Above, from left to right: Susie Woodhull, Woodhull; Toni Gorveatt, Cobb Technologies; Dawn Abbuhl, Repeat Business Systems; Charlene Fischer, Xerox; Kerstin Woods, Toshiba America Business Solutions; Sarah Custer, Distribution Management; Mary Jo Johnson, EO Johnson; Deb Dellaposta, Doing Better Business.
This year, it was tremendously satisfying to welcome many leading female executives from the office technology industry at our Gala and Women Influencers Brunch.
Male executives have long dominated the office technology industry. In recent years, however, women have made significant strides throughout the industry, and the number of females in leadership roles has increased. I was thrilled to see that firsthand at our 39th Annual Awards & Charities Gala.
Left to right, Melissa Confalone, Fraser Advanced Information Systems; Krystal Racine, Visual Edge IT; Kate Kingston,
Kingston Training Group; Lauren Hanna, Blue Technologies; and Valbona Marku, U.S. Bank.
It was a pleasure to have had so many women representing an array of office technology businesses, from OEMs to solutions and services companies to leasing companies, attend the Gala this year. What stood out to me the most was the number of female dealers in attendance. Woman-owned or female-led office technology dealerships nationwide are growing, yet another sign of the many positive changes taking place in the independent dealer channel.
Jennie Fisher and Sally Brause of GreatAmerica Financial Services, with Debra Dellaposta of Doing Better Business.
We were honored to have some of the country’s most elite female dealers with us this year. Among the women attending the Gala were outstanding entrepreneurs who run their own office technology businesses, ranging from small dealerships to large, multi-location firms. These women not only lead successful companies but are also actively shaping the future of the office technology industry. Women who head their dealerships bring a unique perspective on leadership, customer service, and innovation and they are instrumental in driving innovation, customer service excellence, and sustainable business practices in the channel.
It is especially noteworthy that these women are often pioneers in their local communities, advocating for workplace diversity, promoting mentorship programs for other women, and championing the importance of empowering the next generation of female leaders.
With such a strong showing of female power at the Gala, we jumped at the opportunity to photograph our 2024 Women Influencers – Sarah Custer of Distribution Management, Charlene Fischer of Xerox, and Kerstin Woods of Toshiba America Business Solutions – alongside five women who I consider some of the industry’s most venerable female dealers – Dawn Abbuhl of Repeat Business Systems, Debra Dellaposta of Doing Better Business, Toni Gorveatt of Cobb Technologies, Mary Jo Johnson of EO Johnson Business Technologies, and Susie Woodhull of Woodhull LLC (See photo at top.). Individually, these female dealers have built successful businesses and instilled them with the highest standards of excellence. Collectively, they represent a legacy of excellence that inspires future generations of woman-owned dealerships. This photo sends a potent message to aspiring women in the office technology industry that their ambitions are achievable, and their leadership is valued.
The Cannata Report’s 2024 Women Influencers, Charlene Fischer, Sarah Custer, and Kerstin Woods.
As we celebrated our 2024 Women Influencers at our Brunch the day after the Gala, Carol and I couldn’t help but think back to the first event we hosted nine years ago with a small group of women, no more than 15 or so, who joined us for what we hoped would be an enjoyable get together for our female guests. That it would evolve to what it is today – an opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences, form connections, and exchange ideas – is one of the most satisfying achievements of my 12 years with The Cannata Report, one I share with Frank and Carol and everyone we’ve worked with over the years to create something that we hope has inspired our guests and helped them grow and thrive in the industry.
