HomeWork features AHAM members’ insights on careers, success, life outside of work, and AHAM membership. This month, we spoke with Diane Hoffmann, Brand Director – Cascade Partnerships and Technicians, P&G, Chair of AHAM’s Supplier Division and a member of AHAM’s Board of Directors.
How did you come to work in the appliance industry?
Almost 20 years ago I accepted a position to work for a household cleaning products company to start a program for them to work with appliance manufactures to co-market or co-promote their products. Over the years I have built strong relationships with appliance manufacturers and also groups like AHAM, ENERGY STAR and utilities companies to help further our work.
What are your secrets to work-life balance?
One thing is I always try to get my workouts in early in the morning before work, as there are always so many commitments after work that it is easy to do something else. It also helps me get my mind clear and ready for the day!
What goals are you pursuing outside of the office?
Not sure some would consider this a goal, but it holds a place in mine and my husband’s hearts. We foster puppies for our local shelter, and it is so rewarding to see these animals come out of their shells and start to feel loved for the first time. We are 75 pups into our journey and want to continue to help raise awareness. We also help bring supplies to shelters in our happy place, Aruba. They have such an issue with stray/street dogs and the shelters there are overworked and underfunded, so each year we pack up suitcases full of extra medicines and supplies from our shelter in New Jersey and bring them down to Aruba to help.
What is the best career advice you've ever received?
You need to LOVE what you do then it doesn’t seem like WORK. You will not always love all of it, but the good parts should win out!
How has a diverse and inclusive workforce added to your company’s culture?
I feel like culture is such a meaningful word. I have worked for many large global companies and those with a strong diverse and inclusive workforce have been the most successful. I believe diversity comes in so many ways, not just in culture but also of thought. I love when a team can also include members from diverse backgrounds (marketing, sales, engineering, research & development). That is when a team can challenge you in the best ways.
What appliance can you not live without?
Dishwasher, of course! I have three, a small and full-size in my home kitchen (depending on the load size needed) and a full-size in my vacation property. I can’t remember the last time I hand- washed dishes! I am also that person that comes to your house for dinner and tries to get you to stop pre-washing your dishes before putting them in the machine.
What do you gain from your involvement with AHAM?
As a supplier to the appliance industry, we are impacted by the changes in the industry even though we are typically not involved directly with the change. AHAM does a great job of communicating all the changes that are coming to the parts of our industry. This keeps the suppliers informed so they can determine if/how the changes will impact them as well. We also see the power of AHAM in driving industry change by having a larger voice than any one manufacturer can.
Outside of the appliance industry, what would be your dream job?
I always say my retirement dream would be starting a free recruiting firm. I love to make the connections for people to find their perfect company or position. Since I have worked in many areas (accounting, finance, logistics, marketing, sales) and many industries – utility, candy, food, pet food, household cleaning products and appliances – I have contacts in so many places so can connect people with new exciting opportunities. They each ask what they can do to repay me for helping them and I always say to pay it forward and help someone else in that same position someday. I think we can all help each other in small ways that can make a big impact.
