Cheryl L. White is the president and chief executive officer of National Access Design, a leading company specializing in new business development, sales management, and marketing strategy. With a career spanning more than three decades, Ms. White has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Her journey is an inspiring testament to her commitment to business growth and community empowerment.
Ms. White’s academic foundation in marketing began at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing in 1992. Her passion for business and keen strategic insights led her to excel in various roles, including as the national sales manager at Custom Quality Products, Inc. She honed her sales management and marketing strategy skills for ten years before transitioning to National Access Design in 2011. Ms. White now oversees the company’s overall operations as president and CEO.
In her role, Ms. White’s responsibilities are diverse and demanding. She manages a team of 13 employees, providing guidance and support to ensure the company’s success. Her daily operations involve overseeing the sales team, training new members, and working closely with the accounting department to resolve collection and setup issues. Her leadership style is hands-on, and she prioritizes tasks based on the evolving needs of her employees and the business. Recently, she participated in the national restaurant show in Chicago, a crucial event that generated numerous leads for the company. Ms. White diligently follows up on those leads, demonstrating her commitment to expanding National Access Design’s market reach.
As a sponsor of the Enterprising Women Foundation and Mount Washington Community, Ms. White has consistently demonstrated her dedication to making a positive impact. Her commitment to community service is further highlighted by her involvement in the upcoming Impact Agape event. Ms. White and her colleagues will educate students about manufacturing and the significant role women play in the industry. Through facility tours and hands-on experiences, she aims to inspire young minds and encourage them to explore careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. She understands the importance of fostering a learning environment within her company and the community. To this end, she engages students in interactive learning experiences, such as distributing rulers and offering small monetary incentives to encourage mathematical thinking. These initiatives reflect her broader goal of creating a culture of giving back within her company and the community.
Ms. White’s journey has not been without its challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she has faced her share of obstacles and instances of gender bias. Despite being the owner, she has often been mistaken for a salesperson, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women in business. Competitors have occasionally underestimated her capabilities, but Ms. White’s resilience and determination have earned her respect and recognition. She attributes much of her success to her commitment to continuing education for herself and her employees. She believes in the value of learning something new daily, a philosophy that has propelled her and her team to greater heights. By engaging in various community groups throughout Cincinnati and constantly seeking opportunities to expand into new markets, Ms. White fosters a culture of growth within National Access Design.
Ms. White’s vision for the future of National Access Design is ambitious and clear. Over the next five to ten years, Ms. White aims to grow the company to achieve $13 million in sales. She recognizes that expanding into new markets will present challenges and learning curves, but her dedication to providing employment opportunities and supporting her team remains unwavering. She takes great pride in the progress her employees have made, and she is confident that they will continue to improve their performance. Her gratitude for her team’s hard work and support is evident, particularly during challenging times. Ms. White’s leadership style is characterized by her focus on empowering her employees and fostering a positive work environment that allows everyone to thrive.
Looking ahead, Ms. White is excited about the future and the opportunities for her company. She remains dedicated to driving business success while making a meaningful difference in the community. Whether through her work at National Access Design or her involvement in various civic initiatives, Ms. White embodies the principles of leadership, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.