Powerful Woman in CE Technology

The Dealerscope Powerful Women in Consumer Tech annual award program acknowledges the contributions of women to the betterment of the consumer tech industry. This award was designed to spotlight the female leaders in the industry who have shown that they have what it takes to lead, rally, and mentor others within their business and inside of their network. This group helps move the consumer tech industry forward with diverse ideas and perspectives. Here are some of the responses by the winners in their acceptance of their award.  

What do you like best about your job?  

I truly enjoy being at events with our members and potential members. I appreciate how this industry is constantly evolving and changing, and I love the networking opportunities.   

What career advice would you give to women starting in the CE or technology industry?  

View every work relationship as an opportunity to grow. There are many knowledgeable people in this industry, so stop and listen. Value your connections. It’s a small world.  

Is there a woman in the CE or technology industry you look up to, and why?  

Billilynne Keller. She was the first Executive Director of CEDIA and established CEDIA as a global association. Billilynne led by example. She approached any obstacle head-on and held herself as accountable as her team. She probably has no idea the impact she has had on me, but I appreciate all she did for me and this association.  

How has being a woman affected your experience in the CE industry?  

The culture in this industry has evolved a lot over the years toward women. I have been assumed to be the spouse of someone in the CI channel, so sometimes people speak more freely around me. I take it all in.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

I was selected as one of Ohio’s Top 500 in the “Most Influential Executives” category for 2022 and 2023. I am also a recipient of the Better Business Bureau’s Women in Business networking 2023 Career Achievement Award.  

What career advice would you give to women starting in the CE or technology industry?  

I would tell someone starting in this industry to know they are worthy to sit at the table. As women, we are just as capable of excelling in this industry. If you have a passion for making this your career, seek out mentors that are where you want to be. Gain knowledge and experience, and always keep learning.  

What do you like best about your job?  

I love connecting with employees, clients, and the business community. I have grown professionally and personally by having successful relationships. Our best residential and commercial clients were found through personal referrals.  

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

I’ve been fortunate in my career to have collaborated with some truly pioneering companies, spearheading PR efforts for major consumer electronics and technology launches. Quite a few have revolutionized how people consume entertainment and the products they use to optimize their overall experience. These include the launch of DVD with Toshiba, the launch of Amazon.com’s Kindle, and the debut of Beats with Monster Products.   

In addition to the launches of these groundbreaking products, there are two campaigns that I am especially proud of. In 2010, I represented McIntosh Audio during its transition under new ownership, D&M Holdings. The goal was to elevate the brand from an already iconic American audio company to a luxury brand. This campaign featured a series of musical and design-focused events, including the launch event titled “An Evening of Flawless Sound and Exquisite Taste,” held at the SoHo Savant Showroom. Collaborations with John Varvatos, who showcased McIntosh audio in his exclusive boutique, David Bowie listening session with his producer Tony Visconti at the Soho House, and partnering with mega-producer and music executive LA Reid, a devoted McIntosh fan, made for a really exciting project and excellent results.  

My work with ZVOX Audio has also been very gratifying. Over the past decade, they’ve become the industry leader in “dialogue clarification” products, a heavy lift of a pitch for sure! But with persistence, we’ve been able to educate reporters about the issues that cause muddled TV dialogue and the innovative solutions ZVOX offers. ZVOX’s products have improved the TV-watching experience for hundreds of thousands of customers, enhancing their enjoyment of programming, sports, music, and communication. Today, numerous other major manufacturers are following suit, incorporating their dialogue clarification tech into their audio products.   

What do you like best about your job?  

I like the people, collaboration, and talent I work with. My work ethic is unique, and every voice is heard, which allows me to make a meaningful impact in multiple areas of our company.  

How has being a woman affected your experience in the CE industry?  

Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has been interesting. On one hand, meetings were easier to obtain, and I could still close business. On the other hand, I was sometimes not viewed as a decision maker, so I was forced to bring my company CEO or President to verify what I used to call “entertainment” purposes.   

What career advice would you give to women starting in the CE or technology industry?  

A woman starting in the CE industry needs product knowledge, mentorship, goals, and confidence. However, networking and building relationships will always be key to your success because those friendships eventually blossom into long-term, successful partnerships. So, as you enter the world of CE, remember to be intelligent enough to foster many industry partnerships but humble enough to listen and learn and smart enough to realize that no matter how amazing you are, there will always be unexpected setbacks. Learn to celebrate successes but embrace adversity to persevere in an ever-changing CE industry.  

What do you like best about your job?  

Our Azione members! I have met some incredible people who have become friends and family. I love helping them grow and succeed. I also get to work with the best team in the world.    

Is there a woman in the CE or technology industry you look up to, and why?  

There are several! Sondralee Orengia (Custom Audio, Erie, PA), Nicole Charney (Advanced Home Audio, Shelton, CT), Angie Larson (Savant) and Gretchen Gilbertson (Seura). All four of these incredible women have struck a beautiful balance between business strength, success, and family.  

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

The growth of Azione Unlimited. I started with Azione when it was a beautiful vision in Richard’s head. I have loved being a part of this amazing company’s creation, growth, and success.  

What career advice would you give to women starting in the CE or technology industry?  

This energizing industry is full of fantastic opportunities to learn, grow, meet awesome people, and have fun. Don’t be afraid to try new jobs or challenges and make as many connections as possible. You never know what you will learn or where you may find your happiness.  

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

Next spring, we will celebrate 20 years in business, which we started in our home with just the two of us. We added a second location in 2015 and have grown our staff and services at both locations. Last year, however, we added to our family with the birth of our daughter. Having her and being able to leave this legacy for her is one of my greatest accomplishments.  

How has being a woman affected your experience in the CE industry?  

It gives a balance and more relatability in certain aspects when working with homeowners and designers. Having a “female perspective” while still understanding the form and function of the technological needs and requirements helps smooth the process along. As one of the company owners in the field each day doing the work, being face-to-face with other trades has helped remove the stigma of being a female in a traditionally male-dominated industry.  

Is there a woman in the CE or technology industry you look up to, and why?  

I don’t have anyone specific in mind, but I am always blown away whenever I call tech support and get a female technician. As I mentioned earlier, consumer electronics and technology have always been male-dominated, so having a female answer tech support means she is at the top of her game and is knowledgeable on products and solutions to help me take care of whatever issue I am calling about.  

What do you like best about your job?  

CEDIA is comprised of so many incredibly passionate and knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Being able to work alongside them and hear their perspective is enlightening. It’s also why we can create impactful education and certifications that meet the highest professional standards. The best part is that when these groups meet to discuss industry topics, it feels like an invigorating brainstorming session among friends. Even disagreements lead to the most groundbreaking discussions and conclusions. I feel privileged to be able to witness this collaboration firsthand and create something tangible out of their ideas.  

What career advice would you give to women starting in the CE or technology industry?  

Make professional development and networking a priority – attend industry events, join a WiCT Connect Circle, and research what education is available and of interest to you. Remember that you don’t need to fit a certain job type to learn more about it. This industry comprises a wonderfully diverse group of individuals with different skill sets – manufacturers, distributors, integrators, designers, builders, and many more. You may not be an expert in multiple fields, but being able to speak their language will undoubtedly give you a leg up.  

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

When I joined CEDIA, the CIT certification was already well on its way to ANSI accreditation, thanks to my predecessors. The IST certification followed shortly thereafter, and I was fortunate to play a more involved role in its accreditation. These were two huge wins for CEDIA and for everyone who worked tirelessly to get these certifications over the line.   

More recently, I was honored to join the Women in Consumer Technology (WiCT) advisory board alongside an empowering group of women. Inspired by their work, I knew I wanted to support their mission in any way I could. I was graciously awarded WiCT’s Volunteer of the Year award during the 15th annual WiCT CEDIA Expo Luncheon.  

How has being a woman affected your experience in the CE industry?  

Being a woman in male-oriented industries isn’t new to me. I studied Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, with women representing 30 percent of my Engineering class. I’m also from the Detroit area, and after graduation, I spent several years in the automotive industry, where, again, most of my colleagues were male. I’ve been at Leon for nearly seven years, and I’ve seen quite a change even in that short time in the industry. I’ve seen participation in organizations like Women in Consumer Technology, the industry Connect Circles, and the broad presence of women in different roles ast dealers and manufacturers grow so much. And while I appreciate the evolution, there’s still a long way to go. As a woman, I often see different ways of looking at our business and our products’ value. Industry vets may only see the tech specs of a product and be fixated on that being the only way to size up the benefits. I see the value of our products framed in different ways, often more qualitative. I see the value of design, aesthetics, and materiality. I see how I’d live with the products. Of course, we have to deliver on performance, and clearly, we have highly skilled audio engineers who help us do just that, but the design is a meaningful way to differentiate yourself from others. If you go down the design route first, as opposed to technical aspects like frequency response, the woofer size, or the max output, you’re often easily dismissed in our industry. As the technology and design worlds merge, being open to different ways of valuing (and selling) traditionally technical products can benefit all parties.  

What do you like best about your job?  

I love amplifying the message of who Leon is and what we do because we are so different from any other CE and Technology brand. Leon is the most creative place I’ve ever worked; there is no shortage of ideas here, which makes it fun and challenging! I’m also a data nerd, so I love using data and analytics to optimize our approach, mine for consumer insights and uncover business opportunities. I love being close to the design world and bringing products to market that deliver on a designer’s vision, most often products that designers don’t even consider. It’s rewarding to see that shift in perspective when they go from asking to make technology disappear to thinking creatively about how technology can be designed into a space in a thoughtful, interesting way. Speakers suddenly become features to talk about! I’m originally from Michigan and feel immense pride being able to tell people we design, engineer, and manufacture Leon products right here in Ann Arbor. Best of all, I’m surrounded by a creative and inspiring team that takes everything up a notch. It’s awesome!  

What do you like best about your job?  

I’ve never been content to settle: Working in CE satisfies my drive for growth. This industry evolves constantly, and even incremental improvements bring new and often surprising technology challenges that we must help our customers understand and overcome. We’re lucky at Vanco to have an innovative and responsive product development team that produces a steady stream of new solutions to address these needs. I get to be at the center, learning about our customers’ needs, how our products address them, and developing a communication strategy that brings the two sides together. On top of that, the CE community is like no other group of people in tech. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to work with an unparalleled caliber of people. My peers in the CE industry aren’t just my colleagues and customers: Many have become friends.  

What, in your opinion, is necessary for the CE/technology industry to thrive in the next five years?  

We need to continue to innovate and push to meet the needs of consumers, enhancing overall tech experiences in our everyday lives.  

Is there a woman in the CE or technology industry you look up to, and why?  

Rachel Bradshaw from Caster Communications’s excitement and enthusiasm for the tech industry is inspiring, and no one works harder than Rachel.  

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

Answering this question is challenging, as I take immense pride in all my achievements throughout my tenure in the industry, including recruiting over 500+ new members into the ProSource family. However, if I pinpoint the most significant accomplishment during my time in the consumer electronics industry, it would undoubtedly be the inception of ProSource University. This online educational platform was designed exclusively for ProSource members, offering comprehensive training and educational content essential for success in our field.  

ProSource University was launched in May 2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. It became evident that many businesses we supported required a means to keep their employees engaged, trained, and future-ready. ProSource University was pivotal in helping our members retain their technicians and staff while equipping them for the evolving industry landscape. We began with 16 courses and have since expanded to offer over 900 courses covering a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from sales and project management to technician training, encompassing apprentice technician training through to executive leadership. Our curriculum also includes mentorship programs, vendor training, finance, and accounting –everything needed for a thriving business and a successful career in the consumer technology industry.  

I must acknowledge that ProSource University was a collaborative effort. While I initiated the concept, it was realized through the unwavering support of the ProSource Board of Directors, who believed in me and my vision, and our partners in ProSource University, Dante Walston, Stephanie Jones, and Henry Clifford with IntegrateU as well as our collaboration with CEDIA. Their contributions were invaluable, and I couldn’t have achieved this without their dedication. In contrast to the “build it, and they will come” philosophy, launching ProSource University required a concerted effort. After rolling out the platform with its initial 16 courses, it took diligent work to enroll all ProSource members into PSU, educate them on its utilization, and actively engage them within the platform. In many ways, ProSource University became my version of a COVID-era “Sourdough Making” project. Looking back, I am immensely proud of our progress these past few years.  

Another endeavor I am deeply proud of is the establishment of ProSource Academy. This in-person training program is free of charge to our members and caters to new technicians and project managers. ProSource Academy convenes quarterly in Richmond, Virginia, and has proven an invaluable resource for our members. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to developing ProSource’s educational offerings for our esteemed members. It has been a fulfilling journey, and I look forward to continuing to serve the ProSource membership in the years to come.  

What do you like best about your job?  

I love bridging the gap for our dealers and making Sony a more personal experience for them. Finding ways to support them and create human connections between Integrators and a large company like Sony.  

Is there a woman in the CE or technology industry you look up to, and why?  

My mom. She has been retired from the industry for a long time, but she worked at Hifi Buys in Atlanta when I was born and later worked with my dad as a rep in the 80’s. It was not always easy for her to be taken seriously; whenever I have struggled, I think of her strength.  

What, in your opinion, is necessary for the CE/technology industry to thrive in the next five years?  

We need younger and more diverse voices in every part of our industry. Many parts of our industry are stuck in their core demographic where they are comfortable and leaving a lot of opportunity on the table.  

What career advice would you give to women starting in the CE or technology industry?  

I would tell them to find other women who have been in the industry to talk to. Most women I know in the industry are eager to reach out and be supportive. Also, don’t be intimidated. There were many times I was overlooked, even when I was the most powerful person at the table, because I was the only woman. Don’t hesitate to make your presence known. 

What career advice would you give to women starting in the CE or technology industry? 

My first piece of advice is to remain true to who you are. It’s very easy to try to fit into a mold of what you expect someone in CE or technology to be. Next, remain curious. There is so much happening in both industries now that everyone has questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and challenge the status quo. Finally, raise your hand. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Volunteer for a special project, engage with your manager in meaningful career development discussions, look for people you admire, and approach them to mentor you. You must drive your career. 

What, in your opinion, is necessary for the CE/technology industry to thrive in the next five years? 

I truly believe that diversity of thought is going to be very necessary. The world is changing so quickly with new technologies, emerging workplace dynamics, and constant other pressures from the outside world. Companies that can hire and engage people from different communities with varying perspectives on various topics will see the greatest gains. We all need to think differently, and having the right people, with diverse perspectives and viewpoints, around the table will create a competitive advantage. 

What do you like best about your job?  

I like having an impact and seeing results in real-time. I’m excited to see the positive impact on our businesses when we achieve our goals and objectives because we have outstanding talent across the organization. I feel inspired when I see our employees excelling personally and professionally because we have the right HR policies and programs in place so that they want to stay and grow at HARMAN. I’m constantly challenging myself and our leaders to ensure our culture is strong and people feel appreciated and valued.