Darlene Akers, CEO of Akers Business Solutions, began her term as the 2025 Chair of the Education Market Association on January 1. Read more about her experience in the education market and her goals for enhancing the association’s role as a platform for networking and professional growth that helps members connect, learn, and grow together.
When was your company founded and how?
As I learned very early in my career, and live by today, an opportunity can present itself when you least expect it! After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in Information Systems Management, I started my career as a Programmer and Data Systems Manager at Citicorp. However, I soon discovered that I had a passion for the sales process and transitioned to selling banking systems to large banks across the country.
During a train ride to a meeting in New York City, I met a Rep Principal who intrigued my interest in the industry. Following our conversation, I received a job offer to work for his rep group. To follow my long-standing dream of owning my own business one day, I accepted the offer. That dream became a reality 23 years ago when I founded Akers Business Solutions! It’s interesting how life offers so many different paths, and I’m truly grateful for the one that I have chosen.
What makes your company unique?
I am extremely proud to say that Akers Business Solutions stands out as one of the few women-owned manufacturers’ representative groups in our industry. I am thrilled to have earned our “Women Owned Small Business” certification, a valuable asset for manufacturers and end users who prioritize diversity in their operations.
Our company is deeply committed to mentoring women in leadership roles. I am a founding member of the Bold Women Collective, a platform that encourages women to reflect on their goals and to connect with other industry executives. We inspire women to believe in their own potential. This dedication to promoting “leadHERship” and empowering women is what makes us truly unique.
How does your firm assist others in the market?
At Akers Business Solutions, we help others succeed in the market by providing a comprehensive range of high-quality, award-winning sales professionals. Our distinctive approach ensures that our clients receive exceptional service and expertise.
It’s not every day you get to work alongside your friends, and the camaraderie in our industry is amazing.
If you’re not familiar with the representative model, here’s how it works: WE ARE YOUR SALES TEAM! A manufacturer’s representative is an outsourced field sales organization that operates within a specific territory, selling related, non-competing products for multiple manufacturers. Our income is commission-based, so we’re highly motivated to deliver results.
Unlike traditional sales teams, we don’t take physical possession of the products. Instead, the manufacturer ships the products directly to the distributor or customer. Our primary goal is to promote our manufacturers, building their brand and driving sales growth. This model allows us to focus on expanding market reach and increasing sales for our manufacturers and clients.
What do you like best about the educational products industry?
I love the incredible sense of community. There are so many things to value, but the people truly stand out. It’s not every day you get to work alongside your friends, and the camaraderie in our industry is amazing. We all genuinely want to support each other for the common good of the students’ well-being by providing exceptional learning environments.
What are you most proud of?
When reflecting on this question, the answer that resonates deeply with me is undoubtedly my children. The journey of parenthood, shared with my husband, has been the most rewarding and fulfilling experience of our lives.
Raising our children who are now successful adults, has been a labor of love, filled with countless moments of joy and growth. We have always emphasized the importance of kindness, integrity, and perseverance, and seeing these qualities manifest in our adult children is a source of immense pride. One of the most gratifying aspects of parenthood is witnessing our children develop into compassionate, responsible, and independent individuals. Their successes, both big and small, reflect the love and guidance we have provided.
As a working mom, I have often grappled with “mommy guilt”, questioning whether I was doing enough for our children. All parents worry about the choices we make and the impact they have on our kids’ futures. However, as our children grew into successful adults, I began to see the profound influence my actions and values had on their lives. I firmly believe one of the most significant ways parents shape their children’s careers is by setting examples of hard work and following their dreams. So, while “mommy guilt” is a common feeling, I found that my dedication and passion was paving the way for my children’s successes. Now I celebrate their achievements and take pride in the role I played in their journey.
How had EDmarket helped your business?
EDmarket is crucial to my business, providing networking opportunities, professional development, advocacy, resources, and support. Leveraging these benefits enhances our performance, strengthens relationships with manufacturers and clients, and drives greater success. Additionally, the Bold Women Collective brings me joy as I connect, learn, and share with other women leaders in our industry. Finally, our mentoring program, for NEXGEN EDmarket leaders, has fostered lifelong friendships.
What do you see as the most important role EDmarket can play in the market?
EDmarket plays a crucial role in the educational products and services market by acting as a central hub for industry professionals. By facilitating connections, promoting innovation, providing professional development, advocating for quality and supporting strategic planning, EDmarket has been driving positive changes in the education sector.
What are your top goals to accomplish as Chair of the Board?
I have several key goals in mind. Expanding our membership base is a top priority, particularly by increasing the number of organizations in the higher education sector. Additionally, I aim to enhance the association’s role as a platform for networking and professional growth, helping members connect, learn, and grow together.
What would you like to see EDmarket champion?
We are incredibly fortunate that EDmarket has already championed one of my passions by providing a platform to support women in leadership. Throughout my life, I have passionately advocated for women’s empowerment. Several years ago, we launched the Bold Women Collection, offering female members a space to connect, share, and learn from one another. This program is designed to help women find mentors, build networks, and create opportunities for both friendship and business.
The EDmarket team has been immensely supportive. We started with only annual gatherings, but since moved to monthly meetings due to popular demand. Now, we are excited to announce the creation of an upcoming podcast featuring guest speakers, allowing all members to listen at their convenience. We look forward to continuing this important work and seeing the positive impact it has on our members’ lives. By doing so, I believe the EDmarket will benefit from these advances.
Taking full advantage of all the benefits, membership can greatly enhance our ability to reach our objectives, creating a positive cycle of growth and support.
How can the membership assist you in reaching these goals?
Members’ support is a key factor in achieving our goals by strengthening the growth of our industry’s membership. Taking full advantage of all the benefits, membership can greatly enhance our ability to reach our objectives, creating a positive cycle of growth and support.
What one piece of advice would you give others in our industry?
If you’re not already a member of EDmarket, now is the perfect time to join. As a member, you’ll gain access to a vibrant network of thought leaders and numerous growth opportunities.
EDmarket provides a variety of programs tailored to different needs, such as NexGen which supports the rising stars in our industry, and the Chairman’s Roundtable offering insights to stay ahead in the ever-evolving market. There are many additional benefits you will realize if you join EDmarket and there truly is something for everyone in our industry. COME JOIN US!