Age: 29
Company: Gerber Plumbing Fixtures
Title: Channel marketing manager, E-Commerce
How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
EH: I have been in this industry since March of 2021.
What drew you into the industry?
EH: My initial attraction to the industry derived from my desire to work for Gerber Plumbing Fixtures. The supportive culture, employee support, fellowship and overall sense of pride provided a comfort that I was drawn to. Fast forward a few short months, I could see the positive impact our products were making on customers across the country. The cohesive goal of the industry to enhance a consumer’s space as personal as their home is an energizing yet rewarding position to be in. What had drawn me into the industry, and continues to keeps me drawn in, has evolved from just the Culture of Gerber to the Culture of the Industry.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
EH: The most rewarding aspect of this industry is any time a customer provides feedback on how our brand has made a positive impact on their lives. Gerber’s vast portfolio offers a variety of styles, obtainable price points for more inclusion, and those needing ADA-compliant products. Whether their interaction with our brand is a shiny new kitchen faucet, or the owner of a small plumbing business calling to thank us for our swift customer service, we pride ourselves on being easy to do business with, both for B2C and B2B, and those small moments solidify our hard work to be just that.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
EH: My hope is that more awareness will be spread about the work being done by the industry behind the scenes to aid water conservation efforts. This environmental challenge will continue to affect all consumers, and it is vital to have the discussion around the future of our habits at home.
What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?
EH: This year, my most memorable project was co-founding Gerber’s first-ever female networking group, Women in Gerber. There have been several small moments of joy watching the growth of relationships among co-workers, especially during a year heavily revolved around virtual relationships. Knowing that I have the opportunity to contribute to a cause much greater than myself and for years to come is my greatest and most memorable moment of pride.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
EH: Most people who know me know that I have played soccer since I could walk, and continued to play through college. Many people don’t know I was a gymnast and a cheerleader for 15 years and would probably be shocked to see me do a backflip.
Why she was chosen as a Next Gen All Star Top 20 Under 40 winner:
“It is hard to believe that Eryka just joined the plumbing industry a year ago because of the impact she has already made on the Gerber team in such a short time. Eryka really empowered herself to gain product knowledge quickly, in her first few months I would find her combing through our price book like a textbook, she took her e-commerce experience from a different industry and applied her product knowledge and revamped our online merchandising and it has paid off with year over year sales growth in her channel.
“From a leadership perspective, she has really shone bright, recently inspired by their attendance at the ASA Women in Industry event, she and another young bright leader within our company chartered Gerber's very first professional development group just for women called ‘Women in Gerber (WIG)’ with the inaugural meeting taking place June 16. The women in Gerber group's purpose is to help build connections, collaborate and exchange industry knowledge, and discuss how women can overcome obstacles in and outside of the workplace. She leads by example, with an incredible work ethic, we are so lucky to have her on the Gerber team,” says Carmen Fiordirosa, vice president, marketing, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures.
