March 12, 2021 - March is National Women's month! To honor this (and International Women's Day), we wanted to commemorate the importance of women in the AV field, and show appreciation for all of the wonderful women who make up our hardworking team. Read below to learn more about their experiences in the AV industry and what it means to them!
Kathy Petrin, Sales
How long have you been at Peerless-AV and how have your responsibilities evolved over the years
I started in September of 2004 as a Hospitality Sales Manager and learned about the AV industry when I started with Peerless-AV. I joined the company at an exciting time when the flat panel sales really started to fly, and was able to worked closely with TV manufacturers like LG, Samsung, Panasonic, and Phillips. Throughout the years, I worked more with hotels and brands, designers, and purchasing agents directly to get our product specified in projects and I am now a Strategic Account Manager working with top brands and companies involved in hospitality projects.
How many years in the AV industry?
17 years
What company did you start out with and how did you progress to where you are now?
My first experiences with the AV industry began with Peerless-AV, so most of my growth had truly occurred with this team. I gained hands-on experience as a Hospitality Sales Manager, and was fully immersed in this field to the point of being the main contact for top hotels, brands, designers, purchasing agents, and more.
How would you describe your journey in AV, especially as a female?
In the beginning, I definitely felt like I was working in a man's world. It was rare to meet or interact with women at trade shows or meetings, and I felt like a minority. However, I progressed because of my boss, Brian McClimans. He put enough trust in me to find my place in the AV industry, trust my intuition, and make judgement calls on larger projects. Learning the nuts and bolts was easy but having confidence in myself to make tough decisions was eventually led me to gain trust and respect for all of my colleagues and our customers.
What would you like to see change for Women in the AV industry?
I would like to see women have more encouragement to work in the AV industry. I think there is still a lot of room for improvement for others to see women as equals in the business world. We have definitely made progress from when I first started out, but I think there is still a need for more inspiration and motivation for women to join, and stay, in this industry. Women need to know that they can grow in AV and have the opportunity to achieve high-level positions.
Ali Baxa, Customer Care
How long have you been at Peerless-AV and how have your responsibilities evolved over the years?
I have worked at Peerless-AV for almost two years and have gained more responsibilities in terms of diving deep into our processes. I now communicate directly with our shipping carriers, working out logistical issues, holding carriers accountable, and ensuring that all customer issues are resolved.
How many years in the AV industry?
I have worked within the AV industry for almost two years.
What company did you start out with and how did you progress to where you are now?
I actually started out with Peerless-AV, so this is my first position in the AV industry!
How would you describe your journey in AV, especially as a female?
Honestly, it feels great to be part of a team that wants to celebrate diversity and feels very gender equal. At first, I was nervous, knowing the AV industry is primarily male-dominated, but I quickly came to know that Peerless-AV celebrates and even welcomes strong women. I think our team is full of men and women that lift each other up, learn from one another, and motivate each other.
What would you like to see change for Women in the AV industry?
I would love to see more representation for Women in the AV industry. I feel inspired by other women in leadership roles and would love to see more of that in other companies.
Rachael Hinds, Marketing
How long have you been at Peerless-AV and how have your responsibilities evolved over the years?
I've been at Peerless-AV for a little over six years. I started at the bottom of the Marketing department and worked my way up to my current role, Content Marketing Manager. My responsibilities have drastically changed since I began as a department assistant. I am now more a part of the decision-making process, spearhead majority of the marketing projects, and control the branding and messaging of Peerless-AV's marketing content. It is a great accomplishment to know that my hard work and determination paid off and led to my having more of a leadership role.
How many years in the AV industry?
Six years
What company did you start out with and how did you progress to where you are now?
After graduating from the University of Iowa in the summer of 2014, I began my career search and landed my first entry-level job at Peerless-AV in 2015!
How would you describe your journey in AV, especially as a female?
I have had mostly great experiences with a lot of supportive people (men and women) surrounding me. Working in a male dominated industry is not easy, but I learned it's important to be around likeminded individuals and not to be afraid to point out moments where women were not treated equally. We are all in this together, and it is extremely important that everyone's voice is heard. I worked hard to be where I am today, but I know that Peerless-AV fostered my growth and gave me the opportunity to learn and advance within the company.
What would you like to see change for Women in the AV industry?
Even with all of the progress we've made, there are still individuals who do not view women as equals. I think it's important to generate more conversations surrounding women in male-dominated industries, like AV, in order to change this mindset. It's inspiring to show other women that we're present in this industry, and I hope to see the negative stigmas change.
Yesenia Martinez, Marketing
How long have you been at Peerless-AV and how have your responsibilities evolved over the years?
I have worked at Peerless-AV for over 5 years. I began as a Marketing Assistant and was eventually promoted to Marketing Coordinator, and now my current role is Brand Marketing Manager. Compared to my first role, I am much more involved in Peerless-AV's marketing projects. I now manage our trade shows/events and marketing programs for our top distribution accounts.
How many years in the AV industry?
I have worked within the AV industry for five years.
What company did you start out with and how did you progress to where you are now?
I graduated from Western Illinois University in May 2015 and earned my first post-grad position with Peerless-AV as a Marketing Assistant. My ambition and willingness to jump on projects at an early stage quickly led me to be tasked with directing projects, organizing events, and leading customer and public-facing initiatives.
How would you describe your journey in AV, especially as a female?
It has been a continuous learning experience. From the beginning, I was open to learning the ins and outs of Peerless-AV and the AV industry, and was never hesitant to ask "why". I feel there are times in which employees, specifically women, are expected to come in and conform to a company's culture. But, questioning why things are done a certain way allows for growth within a company.
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