You don’t need to stress the importance of establishing a sterling business reputation to Erica Huentelman. The executive assistant for Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises (DME) of Cincinnati has long appreciated embracing the highest of principles and derives no small amount of pride in seeing her company recognized for reflecting lofty standards.
It was Huentelman who applied, on behalf of DME, for the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Torch Award for Ethics in Cincinnati. DME was a finalist the first time out, then captured the honor the following year.
“This experience was incredibly impactful as it demonstrated the strong ethical foundation of DME within my first two years of working for the company,” said Huentelman, a 2024 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “It was a turning point that reinforced my pride in being part of an organization that values integrity and ethical business practices.”
It was quite by chance that Huentelman found herself at the doorstep of DME. She had been studying marketing and design at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash, but realized it wasn’t the path she wanted to take. She assumed a role training managers for the largest indoor beauty and tanning franchise system in the country, a position she held for six and a half years.
Gaining extensive training and employee development experience proved to be a key for Huentelman when she learned from her aunt—a client of DME’s—that the dealership was in need of an executive assistant. Her duties at DME have greatly exceeded the realm of oversight traditionally associated with that role to include sales and marketing and the training/onboarding of new sales reps.
A proactive and innovative approach to business has driven Huentelman’s value proposition. “My passion for learning new things drives me to stay updated with the latest industry trends and continuously improve my skills,” she said. “I take pride in contributing fresh ideas that help our company grow and thrive. Additionally, I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s contributions are valued, and I actively support and mentor my colleagues to achieve their best.”
Molding Greatness
It is not surprising that Huentelman has drawn much knowledge and inspiration from DME’s executive leaders. Jim George, Rich Brandenburg and Tony Donnellon set the stage for her to contribute to DME’s growth path, glean effective sales strategies and become completely fluent in the company’s software systems.
“Each of them has imparted valuable wisdom and guidance, shaping my professional journey and enabling me to excel in my role,” she said.
Huentelman is coming off a year in which she was named a finalist for the Goering Center Rising Leader Award, which reflected her dedication and contributions to the DME team and the industry. She’s currently in the process of becoming Fiery certified and growing her understanding of the production print realm, which is a valued cog in the DME arsenal of products and services. She will also be responsible for training teammates on the technology, making Huentelman a valued conduit to success in that discipline.
Continuing her professional development through gaining new certifications and skills, staying abreast of industry trends and capitalizing on opportunities to expand her knowledge base will enable Huentelman to keep pushing to find her better self. “By continually growing and learning, I can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to my role, contributing to the ongoing success of DME,” she added.
Huentelman may reside in the Cincinnati area, but her heart also belongs to Florida and Colorado, both of which she visits often to catch up with family and friends. She’s an aunt to her best friend’s children, Jaclyn, 6, and Luke, 2, with a third to arrive this month. Although she may have missed her calling as an event planner, Huentelman loves to arrange travel plans and other activities for family and friends, which speaks to her natural “go-to-person” tendencies.
