinary medicine.
Her authenticity extends to how she manages stress. After a difficult day, she has an unconventional but effective method: "I am fond of turning on my noise-canceling headphones and putting on white noise. I am not kidding. Do it. It shuts the floating thoughts right up."
Insights on the Veterinary Field
Despite not being a veterinarian herself, Keleigh has sharp insights into the profession's challenges. When asked about the biggest problem facing veterinary medicine today, she doesn't hesitate: "Burnout of staff and doctors—this is the root cause of a whole slew of other problems in vet med."
If she were a veterinarian, she knows exactly which path she'd take. "Probably Internal Medicine. I like problem-solving." It's a fitting answer from someone who approaches inventory management with the same analytical rigor others might apply to diagnosing complex cases.
Living in the Present
Keleigh's philosophy on life is refreshingly grounded. When asked about finding purpose in life, she offers a perspective that might surprise some: "Honestly, I don't think it is important. I think some people look so hard for this omnipresent 'purpose' that we are all 'supposed' to have that they miss out on what is right in front of them. Let the purpose find you, don't think too hard about it, and enjoy living your life in the present."
Her mission reflects this practical wisdom: "Survive, show kindness, support my community, co-workers, and loved ones. Do the best I can day to day." Though she adds with a wink and a Pokémon reference, "I want to be the very best. Like no one ever was... This was a lot of questions and my Adderall has worn off."
Words of Wisdom
Keleigh's advice resonates with anyone navigating career challenges or personal growth. To her younger self, she'd say simply: "Give yourself grace." It's advice born from experience, from making difficult decisions, and from learning that authenticity and self-compassion are just as important as spreadsheets and metrics.
She admires these same qualities in others—particularly her three sisters, who despite their differences, share core values of strength, intelligence, kindness, and unconditional love. "None of the four of us can ever stay mad at each other for long," she notes warmly.
Where will Keleigh be in five years? "Gonna take a gamble and say still authentic, goofy ole' Keleigh Schettler." And the veterinary field will be better for it.
In a profession often focused on clinical skills and medical expertise, Keleigh Schettler reminds us that every role matters. From inventory management to IT systems, from spreadsheets to supply chains, the support staff who keep practices running deserve recognition. And if they happen to find joy in creating the perfect tracking system? Well, that's just the cherry on top—hold the pineapple pizza.
