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. For International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator sought out to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, asked some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
With the popularity of the series, we have extended #HerAVStory and welcome contributions throughout the year!
This week, we spotlight Amanda Mecutchen, director of customer marketing at Exertis Almo. Mecutchen’s expertise lies in crafting and executing dynamic marketing campaigns that drive brand awareness, enhance customer engagement and boost revenue growth. As part of #HerAVStory, she highlights her significant contributions to the internship program at Almo and her joy of working with diverse personalities in the AV industry.
Read on to learn more about Mecutchen’s story!
Interview with Amanda Mecutchen of Exertis Almo
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Amanda Mecutchen: Getting into the AV industry has truly been a family affair for me. I’ve been around Almo for as long as I can remember—literally growing up running through the halls of the office on days off from school. My father has been with the company for over 25 years, so from an early age, I had a front-row seat to the culture, the people, and the passion that drive this business.
I started working part-time at Almo when I was younger, gradually taking on more responsibilities and learning the ropes. It was only a matter of time before I officially joined the team. I’ve always been someone who enjoys a good challenge, so when the opportunity to step into the AV space presented itself, it allowed me to push outside of what I was used to and learn something completely new. It was the right kind of growth at the right time.
My brother also works here too, so the sense of connection and shared purpose within the company has only grown stronger. Between the family ties and the opportunity to continuously evolve and contribute, joining the AV industry—and specifically the Pro AV space—felt like a natural, exciting next step in my career journey.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Mecutchen: Absolutely — like any meaningful career shift, stepping into the AV industry came with its challenges. My background, both in previous roles outside of Almo and in my early positions within the company, was heavily focused on the appliance side of the distribution business. I had spent so many years immersed in that space that it became second nature — I knew the products, the market, and the customer expectations inside and out.
Transitioning into the Pro AV side was a whole new world. While the foundation of distribution remained the same, the landscape — everything from the technology to the customer base to the vendor relationships — was completely different. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to look at things through a new lens.
But I welcomed the challenge. I’ve always been someone who’s driven by growth and new opportunities, and this was the exact kind of challenge I needed at that point in my career. With the support of my family — who I get to work side by side with — and the guidance of the incredible team around me, I dove in head first. It’s been a learning experience from day one, and it still is. That’s part of what I love about this industry — there’s always something new to uncover.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Mecutchen: It’s hard for me to pinpoint just one person as the most influential in my career — there have been so many people who have played an important role in shaping my path. First and foremost, my family has always been a major driving force for me. They’ve been incredibly supportive throughout my life and have always encouraged me to go after what I want, to take chances, and to work hard for the things that matter. That kind of mindset was instilled in me early on and continues to motivate me every day.
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of leaders and teams at Almo who have had a significant impact on my growth. The culture here is one of collaboration and support — there’s truly not a person I couldn’t call for advice, guidance, or just to talk something through. Whether it’s leadership providing direction, peers offering insight, or cross-functional teams working together to solve challenges, I’ve learned something from every single interaction.
Those everyday conversations, shared successes, and even the tough moments have all contributed to who I am professionally. I’m especially grateful to be part of a company where mentorship isn’t limited to one individual — it’s embedded in the way we work and support one another.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Mecutchen: I’ve never been one to focus on personal accolades — while I’m proud of the progress I’ve made in my career, what truly brings me the most pride is seeing the people around me grow and succeed. Over the past five years, I’ve worked closely with our Learning & Development team to support Almo’s internship program. My team has welcomed five interns during that time, three of whom have gone on to work with us part-time or in full-time roles. Watching them grow into confident, capable professionals has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
But it’s not just the interns. I’m equally proud of the growth I’ve seen in other members of my team — whether it’s someone stepping into a new role, taking on a big project, or gaining the confidence to share new ideas. Supporting their development, cheering them on, and helping guide them through challenges has been incredibly fulfilling. Their success is what truly motivates me, and being part of their journey is, without question, my proudest accomplishment.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Mecutchen: This might be the easiest question to answer — what I love most about working in the AV industry is, without a doubt, the people. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with open arms by individuals who not only supported me professionally but also made me feel personally connected. Over the years, many of these relationships have grown into true friendships, and in some cases, they feel like family.
The energy in this industry is unlike any other. The personalities are vibrant, the conversations are genuine, and the support is constant. It’s one of the few industries where work truly doesn’t always feel like “work.” Whether it’s collaborating on a project or catching up at an event, there’s always a sense of camaraderie. I especially love traveling to events and reconnecting with people from across the country — it always feels like no time has passed, even if it’s been months since we last saw each other. That sense of connection, community, and shared passion is what makes this industry so special — and what makes me excited to show up every day.
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].
