Today we’d like to introduce you to Kacey Griffin
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m from Greensboro, NC and was recruited to Greenville, SC in 2015, after I earned my master’s degree in business administration, International Business from Appalachian State University. I worked for a local insurance company as an entry level underwriter for over a year. What I loved most about moving to Greenville was how friendly and quaint this cute city was. My network expanded as I ventured out on the Swamp Rabbit trail, tried delicious local eatery, volunteered for local charities such as Meals on Wheels and enjoyed the entertainment around downtown. I transitioned to a business development role for TD SYNNEX where I am 8 years into my career. My passion for the Upstate and strive for unity in our community earned a role as Chapter President for the new chapter for the Appalachian State Alumni Chapter -Greenville. As Greenville continues to expand its economy, The Office of Engagement at Appalachian State provided resources and support for Mountaineers and fans in the Upstate. Our chapter’s goal is to offer programs and services to alumni and fans while maintaining involvement with the university, as well as our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I faced many challenges while being hours away from my hometown as well as my university in the beginning. I truly entered adulthood as I navigated how to adjust being in a new city. I was blessed to have met friends from my first employer with whom I explored the city with. I was faced to make a career change I am sure to many can relate to. As a recent graduate I thought I was working my dream career until I realized, it wasn’t the best fit for my purpose in life. I took a leap of faith and changed industries. It was one of the best decisions as an adult that I am very proud of. I got another chance to take on a career that I was actually natural at, Information Technology. I was very hopeful for this career change because I was able to look back at my successes and failures from my last role. My first role was a Business Development role for vendor that was a global leader in computers and electronics. I was faced with many challenges, but the successes were much more rewarding. Revenue targets, competitiveness, gains/losses of customer count and internal changes were a few of the challenges that still led to my success today. Another challenge was adding on a leadership role to my plate that was new. Engagement and relevancy have been a challenge. Attendance for events could be as large as 30+ or as small as 4. I am leading the local chapter without an advisory board and it’s challenging keeping up on events like other chapters from our university.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work for TD SYNNEX, a global IT distributor. I work in the Greenville location as a Senior Business Development Manager for the Strategic Procurement team. TD SYNNEX Strategic Procurement partners with manufactures that focuses on both traditional and emerging technologies: Hardware/Software solutions as well as Commercial and Connectivity Products. I manage two vendors: StarTech.com and AvePoint.
StarTech.com is a Canadian based organization that provides performance connectivity accessories. “Designed by IT Pros for IT Pros.” StarTech.com provides solutions such as: docking stations, adapters, privacy screens, USB hubs, cables, laptop locs, mounts, racks, KVM switches and networking products.
AvePoint is a based out of NJ and is the global leader in data management and data governance. Known technologies that AvePoint has product offerings for are Microsoft, Google and Sales force.
I am most proud of my contributions toward the revenue growth for LG, StarTech.com and AvePoint. My unique abilities to network with TD SYNNEX co-workers, manufacturers and resellers while generating strategies to not only maintain a relevancy in the industry but have the revenue growth to show for it. I am passionate about offering the right solutions for the right projects to ensure integrity and loyalty towards our resellers and sales teams. I maintain a positivity mind-set.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The best advice I can offer for finding a mentor is finding one outside of your industry and try to find someone who is not a family member nor a close friend. The mentors I’ve had mainly have been professional mentors. They helped me to see the bigger picture and provided constructive feedback because they truly valued their mentees. It’s an honor to be a mentor because they are entrusted with the mindset that they have overcome obstacles and proven success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alumni.appstate.edu/
- Instagram: appstatealumni_gvl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1849682928880137/
