Joy Hewitt
Joy Hewitt is a seasoned business development professional and strategic connector from New Zealand, with a lifelong passion for sales. Inspired by an aunt who showed her the possibilities within the field, Joy started her first experience with sales at just eight years old and has spent over 30 years honing her customer-focused sales expertise.
Over the past five years, Joy has concentrated on business development, leveraging her extensive experience to help companies identify growth opportunities, build long-term partnerships, and expand their reach in competitive markets. Her career includes leadership roles such as Director of Business Development at CPDG and Advance Design & Contractors, Inc., as well as CEO of her own firm, Carwitt Business Development, where she connects businesses with the right opportunities, partners, and clients.
In addition to her executive work, Joy has shared her expertise as a Rebel Sales Coach with The Sales Rebellion, mentoring sales professionals to think creatively, achieve higher performance, and embrace a customer-first approach. Her ability to blend strategic insight with practical execution has made her a trusted advisor for businesses seeking sustainable growth.
Beyond her professional life, Joy enjoys connecting with her local community on Florida’s Space Coast and staying engaged with industry trends. Her story reflects not only decades of sales success but also a lifelong curiosity, resilience, and commitment to helping others succeed.
• Chamber of Commerce
• National space club
• American military engineers
• CCC
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my roots and the people who inspired me early on. I’m originally from New Zealand and had an aunt who worked in sales as an outside sales representative. She had a company car and carried herself with confidence, which showed me that anything was possible. I grew up on a farm in a low-economic environment, so I saw sales as a pathway to success. I started out in sales and retail, then transitioned into outside sales for batteries and retrofit, working my way up to where I am today. Every connection I made came from hard work and genuine effort—I had to hustle and make myself likable, especially since I wasn’t from this country and didn’t have a built-in network. Over time, I learned the importance of leveraging community and helping others to build lasting relationships and opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering the industry is to always find ways to bring value through who you know. Live to serve rather than live to get—this mindset will take you further than any short-term gain ever could.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in the industry right now is the economy and the impact of government shutdowns. These factors can slow progress, but they also create opportunities to innovate, adapt, and strengthen relationships with clients and partners.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personally and professionally, I’ve learned that I am worthy of recognition. In New Zealand, we have a saying that those who rise often feel unworthy because others may try to pull them down. I’ve had to unlearn that mindset and learn to celebrate my successes—it’s an ongoing process of growth. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that humility and gratitude are at the heart of true success.
Locations
Carwitt Business Development
Melbourne, FL 32901