RISING STARS: Heather Heath
Heather Heath
Senior Sales Coordinator, Marketing & Operations
Pinnacle Marketing
To gain better insight into how early career professionals in the electronics industry have turned challenges into opportunities to ensure continued growth, The Representor interviewed Heather Heath, senior sales coordinator, marketing and operations, at Pinnacle Marketing. She shared the biggest challenges she faces in her role, her “servant” approach to leadership and how you can tell a lot about someone’s character on the golf course.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself, personally and professionally.
Born and raised in Archer Lodge, a once-quiet crossroads community in eastern North Carolina, my passion for numbers flourished early on. My grandparents owned the local general store where I spent my childhood. From the age of eight, I was immersed in the business, helping stock shelves and check in vendors, but my favorite was operating the cash register to check out our local clientele. Evenings were spent on their farm, where I assisted with chores and developed a fascination for counting my grandfather’s nearly 100 beloved pet cows. On any given day, this simple gal can be found outdoors, going fishing on the family farm, and even disassembling the occasional beaver dam. One of my favorite pastimes is chasing the best view of a sunset and/or a moonrise over any agricultural landscape or waterfront backdrop. I’m fortunate to lead a high-performing team. Working alongside a fantastic data steward and a wonderful marketing assistant, we’re laying the groundwork for PMI’s future achievements. Their expertise and dedication are invaluable to our success.
How long have you worked in the electronics industry?
I joined Pinnacle Marketing in the summer of 2006 as an inside sales representative. After dedicating five years to my career, I took a hiatus to focus on raising my family. I was delighted to return to Pinnacle in January 2013 under new leadership.
What made you choose this industry as your current career path?
As many before me have answered this question, I didn’t choose this industry…the industry chose me! In my first tour, it was the people. This industry was so welcoming, and so open to always learning. There was nothing stagnant about it, and the people involved were just so great. Upon my return as Heather 2.0, I realized the investment was worth nurturing. It was then, under the leadership and guidance of Perry Thornton, that I was introduced to the ERA Conference in 2018 and started to understand the bigger picture of the industry. The people did not disappoint, either!
What are some of the main challenges you have encountered as you embarked on your career journey?
The biggest challenge I have in general is developing a temperament for patience. Design cycles are long and people move about positions within the industry often. There’s a frustration that comes alongside working programs that vanish into thin air. As a rep, you’re coin-operated. All of that unpaid work on the front end that never comes to fruition can take the wind from your sails. Perspective is a huge asset in this industry. There are so many inner workings of our businesses, our programs and our projects—it truly takes a village to keep it all together. Appreciating all aspects of the process as a part of the bigger picture helps.
What steps have you taken to overcome these challenges and ensure that you can establish and nurture a successful career?
Focusing on continuous self-improvement and striving to be a better leader each day is crucial. I believe in servant leadership, prioritizing the growth and success of my team while actively seeking/sharing opportunities for professional development will ultimately contribute to the continued success of PMI.
What are some training tools or networking industry events that you have found beneficial to your professional growth?
The Carolinas ERA golf event each October in North Carolina has been a great ice-breaking event for this introspective gal. My first year, I simply volunteered with registration putting faces with names. The following year, I made a friend on the beverage cart. The year after I was privileged to sit with the daughter of our memorialized guest as a hole-in-one spotter. And now? I play! The camaraderie of the industry gave me a comfort like no other to try something new without intimidation by seasoned veterans. You can learn a lot about a person’s character on the golf course. Thankfully, I’ve always been paired with those willing to improve my game while graciously turning a blind eye when it’s time to drive on and play off someone else’s ball! My very first birdie was witnessed by some of my favorites in the industry.
Do you think that there is enough new talent entering the electronics industry? What could make this field more attracticve to young professionals?
From my perspective, recent efforts are paying dividends and growing the visibility of our industry. Like anything worth having, it will take sowing commitment, shining consistency and watering with hard work to yield a worthwhile harvest. As Walter Tobin says it best, you’ve got to restock the pond. The beauty of this is that it ultimately fosters reverse mentoring, which can be incredibly effective in developing talent and building bridges across generations. Our industry’s learning culture will continue to foster a flame that will be difficult to extinguish.
Where do you see your profession and the industry 10 to 20 years from now?
Over the next few decades, I envision the industry continuing to evolve, driven by technology and changing consumer demands. However, I believe it’s crucial to preserve the entrepreneurial spirit of the rep community that has always defined our profession. Small businesses are fundamental to the American economy, and their unique character and resilience are invaluable.