Web Production Artist, Michael Mattes, will mark his four-year anniversary at CMI this coming August, and during this time at CMI, he has played a pivotal role in the overall look of the website, and the design of the newsletter you receive each week. We recently sat down with Michael to learn a little more about his time here in and out of the office.

How did you get the job and what is your current role at CMI?

I am the Web Production Artist for Cesar's Way. I’m responsible for making most of the graphics for the website, designing new banners, posting new content, and editing video when needed. I'm also the one that puts together the e-newsletter you receive in your inbox every Sunday, and designing other "e-mail blasts" as needed.

I had only been in LA for two months, and had just finished an internship at "The Young and The Restless" and was looking for work. My choice was to either find work here in LA, or move back to Ohio. I wanted to stay in LA, so I responded to several job postings online one Monday evening, CMI being one of them. The next day I was called in for an interview, and by the following Monday I was hired. This August will mark my fourth anniversary working for CMI.

From left to right Michael Mattes, Cesar, Lindsay Taub, and Steph Todaro at the 2010 puppy Mill Awareness Festival in Los Angeles.

What was your first impression of Cesar?

The first time I met Cesar, it was my second day at the office, and the first thing I did after being introduced to him was bend down to pet the dog that was with him. Cesar bluntly said that I had obviously not been taught the "No Talk, No Touch, No Eye Contact" rules. Oops! I was a little taken a back at first by him, but then learned that he is truly a down to earth, good-natured guy.

What is your favorite thing about working at CMI?

Michael and his beloved family pup Molly, who passed away last summer.

The fact that we're not just a business that’s solely out to make money, but rather focused on helping people have a better relationship with their dogs, and a better understanding of how a dog’s mind works. Another major benefit of the job is the camaraderie amongst the staff here. Even though we sometimes have differences of opinions and don't see eye-to-eye, I know I can count on everyone here—in and out of the office. Oh, and having dogs in the office is a big plus. Fetch breaks are the best!

Do you have a dog?

I do not have a dog of my own, but I am "Uncle Mike" to the several dogs that I sit for in the Los Angeles area. I do wish to have a dog one day and am glad I've learned all that I have about dogs from working in Cesar’s world. So I’m confident I will find the perfect dog for me when the time is right.

When not at the office, what are you typically found doing?

I love to be active and social when I’m not working, but nothing too crazy. I love being around my friends and enjoying life, to put it very simply.

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