Her Story
About Rachel
Rachel Martin brings more than two decades of experience in hospitality sales, business development, and project management, specializing in custom public area lighting, FF&E solutions, and commercial interiors. As Vice President of Sales at iWORKS Group, a manufacturer of custom lighting solutions, she leads strategic growth initiatives, manages complex client relationships, and partners with designers, procurement teams, and ownership groups to bring high-end hospitality environments to life. Her portfolio of work includes collaborations with leading hospitality brands, luxury hotels, casinos, resorts, and entertainment venues, where she helps transform design concepts into innovative, functional solutions.
After earning her degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising from Eastern Illinois University, Rachel began her career as a retail buyer and boutique owner, developing a strong foundation in customer relationships, business operations, and brand development. She transitioned into hospitality in 2008–2009, where she quickly advanced from managing a sales office and leading outside sales efforts to joining a manufacturing organization, where she launched and developed a new brand over a 12-year tenure. Three years ago, Rachel joined iWORKS Group, bringing her extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to a company specializing in complex custom fixtures for four- and five-star hotels, ballrooms, casinos, and other distinguished venues.
Throughout her career, Rachel has been recognized for her ability to build trusted relationships, create scalable sales strategies, and implement systems that drive operational excellence. At iWORKS Group, she has played a key role in strengthening processes and documentation as the company continues its evolution beyond founder-led operations, while expanding sales channels and supporting long-term growth. She attributes her success to tenacity, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to the people she works with. Guided by honesty and integrity, Rachel believes in solving problems collaboratively, creating value for clients, and building relationships based on trust rather than pressure. Her leadership philosophy centers on authenticity, curiosity, and making a meaningful impact through every partnership she develops.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity and resilience. Throughout my career, there have been moments when challenges made it feel as though everything was falling apart, but I have always found a way to get back up, reassess, and figure out the next path forward. Even when stepping into a role that did not initially align with my expectations, I learned the importance of finding purpose in the work, building meaningful connections, and recognizing the dedication of the people around me. By focusing on supporting my colleagues, improving processes, and making a positive impact on the overall work environment, I have been able to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is the importance of building authentic relationships and using those connections to create opportunities for others. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from leaders who demonstrate the power of genuine connection, generosity, and service. One mentor who has made a lasting impact on me has shown me that true leadership is not measured by the size of your network, but by the meaningful relationships you build and the positive influence you have on others. I have watched her create successful industry events, bring people together, and support professionals at every stage of their careers not because there was something to gain, but because helping others succeed is simply part of who she is. Her example has reinforced my belief that the strongest networks are built through authenticity, trust, and a genuine commitment to lifting others up. The most influential people are not those who collect the most connections, but those who make every connection meaningful.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to put yourself out there and embrace every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. While I consider myself more introverted and naturally prefer to work behind the scenes, I have learned the value of stepping forward, being visible, and placing myself in situations where new opportunities can emerge. You never know what connection, conversation, or experience may have a lasting impact on your career. I encourage women to remain open-minded, stay curious, and seek opportunities for growth even when they are not directly tied to a job change or immediate goal. Some of the most valuable experiences in my career have come from volunteering as a mentee, attending industry events, and simply making an effort to meet and learn from others. Building relationships, expanding your perspective, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone can create opportunities you never expected.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field come from navigating constant change and embracing new possibilities for growth. Throughout my career, I have experienced several transitions, from moving from retail into hospitality, shifting from traditional hospitality solutions into highly customized architectural lighting, and taking on broader leadership responsibilities. Each change brought unique challenges, but also valuable opportunities to expand my skills, gain new perspectives, and discover new levels of what I could achieve. I have learned that success comes from staying adaptable, remaining curious, and approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset. In an industry where every project presents its own complexities, I see opportunities to create innovative solutions, strengthen relationships, and collaborate with talented teams to deliver meaningful results. Growth happens when we are willing to step outside our comfort zones, embrace change, and view every challenge as an opportunity to improve and build something stronger.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty and integrity. I believe in being authentic, transparent, and approaching every relationship with trust and respect. I do not believe in simply selling something for the sake of making a sale; I believe in truly understanding challenges, finding the right solutions, and determining together whether there is a genuine fit. Doing what is right for clients, colleagues, and the people around me is at the core of how I operate. When you can stand behind your work, know you are making ethical decisions, and feel confident that you are serving others with integrity, that is what creates meaningful and lasting success.
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