XYZ Feature with… Randy Seiler, Founder of RS Biotech Consulting LLC
By Arielle Garcia | October 3, 2023
| From ABC to XYZ, our newest column, The XYZ, explores some of the most innovative people, organizations, and topics for the next generation of bioentrepreneurs. BioBuzz is thrilled to spark new concepts, conversations and communities. |
From the depths of a humbling layoff to the heights of a new purpose, Randy Seiler’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of his vision. He highlights humility, keeping great relationships, and knowing what value you bring to the table whether you’re inside a company or consulting.
With a cup of coffee in hand, Randy shared details of his career in the biotech industry, where he gained experience in all aspects of Bulk Drug Substance (BDS) and Final Drug Product (FDP).
Throughout his 25-year career, Randy witnessed countless company mergers and layoffs. However, the recent Emergent BioSolutions site closure and layoffs in Baltimore provided an awakening like no other. This time around, he was let go as well. Recalling the moment, Randy said, “It was quite a bit of a humbling experience.”
Coming to terms with reality, Randy set his sights on a new mission: with the help of BioBuzz, he organized a job fair to help his former colleagues who had also been laid off. Simultaneously, Randy began to pursue a new venture.
Immediately after the layoffs, he filed for the creation of RS Biotech Consulting LLC and began leveraging his business skills to facilitate retainer arrangements with CEOs in his network.
RS Biotech Consulting LLC proudly offers services that seamlessly transition processes from the laboratory to full-scale drug substance and product production – to include, but not limited to, single-use and reusable system design, system integration, Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) writing support, equipment support, Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) production space, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)/Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)/Installation Qualification/Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) support. With Randy’s extensive network of top-tier professionals, RS Biotech Consulting LLC is a premier destination for cutting-edge drug substance and product development solutions.
What would you consider the most valuable lesson you have learned during your journey?
The humility. I learned that. When I got laid off, I was full of myself, and I didn’t think I would ever get laid off. I kept telling people, “I don’t care. They need me. I’m critical to this site.” Well, you know what? I’m not. As much as you think you’re critical, you’re not. It’s important to always have a backup plan.
Randy’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond RS Biotech Consulting LLC. For over 25 years, he has operated a unique small business breeding frogs, bugs, plants, and more.
He recently met RPM Tech, led by Cyrus Etemad-Moghadam at BioBuzz’s Ambassadors of Buzz Summer Sizzle to discuss developing a prototype for a potential patentable item. After a successful meeting and prototype development with RPM Tech, Randy has since been in contact with a manufacturer to mass-produce his invention.
This is only the beginning. Randy is working with RPM Tech to bring his ideas for other creations to fruition. His diverse portfolio showcases his passion for life sciences and entrepreneurship.
Dendrobates azureus. One of the many species Randy breeds and sells on http://www.eandkdartfrogs.com/.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own businesses?
Networking, networking, networking. Your reputation is critical. And your credentials go a long way. And you have to be persuasive. And there are fundamentals about starting a business that if not savvy, you have to do your homework.
As Randy forges ahead, his immediate goal includes securing more investors. His mission is clear—to reinstate the Bayview site and resume drug substance manufacturing, breathing life into the Baltimore economy. Randy Seiler is a visionary leader and living reminder that, in the face of adversity, one can rise stronger, ever-ready to conquer new horizons. RS Biotech Consulting LLC will officially be open for business on Monday, October 9th, 2023.
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Arielle Garcia is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. She is a United States Air Force veteran and current student at Johns Hopkins University pursuing a Master of Science in Bioinformatics.
Arielle moved to Baltimore to participate as a Nucleate Activator 2023 Cohort with the venture team 4D Genomics. The Activator program is designed to equip the next generation of bioentrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to take their ideas from lab-to-market. 4D Genomics did exceptionally well, taking home two of the five awards in the DEI and High Impact categories.
Although the Activator program is over, Arielle knew she wanted to continue being in the entrepreneurial space. The XYZ provides a platform to highlight bioentrepreneurs that are impacting the community, both locally and globally. She is looking forward to amplifying the voices of innovators and displaying the diversity of life science start-ups in the BioHealth Capital Region.
