Many elements of Miriam Evaslin’s career have fallen into place.
NSCA has named Evaslin as its 2017 Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award winner. She will be honored on March 4 at NSCA’s 19th annual Business & Leadership Conference (BLC) in Chandler, Ariz.
Evaslin now serves as controller for Pro-Tec Electronics, which focuses on technology for fast-food restaurants, car dealerships, financial institutions, supermarkets, and small and medium-sized businesses, according to NSCA.
She was the first woman to serve on NSCA’s board of directors in 1991. After a 10-year term, she served on the NSCA Education Foundation board to raise funds for scholarships and awards.
“Miriam is one of a handful of women who were instrumental in encouraging other women to get involved in our industry,” says NSCA executive director Chuck Wilson. “She is known for being a role model for women in this industry.”
In its press release, NSCA lays out a nice story about Evaslin’s early career, including how she met a key competitor who eventually became her colleague and husband:
More than 50 years ago, Evaslin was enrolled in a master’s degree program – but left to take a part-time secretarial job with a sound and communications contractor. From there, she went to work in sales for Central Jersey Sound, a contractor that specialized in working with schools. She joined another company after Central Jersey Sound was sold.
One year, while at an industry tradeshow, she met a competitor – Gary Evaslin – owner and president of Ochs Service (parent company of Pro-Tec Electronics). Gary offered her a position, and she took it three months later.
“Gary always said, ‘If you want to eliminate competition, make it part of your family,’ ” says Evaslin. “Eventually, Gary and I were married. He encouraged me to become active in NSCA and other organizations that encouraged women to take leading roles in business. I can’t believe this honor is being bestowed upon me. I admired Per so much. He was a great mentor and principled businessman. To be associated with him blows me away.”
The Per Haugen Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an individual who exhibits:
- Dedication to philanthropy and social responsibility
- Business practices with high ethics, values, integrity, and honesty
- Active leadership in the financial well-being of his/her company and NSCA
- Strong values in every aspect of his/her life
Recent past winners include Jack Toerner, James Beckham, and Bob Coffeen.
