Must Read | PPAI’s 2024 Women of Achievement can help you navigate these challenges and find solutions that work for your business.” Having a mentor can accelerate someone’s learning curve, help them avoid costly mistakes and increase their chances of success in the industry, she adds. McMaster is also heavily involved in various church activities, including playing piano for worship services, and she volunteers at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center reading to patients after delivering evening meal trays. She also assists Band Together NC, helping to raise over $1 million annually for local nonprofits. “Janet’s contributions to our industry and her community aren’t just a list of accomplishments; they’re a testament to her leadership, passion for helping others and ability to inspire those around her,” says nominator Danny Rosin, CAS, president and co-owner of Brand Fuel – ranked the No. 46 distributor in the 2024 PPAI 100 – and cofounder of Band Together NC. ‘You Don’t Travel This Journey Alone’ Fellow nominator Jo-an Lantz, MAS, president and CEO of Geiger, has worked alongside McMaster for more than 30 years. “Her evolution as a leader embodies what the Woman of Achievement award was designed for and embodies what the WLC is all about,” Lantz says. “She began her career providing sales support to Geiger sales partners. Her career goal was to expand her responsibilities to a future leadership position within the company. Over the course of her career, step by step and risk by risk, Janet did so by rising to the level of vice president.” All the while, Lantz adds, she became a mentor, sponsor and leader to others outside of Geiger. “What Janet won’t say is how much courage it took for her to step out of her comfort zone time after time for her own personal achievements, as well as to assist others to reach their goals,” she says. “Janet is strong, courageous, ethical, kind, knowledgeable, warm, friendly and has the unique ability to stand up for what is right. Janet holds truth to power, which is rare in today’s society.” McMaster credits her remarkable longevity and success to emulating industry mentors and leaders, such as Lantz, Rosin, Rita Smith, Mary Ellen Sokalski, Dale Johnson-Cornell, Daryll Griffin, Pat Dugan and Fred Snyder. “You don’t travel this journey alone,” McMaster says. “I’m always eager to encourage and empower the women leaders of tomorrow. Our industry’s future depends on it.” 36 • JULY 2024 • PPAI
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