In our July Women In PHCP spotlight, we invite you to meet Brenda Cashdollar, vice president of Synergy Sales NW! 

PHCPPros: What is your role in the PHCP industry? 

Cashdollar: I am a principal and minority owner of Synergy Sales NW, a manufacturer’s rep firm in the Pacific Northwest. I have always worked on the rep side of the PHCP industry.  

PHCPPros: Why did you enter a career in the industry? 

Cashdollar: I entered the PHCP industry as a temporary job out of college. After spending six months in the industry, I began to develop a passion for it, along with for the customers we serve and the manufacturers we represent. Twenty-seven years later, I can’t imagine doing anything else. 

PHCPPros: What are some of your career highlights? 

Cashdollar: Starting Synergy Sales NW is my No. 1 highlight! In 2014, Jay Hollabaugh and I started this agency along with five additional colleagues who took a leap of faith with us. When Synergy Sales NW was formed, we only had a vision — we did not have any manufacturers to represent! Our first lines were Delta Faucet and MAAX; they were the cornerstone of Synergy. In 2019, we purchased another manufacturers rep agency. Today, we are 24 people strong and represent a line card of esteemed manufacturers. This journey has been humbling and gratifying. 

PHCPPros: What are your experiences with women mentors or mentees?

Cashdollar: There have been many women mentors along the way. My first mentor in the industry was Mary Hollabaugh. Mary invited me into the industry while looking for a job in my chosen field straight out of college. If it wasn’t for that invitation, my life would look much different today. I am thankful for everything this industry has taught me. Mary has been a cheerleader and supporter each step of the way!

I am not formally in a mentor/mentee relationship, but I strive to mentor the younger women in my company in a more natural, day-to-day way. Recently in an employee review, one of these women became teary eyed and told me how much I meant to her personally and professionally. That is what makes it all worth it!

PHCPPros: What advice would you give to women entering this industry?

Cashdollar: Be confident, be brave, strive for excellence, but most importantly, be you. Everyone has something unique to offer, and that only shines through when we are our genuine selves. Finally, use your voice to lift others up while sharing your ideas and insights. 

PHCPPros: How can the industry better recruit and retain women? 

Cashdollar: We need to start pursuing girls when they are school age. Engage with the schools to give girls a taste of what our industry has to offer. I believe this is true for all recruits to the PHCP industry, but especially for women. 

PHCPPros: What does it mean to receive this honor? 

Cashdollar: I am humbled. There are so many strong women in our industry, and it is my pleasure to work alongside many of them. I am a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. I have never been one to self-promote, so I was surprised when asked to be interviewed for this article.   

PHCPPros: Is there anything from your personal life you'd like to highlight?

Cashdollar: I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 27 years, and we have two boys who have grown into amazing young men. My three guys are my “why."