As the Commercial Integrator #AVLivingLegends series continues, we are delighted to honor Renee Benson, senior regional account manager, Sony Electronics Inc., professional display solutions, as our latest inductee!
Benson’s journey in the commercial AV industry began serendipitously, but her passion for building relationships and fostering collaboration quickly made her a fixture in the market. Over the years, she has become a trusted partner to customers and colleagues alike, as evidenced by accolades like the HETMA Vendor Rep of the Year in 2025.
In this interview, Benson reflects on her career highlights, the mentors whose wisdom has guided her steps and the importance of paying it forward through mentorship. She also shares pearls of wisdom about the power of relationships, working with integrity and finding your voice in a close-knit industry.
Read on to learn more about Renee Benson, Commercial Integrator’s newest inductee in the #AVLivingLegends series! And don’t forget to visit our hub page to explore past honorees.
Interview with Renee Benson
Commercial Integrator: What motivated you to join the commercial AV industry?
Renee Benson: I definitely didn’t grow up thinking I would end up in the AV industry, I actually wanted to be a lawyer. Like many of us, I found this industry a bit by accident. I answered an ad for an inside sales role with a digital microscope company, and that’s where I was first introduced to the channel.
It didn’t take long for me to realize just how special this industry is. I’m a relationship-driven person, and that’s exactly what AV is all about. The people, collaboration and sense of community are what motivated me to stay and continue to grow. I met amazing people quickly! I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the impact of what we do. What started as a job opportunity has truly turned into a passion.
CI: What has kept you motivated and engaged in the decades that followed?
Benson: It really comes back to the people and the relationships I’ve built along the way. This industry is constantly evolving, but the sense of community has always remained consistent. Someone I competed against 15 years ago is now a coworker, and someone who was once a coworker is now my boss. It’s a very small industry, and I love that. I continue to learn, grow and challenge myself. No two days are the same, and there’s always something new — whether it’s the actual technology, the market trends or just finding better ways to support my partners and customers. I genuinely enjoy that challenge.
More importantly, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the long-term impact of our work and the role we play in helping others succeed. Being part of an industry where you can grow your career while building real, lasting relationships is what’s kept me here and what continues to motivate me today.
CI: Reflect on your role as both a mentee early in your career and as a mentor later in your career. Who helped shape the trajectory of your professional life? How have you tried to help shape others’ careers?
Benson: Early in my career, I was incredibly fortunate to have people who believed in me, took the time to guide me and helped me understand not just what we do but also the “why” behind it.
Lynn Monroe was a key mentor, and I’m forever grateful for his impact. He taught me the importance of relationships, integrity and truly supporting your partners. He emphasized the importance of doing the work myself so I could learn. I would set up equipment, plug in the cables and work with the product before ever trying to sell it. It allowed me to truly understand what our customers experience. Those are lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career. (It’s probably why I learn best by being hands on!)
As my career progressed, it became important to me to pay that forward. I’ve tried to support others in the same way by being approachable and sharing my experiences and what I’ve learned, as well as encouraging people to find their own path in this industry. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a challenge, working to build confidence or simply being a sounding board, I take a lot of pride in being someone whom others can count on.
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been seeing people I’ve worked with grow, succeed and sometimes even surpass me. That, to me, is what mentorship is all about. It’s the ability to help others realize their potential and knowing that you played a small part in their journey.
CI: What’s the most memorable story/anecdote of your career in commercial AV?
Benson: One of the most memorable aspects of my career isn’t tied to a single project but, rather, to the relationships I’ve built along the way. There have been many moments when an opportunity or decision came down to trust, and someone chose to work with me not just because of the product but also because of the relationship we had built over time. Those moments have always meant the most to me.
Those moments also reinforce something I’ve believed since early in my career: In this industry, relationships matter. The way you show up, how you support your partners and the trust you build over time ultimately make the biggest difference. Seeing those relationships come full circle makes it even more special.
People with whom I once worked in one role are now showing up in another, continuing to support each other in different ways. This sense of community is what has made this industry so meaningful to me, and it’s what I’ll always remember most.
CI: What has been your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Benson: One of my greatest professional accomplishments has been the evolution of my role from simply being seen as a sales representative to becoming a trusted partner to my customers and colleagues.
Over time, I’ve worked to build relationships based on trust, consistency and follow through. Being invited into larger conversations, having a seat at the table for key decisions and knowing that people value my input and perspective has been incredibly meaningful. I believe that approach played a key role in me being recognized as the HETMA Vendor Rep of the Year in 2025 — an honor that meant a great deal to me.
While there have been many projects and milestones throughout my career, what I’m most proud of is the reputation I’ve built. Knowing that partners and customers rely on me not just for products but also for guidance, support and collaboration is something I don’t take lightly. I’m able to call many of my customers friends. That’s something truly unique to this industry, and it’s something I deeply value.
CI: What has been your biggest professional regret to date?
Benson: If I had to name one professional regret, it would be not trusting my voice and experience earlier in my career. I think they call it imposter syndrome. There were times when I second-guessed myself or held back in conversations in which I could have added value.
As I gained experience, I realized that my perspective mattered and that being willing to speak up, ask questions and contribute ideas was an important part of growth. That realization has shaped how I approach my role today. I’m more confident in sharing my perspective, and I also try to encourage others — especially those earlier in their careers — to do the same.
While I may wish I had embraced that sooner, it ultimately helped me grow into who I am today.
CI: What’s the best advice or pearl of wisdom you either received during your career or came to realize on your own?
Benson: One of the best pieces of advice I received early in my career came from my mentor, Lynn Monroe: Never burn bridges. This industry is too small. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career and has shaped how I approach every relationship.
In an industry as connected as ours, your reputation matters. How you treat people, how you show up and how you handle both the good and the challenging moments all have a lasting impact.
I’ve carried that with me by always striving to lead with respect, integrity and consistency. It’s something I also share with others because, in this industry, relationships come full circle, and the connections you build along the way truly matter.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself — to be part of this #AVLivingLegends series? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi!
