Women in the AV industry have long been trailblazers, breaking barriers, driving innovation and shaping the future of technology and integration. Their vision, leadership and expertise have left an enduring mark, inspiring progress across the field. For International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator sought out to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, we asked some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
With the popularity of the series, we have extended #HerAVStory and welcome contributions throughout the year!
This week, we spotlight Jessica Sunset, senior account manager at LG Electronics. An AV sales professional for over 25 years, Sunset is passionate about outstanding service and relationship-based selling. In her current role, she covers the higher education vertical and presently lives with her family in Sherwood, Ore.
Read on to learn more about Sunset’s story!
Interview with Jessica Sunset
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Jessica Sunset: I entered the AV industry shortly after graduating from Boise State University in 2000. I packed up and moved to Portland, Ore., where I was fortunate enough to land an interview at CompView (now Diversified). The VP of Sales, Rodger DeGeorge, happened to be a fellow BSU alum, and we instantly connected — especially when we bonded over a notoriously tough professor we both had! I was hired as his sales assistant, supporting Fortune 100 and 500 accounts back when projectors were the size of suitcases. Rodger is still one of my closest friends and mentors. He taught me the technical side of AV. But, more importantly, he taught me how to treat people and build lasting relationships.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Sunset: Absolutely! There’s a reason I have a punch card at my local massage place. One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning from a product sales specialist to a system integration/project specialist. The learning curve was steep, and resources were limited. At the same time, I was a new mom juggling a demanding travel schedule, work commitments and preschool drop-offs.
After a particularly stressful period, I hit what I consider my professional rock bottom and left CompView after 16 years to try my hand at software sales. But I missed the industry, especially the customers and colleagues. I eventually returned and found renewed satisfaction in seeing projects through to completion, knowing I was helping organizations communicate better. Plus, we make spaces beautiful — and I love that!
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Sunset: There are so many, but I’d start with Rodger, who taught me to always do right by the client and to genuinely care about helping people achieve their goals. I’ve tried to carry that forward in everything I do.
I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside a group of powerful, supportive women who inspire and motivate me daily: Kristin Ford (Laia), Nicole Marquardt (Diversified), Lisa Hite (LG), Abbi Rath (LG), and Susan Wilhite (BlueFin). We lean on each other during tough times and push one another to grow. Another key mentor was David Riberi, former CEO/owner of CCS L.A./LightWerks. He showed me how to lead with compassion, face adversity with grace and always do the right thing, even when it’s hard. He truly cared for his team and it showed.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Sunset: In 2015, I joined CCS L.A./LightWerks and went on to open offices in Portland, OR, and Boise, Idaho. Over the course of eight years, those offices came to generate 30% of the company’s revenue. I brought in some of the region’s largest clients and built a phenomenal team that executed beautiful projects across the Pacific Northwest.
I also had the opportunity to hire outstanding professionals like Jacob Booher (CTI) and Dan Kaplan (Hyphn). What started as just me, a laptop and a home office in Newberg, Ore., grew into a multi-million-dollar operation with an incredible client base. That legacy is something I’m deeply proud of.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Sunset: Two things — the people and the learning. I’m lucky to have amazing clients, some of whom have become close friends and colleagues who bring energy, laughter, and creativity to every interaction. I also love that there’s always something new to learn. During my time at LG, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of DVLED technology than I ever expected, and even after 25 years, I still remember Extron part numbers by heart and can dial 800 numbers for Da-Lite and Chief without thinking. It’s an industry that keeps you on your toes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Sunset: We need to invest more in education and recruitment — especially at the field level — by targeting high schools and local trade programs. I’ve always said that as a top sales producer, I was only as strong as my most junior field tech. We need clear pathways for the next generation of installers, programmers and project managers. More engagement at career fairs and better marketing of the AV industry as a dynamic, growth-oriented field would go a long way in attracting fresh talent.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series? If so, send an email to Commercial Integrator’s editorial team!
