About Lea Jaunakais
Lea Jaunakais is a driven professional whose work in conservation, research, and development has defined her career. She is currently serving as the President and Owner of Industrial Test Systems, Inc. (ITS), a business founded by her father, which she now operates. Industrial Test Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of instruments and chemistries designed to test water quality parameters.
Throughout her life, Lea has abided by the ideology that “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” She believes that anything is achievable if she puts her mind to it, no matter what might stand in her way, which is why she works towards her goals, persevering no matter what might stand in her way. She is now a third-generation environmental analyzer and the second generation to operate ITS.
Lea Jaunakais’s career got its roots in her education. She attended Arizona State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2000 with a focus on Animal Behavior and a Minor in Chemistry. She later returned to academia in 2012 when she began working towards her Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree at Winthrop University. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Southampton with her MBA and a focus in Business Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. She has always been passionate about education, and continues to look for ways to continue learning throughout her career.
After earning her Bachelor’s degree, Lea Jaunakais formally stepped into a Research and Development Scientist position at ITS. Her role here had her implementing multiple skills, including designing, planning, constructing, and evaluating pilot operations tests; negotiating distribution agreements, publication exposure, and product appearance with not only customers but also ad agencies and editors; coordinating technical training; supervising product development; exploring, identifying, and developing profitable new products; and expanding product lines to include more expansive and analytical chemistries for test systems.
Once Lea Jaunakais graduated with her MBA, she stepped into her current role as President and Owner of Industrial Test Systems, Inc. At the helm of the water quality testing product manufacturer, she is proud of the work that she’s done to advance the business within the industry. ITS has successfully developed more than 100 tests and proprietary chemistries, including the first and only EPA-approved test strip. Across her career, Lea has established expertise in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Sales, Environmental Awareness, Business Development, and Market Strategy.
Alongside her work with ITS, Lea is also the Founder and President of Tiger World, a nonprofit conservation, preservation, and educational center in Rockwell, North Carolina. She has worked there since founding the conservation in 2007, and considers it one of her biggest passions. The goal of Tiger World is to provide the best environment in captivity for the animals while also providing a stimulating learning environment for visitors. The intimate setting is a great place to bring the family and learn about the animals up close and personally.
