Career Journey with Candace Farmer
Meet Candace (she/her), Sales Manager, Defense and Intelligence at CDW! Before joining CDW, she worked as an Automobile Sales Rep and Finance Manager in Training at Metro Ford. With extensive experience leading teams in Sales, Finance, Operations and Retail over the past 28 years, she’s been a key component of some of CDW’s most important projects.
We talked to Candace about her inspirational career journey and experience in working different roles at CDW. Here’s what she had to say.
You are joining a great family. There are many careers for you to sink your teeth in. Don’t be afraid to show up, show who you are and go for your dreams. You can accomplish them here.
– Candace Farmer, sales manager, defense and intelligence, CDW
What was your path to CDW?
I was introduced to CDW by a technician in our Configuration Center back in 1993. He was eating lunch at a nearby mall and he was wearing a bright red sweatshirt with a logo that read “Circle of Service.” I asked him what was the meaning of the logo. He began to explain that CDW was a technology company and that the logo was its brand. He also enthusiastically said that they lived by this statement. That everyone works together to make sure they keep happy customers.
He was so excited to work for this place that I had to go look them up. I couldn’t find much information, but I saw an ad in the Chicago Tribune which said they were hiring, so I applied a year later and was hired in 1994.
What are the roles you've held at CDW?
I have been fortunate to have contributed to many areas in my 28 years here. I have had many roles in the Finance/Accounting area, Operations (ICAN, Retail Sales/Will Call), and I have spent the last 12 years on the Sales side of the organization in Higher Education, Corporate and currently Federal Sales - DOD & Intelligence.
Did you learn different skills in each role?
Absolutely! I have been so fortunate to learn and enhance my accounting skills, financials, lean six sigma techniques, repair installations, and lastly building customer and partner relationships. I’ve learned so much on how to help customers improve their technology environments and business outcomes.
How did the opportunity to work in a number of different roles allow you to be more successful?
This has its pros and cons. On one hand, I am a Jack of all trades. Meaning I am well versed, connected, resourceful and can get the mission accomplished. On the other hand, this can keep you moving lateral instead of upward, because someone can always use your experience. The joy in all this is I have never been bored over my 28 years because I have had the opportunity to conquer a new experience every 3-4 years of my career.
What are the benefits of changing jobs internally?
Changing jobs internally is a huge plus because leaders, peers and coworkers know what you can contribute to their line of business. Also, it allows you to continue to build your network and build relationships that help the business to continue to excel and grow.
How has CDW supported your career development?
CDW has allowed me to follow my own path, be authentic and find my happiness.
One word to describe CDW:
Inclusive. CDW has been on a huge journey to become the place where everyone feels like they matter and their cause matters. The past two years I served as the Co-Chair of BRAVE — our LGBTQ Business Resource Group — and the support has been incredible. Our membership has grown exponentially the past 3 years to over one thousand coworkers because they feel comfortable being themselves or allies of this group.
What advice do you have for others interested in a career at CDW?
You are joining a great family. There are many careers for you to sink your teeth in. Don’t be afraid to show up, show who you are and go for your dreams. You can accomplish them here.
At CDW, we’re honored to help positive, success-driven coworkers achieve their professional goals. Check out our career opportunities to join the CDW family.
– CDW Team
Meet Candace (she/her), Sales Manager, Defense and Intelligence at CDW! Before joining CDW, she worked as an Automobile Sales Rep and Finance Manager in Training at Metro Ford. With extensive experience leading teams in Sales, Finance, Operations and Retail over the past 28 years, she’s been a key component of some of CDW’s most important projects.
We talked to Candace about her inspirational career journey and experience in working different roles at CDW. Here’s what she had to say.
You are joining a great family. There are many careers for you to sink your teeth in. Don’t be afraid to show up, show who you are and go for your dreams. You can accomplish them here.
– Candace Farmer, sales manager, defense and intelligence, CDW
What was your path to CDW?
I was introduced to CDW by a technician in our Configuration Center back in 1993. He was eating lunch at a nearby mall and he was wearing a bright red sweatshirt with a logo that read “Circle of Service.” I asked him what was the meaning of the logo. He began to explain that CDW was a technology company and that the logo was its brand. He also enthusiastically said that they lived by this statement. That everyone works together to make sure they keep happy customers.
He was so excited to work for this place that I had to go look them up. I couldn’t find much information, but I saw an ad in the Chicago Tribune which said they were hiring, so I applied a year later and was hired in 1994.
What are the roles you've held at CDW?
I have been fortunate to have contributed to many areas in my 28 years here. I have had many roles in the Finance/Accounting area, Operations (ICAN, Retail Sales/Will Call), and I have spent the last 12 years on the Sales side of the organization in Higher Education, Corporate and currently Federal Sales - DOD & Intelligence.
Did you learn different skills in each role?
Absolutely! I have been so fortunate to learn and enhance my accounting skills, financials, lean six sigma techniques, repair installations, and lastly building customer and partner relationships. I’ve learned so much on how to help customers improve their technology environments and business outcomes.
How did the opportunity to work in a number of different roles allow you to be more successful?
This has its pros and cons. On one hand, I am a Jack of all trades. Meaning I am well versed, connected, resourceful and can get the mission accomplished. On the other hand, this can keep you moving lateral instead of upward, because someone can always use your experience. The joy in all this is I have never been bored over my 28 years because I have had the opportunity to conquer a new experience every 3-4 years of my career.
What are the benefits of changing jobs internally?
Changing jobs internally is a huge plus because leaders, peers and coworkers know what you can contribute to their line of business. Also, it allows you to continue to build your network and build relationships that help the business to continue to excel and grow.
How has CDW supported your career development?
CDW has allowed me to follow my own path, be authentic and find my happiness.
One word to describe CDW:
Inclusive. CDW has been on a huge journey to become the place where everyone feels like they matter and their cause matters. The past two years I served as the Co-Chair of BRAVE — our LGBTQ Business Resource Group — and the support has been incredible. Our membership has grown exponentially the past 3 years to over one thousand coworkers because they feel comfortable being themselves or allies of this group.
What advice do you have for others interested in a career at CDW?
You are joining a great family. There are many careers for you to sink your teeth in. Don’t be afraid to show up, show who you are and go for your dreams. You can accomplish them here.
At CDW, we’re honored to help positive, success-driven coworkers achieve their professional goals. Check out our career opportunities to join the CDW family.
– CDW Team
