The Times Herald Article

Audiomax employees care for their families and their careers

By Carl Rotenberg (Staff Writer)

With the recent promotion of one female manager, an on-hold messaging company has achieved a 50/50 mix of male and female managers.

Creative Manager Karen Kesler became the Vice President of Creative Services at Audiomax late last month after progressing from copywriter and senior account executive over a 10-year period.

Kesler joins Controller Betty Johnston and Dealer Manager Holly Murray in the management ranks.

“Being a woman has not held anyone back at the company,” said Kesler. “Everyone works togther.”

Kesler manages six copywriters and schedules the recording sessions for 20 “voice talent” persons. After giving birth to 4-year-old Brett, Kesler took a 3 ½-month maternity leave from her job. When the Philadelphia resident returned to Audiomax, she worked from home one day a week for a year.

Murray started at the company in 1987 as a marketing assistant. The Whitpain resident became the marketing coordinator in 1990, dealer coordinator in 1994, and dealer manager in late May. Murray coordinates a 100-dealer network that sells and installs the on-hold messaging equipment.

Murray also took a three-month maternity leave after giving birth to Shannon, now 5. When Murray was dealer coordinator, she worked three days a week for the first year after the birth. For the last three years, Murray has worked four days a week, she said.

“It’s nice having a mix of men and women in a business environment,” said Murray. “It’s nice for younger women in our business to see they can grow professionally.”

Johnston joined the Whitpain company in 1996 as an administrative assistant. She progressed to executive assistant in 1998 and controller in 1999. Johnston was an accounting manager for 10 years at L3 of Warminster and the controller at Remax Einhorn Adler of Elkins Park for one year.

“We have a special bond between the women,” said Johnston. “Because we all have a family.”

Kesler believes the company’s flexible work schedules have allowed the three female managers to take care of their families and advance in their professional careers.

“I don’t think any of us would have survived without it,” she said.

The company leases telephone audio equipment and produces on-hold commercials. It is an authorized dealer for Music Choice and DIRECTV programming. The company also provides in-store music systems.

Ken Gehlhaus, an engineer/producer and Craig Shoemaker, a comedian and two-time Emmy award winner started The Hold Company with Robert Horner in 1984. They spent about $10,000 on equipment to get the company started.

Anthony J. Stagliano, Jr. was hired in 1985 to jumpstart sales. He became managing partner in 1987 and bought a majority share of the company from Horner in 1992. The company was renamed Audiomax in the late 1990s to reflect the expanded services.

Audiomax moved five years ago to larger offices at 470 Sentry Parkway East.