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. This International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator is proud to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a light on some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
Here, we spotlight Cheryl Walton, director of business development at Edge. Walton holds over 20 years of management experience in the AV and technology fields. She boasts a proven track record of increasing sales, productivity, quality and efficiency across various businesses. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Cheryl Walton
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Cheryl Walton: By sheer chance, I needed a job and a friend mentioned they were hiring, I took a chance and never looked back! I jump started my career in commercial AV 20-plus years ago.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Walton: I was let go at a company and worried that I wouldn’t find a good spot. I had no choice but to leave the industry for about eight months but I kept looking for something in AV. I believed in this industry and myself, and the company that let me go were my references who helped me land at one of the best companies I ever worked for! The power of connections in this industry shined through.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Walton: Peter Melvin, who helped me really dig deep into the person I am today through guidance, education, mentorship and just believing in me. I’m lucky to work with Mike Boettcher and Patrick Whipkey who challenge me almost everyday and make me laugh. Kylie Pfile, who keeps me grounded in all the ways I need it and makes me smile. And to all the amazing women I work with in Edge — they never cease to amaze me and I learn from them every day in different ways. I am proud to say there are too many to mention!
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Walton: Finding my current role as director of business development — I truly found a position that compliments me. Every day, I get to make connections that help me grow and I never stop learning something new.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Walton: The connections that I have made over the past 20-plus years, so many great people have come and gone but I have truly met some of my greatest friends here.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Walton: This industry never gets boring — the AV technology keeps evolving and the partnerships with other industries will only make us better. Focusing on bringing more women and the next generation into the industry will also make it better and being part of the organizations making that happen is exciting and will keep moving forward!
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, at [email protected].
