At Heaven Hill, our Data Services team supports leaders in data-based decision-making. When it comes to gathering data-based insights, Director, Data Science Paul Ditterline says the sky is the limit. From evaluating warehouse efficiency in production to identifying training opportunities in talent development, the team impacts virtually every business function. Paul talks to us about the exciting future of data science and what inspires him in his work at Heaven Hill.
What do you love most about working at Heaven Hill?
The company has a wonderful culture that is people first and cares about doing good work – and this exists from the leadership level down. That environment makes Heaven Hill a fantastic place to achieve great things and build fantastic relationships.
Tell us about an accomplishment you are most proud of in your career.
Getting offered to work as Director of Data Science at Heaven Hill has been my proudest career moment. Building the industry and field knowledge and skills needed to make this possible has been a great effort over many years, and it will continue to be in my current and future roles. I’m proud to be here.
Looking ahead, what are some things that you’re really excited about?
I’m excited about the implementation of AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) in areas where they can have a much stronger business impact than traditional analytics. We have a world-class data science platform in place and can start to build in house solutions that weren’t possible before!
Now for some fun and to get to know you better.
What’s currently on your Spotify playlist?
It’s an Apple Music playlist 😉 – and, when working, I tend to listen to lofi music with no words so that I can focus but have some background noise.
What is your all-time favorite book and why?
My all-time favorite book is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. It’s a collected journal that Aurelius kept and wasn’t meant for publication, which he wrote for his own self improvement. It’s a fountain of stoic wisdom that reaches across time and directly into modern life, showing that most of what it is to be human hasn’t changed.
What are three things you can’t live without?
A computer (macbook please), craft beer and access to books. I somehow got through this entire thing without talking about R (the programming language I use every day), so I’m going to list it as my fourth thing.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Being a good father, friend, coworker and person. Or at least trying my best 😊.
Tell us about an organization or cause you are passionate about.
The Neighborhood House is a nonprofit community center in the Portland Neighborhood in Louisville, KY. My children attended daycare there and I saw firsthand the services that Neighborhood House provides to its residents. Low or no cost childcare is available, along with senior programs, family services, 
and most recently, COVID 19 related relief and programs. Check them out at https://www.nhky.org, and feel free to donate if you want to impact lives directly.
Using three words, how would you describe #lifeatHeavenHill?
Always Getting Better