Title: Southeast Territory Sales Manager
Company: Almo Pro AV
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Overtime: She’s happiest when she’s outdoors with her family. When not working, she’s most likely cooking, listening to worship music (or jazz or bossa nova), looking for birds (a new passion), or trying to start a new hobby.
Why You Need to Know Her: Why wouldn’t you want to know somebody who says helping others is one of their biggest sources of inspiration? “I’ve grown into a season where mentoring others matters deeply to me,” she said. “This industry gave me room to grow, and I feel a responsibility to create that same space for others coming up behind me.”
Like many members of this industry, Gisela Ramirez didn’t dream about becoming an AV professional when she grew up. Instead, she’d envisioned a career in criminal justice.
“I was always a crime junkie, and so growing up I wanted to be Olivia Benson,” Ramirez explained, referring to the character played by Mariska Hargitay on the long-running television series, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. However, as life would have it, Ramirez was introduced to Pro AV early in her career and, 14 years later, she’s still at it.
What drove her into the industry, she said, was the "opportunity to build something real.”
At Almo Pro AV, Ramirez was charged with developing the company’s Latin American division from the ground up. (She is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.) She says the experience shaped her.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about creating structure where there wasn’t one before, building relationships across countries, and seeing it grow into something sustainable,” Ramirez said. “Pro AV sits at the intersection of technology and people. I love that. It’s strategic, it’s relational, and it constantly evolves.”
As does Ramirez. Currently, she’s overseeing the development of Almo Pro AV’s new territory in the Southeastern United States.
One of the biggest lessons Ramirez has learned, thanks to these experiences, is that you can be confident while practicing humility. “You can know your value and still stay open to growth,” she explained. Ramirez cautions people against drawing motivation from job titles and encourages them to examine how they can make a difference instead.
Teaching—and continuing to remain teachable, no matter how experienced one may be—is what Ramirez believes will keep pushing this industry forward. “We need to focus on developing people as much as we focus on technology,” she advised. “Innovation is critical, but if we don’t invest in mentorship, education, and building clear paths for the next generation, we limit our own future.”
Clients can also benefit from education, and AV pros should be conscious of how they communicate about technology. “We need to simplify the conversation," Ramirez said. "Clients are overwhelmed. The companies that will win long term are the ones that can translate complexity into clarity."
Word has it that Ramirez, known for her outgoing personality, hugs and kisses every customer. Without a doubt, people are her favorite part of this job. “This industry is filled with smart, driven, and genuinely good humans,” she said. “I love walking into events and feeling like I’m seeing extended family.”
Ramirez also enjoys immense satisfaction from all the behind-the-scenes work involved in realizing a successful project, such as resolving complicated supply chain issues or helping an integrator through a challenge. “[I like] being an extension of my customers’ success,” she added. “Anytime they have a win, it’s a win for me.”
