Amber Hodge
Amber Hodge is a seasoned operations and sales leader with over 20 years of management experience and a strong background in business administration, finance, healthcare services, and electrical distribution. She began her career in banking, working full-time while completing her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Georgia Southwestern State University. This early experience built the foundation for her disciplined work ethic, adaptability, and leadership skills, which have carried through every stage of her professional journey. After graduating in 2007, Amber gained additional experience in medical collections, home health, and durable medical equipment before transitioning into the electrical distribution industry, where she discovered a long-term career path. For the past 11 years, Amber has built her expertise in electrical distribution and currently serves as a PC Manager with Consolidated Electrical Distributors (CED), where she runs her branch like a small business. In her role, she oversees all aspects of operations and sales, including HR, purchasing, warehouse management, vendor relations, marketing, budgeting, and job bidding. Known for her hands-on leadership style, she works closely with both her internal team and outside sales staff, often shifting between strategic planning and day-to-day operational problem-solving. Amber is also Six Sigma Green Belt certified, bringing a process-improvement mindset to her leadership approach and continuously focusing on efficiency, performance, and customer satisfaction. One of Amber’s proudest accomplishments has been leading a major business turnaround, growing her branch from approximately $4 million to nearly $9 million in revenue within two years while improving profitability and operational strength. She thrives in fast-paced environments where problem-solving is immediate and impactful, especially in an industry where customers rely on timely solutions to restore essential services like power. Outside of her professional life, Amber is known for her determination, resilience, and “in-the-trenches” leadership approach. She attributes her success to persistence, adaptability, and a strong drive to support both her team and customers while continually pushing for growth and improvement.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Georgia Southwestern State University
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Marketing/Marketing Management
• Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Associate of Science (A.S.), Business Administration and Management
• Longevity awards from previous companies
• Autism Speaks
• Autism Speaks
• Local animal shelters
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination and drive. I have always refused to accept limits placed on me and have remained persistent in the face of challenges. A strong part of my motivation comes from a genuine desire to help people and solve problems for customers, which continues to guide how I approach my work every day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best career advice I’ve received has come from Katie Klepper and Mindy Michaelack at CED who are fellow women in the industry. They have provided consistent guidance on navigating workplace challenges, managing employees effectively, and advocating for myself in professional settings. Their support and perspective have been invaluable in helping me grow with confidence and stay grounded in my approach to leadership and decision-making.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women not to be intimidated by a male-dominated environment. It is important to remain professional, stay confident in your expertise, and allow your results and knowledge to speak for themselves. I also believe strongly in advocating for yourself and ensuring your voice and contributions are recognized. Shine bright!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating gender bias and occasional intimidation within a male-dominated industry. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to make a meaningful impact by turning around underperforming stores, implementing effective process improvements, and providing immediate, practical solutions that enhance the customer experience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty, integrity, professionalism, and a passion and commitment to helping others. These principles guide both my professional decisions and personal interactions, and they shape how I approach challenges and opportunities in my career.