No one would dispute that, over the past several decades, a lot has changed when it comes to careers and the workplace. Setting aside the obvious technological changes like Internet usage and social media integration, we also see people’s tenures at companies becoming more fleeting. Whereas, decades ago, people might spend their entire career working for the same employer, it’s rare these days to find even a 10-year employee in many companies. Ana Jaramillo, National Sales Manager, CHAUVET DJ, however, represents a refreshing departure from that trend: Jaramillo has been with Chauvet for 12 years, her passion and enthusiasm for the company growing as, simultaneously, she’s ascended to increasingly responsible positions.
Jaramillo’s insightful comments about the company, its products, its strategic positioning and its future made for a very interesting discussion. Enjoy.
The Music & Sound Retailer: Let’s start with your background. Touch on the highlights of your own story as it pertains to the music products and lighting technology industries. Tell us about the path you’ve traveled, bringing us right up to the present day.
Ana Jaramillo: As a child, I was very active in the arts. I played piano for many years and was also very involved in dance as a ballet dancer. When I was younger, I won a ballet competition, and I had planned on going to Julliard. However, being 15 and of Cuban descent, my parents refused to let me go. I continued to dance for a few years, and then eventually just fizzled out of it. But, music, singing and dancing are still things I’m very passionate about.
I started in this industry about 15 or 16 years ago on the sound side, working as a Marketing Assistant for Vestax in Florida. After Vestax decided to move out of Florida, I began working with a DJ store in Ft. Lauderdale developing their distribution sales. They sold sound, lighting and all types of DJ equipment to smaller stores that couldn’t afford to open up direct with manufacturers. I did that for about two years, and then went on to work for Chauvet. I’ve been here for about 12 years.
At Chauvet, I started as a Sales Assistant. I was then promoted to Southern Territory Manager; back then, we were small enough that we only needed two Territory Managers. We kept growing and I became the Northeast Territory Manager. I have worked with almost every customer that we have! Last year, when we restructured our sales team, I was promoted to National Sales Manager for CHAUVET DJ. CHAUVET DJ serves the entertainment lighting market for DJs, bands, musicians, stages, event productions and clubs.
The Retailer: What are your key day-to-day responsibilities and duties in your role with Chauvet? What’s your favorite part of your job?
Jaramillo: I oversee the national sales department for CHAUVET DJ. I have four great Territory Managers working with me, handling different territories and managing teams of manufacturers’ representatives. On a day-to-day basis, I interact with existing customers and key account holders. My main focus is to tap into new markets and develop new business and, to me, that’s the most exciting part. I have a few things in the works, but I can’t really talk about them yet. [Laughs.] But, it’s exciting to be able to explore other markets that we haven’t otherwise been able to access up until now. There’s so much business to be had out there.