Arie Anderson

For Arie Anderson, having goals, ambition and building connections with others has been a key to her success. Anderson is the External Affairs Coordinator at W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc. For more than 60 years, Jacksonville-based W.W. Gay has been a leading full-service mechanical contracting firm known for premier expertise and professionalism in providing HVAC, plumbing and mechanical services.

In her role, which is a new position in a newly created department, Anderson supports employee and stakeholder relationships, market engagement activities, community involvement and strategic communication efforts that strengthen and support W.W. Gay’s visibility and growth efforts in Jacksonville and the company’s regional markets throughout Florida and Georgia. Anderson said working at W.W. Gay is a natural fit.

“I absolutely love my job,” Anderson said. “No day is ever the same.”

Anderson works in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities. She manages multiple projects simultaneously while supporting executive-level initiatives. Her role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail and adaptability. Anderson enjoys collaborating with others and seeing W.W. Gay thrive.

“I enjoy building relationships with others and learning from them,” Anderson said.

Originally from Melbourne Beach, Fla., Anderson worked at a surf shop while in high school. Proficient with a camera, she helped her boss with marketing activities and enjoyed the work. He encouraged her to pursue a career in marketing. She looked at colleges and universities across the state but was drawn to Northeast Florida’s proximity to the ocean.

“Jacksonville is the coolest place to live,” said Anderson, who loves to surf and fish.

Anderson graduated from UNF in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing with minors in digital marketing and analytics and entrepreneurship. Prior to graduation, she completed an internship that provided diverse hands-on experience in marketing for a home health company and a boating manufacturer.

“Marketing has opened many doors and opportunities for me,” Anderson said.

Following graduation, Anderson formed a freelance marketing business, Arie Ocean Productions LLC, with her internship clients becoming her first clients. While running her own business was a dream and afforded her the opportunity to travel, Anderson wanted more. She began searching for corporate and company marketing positions and learned about the opportunity at W.W. Gay through a family friend. She connected with company leaders and joined the team in April 2026.

“Networking doesn’t start and end at a college career fair,” Anderson said. “It’s important to cultivate your connections and be open to all opportunities.”

As Anderson’s career pathway has demonstrated, one of the most important skills for any professional is the ability to build connections with others. Connections are bridges that provide links to opportunities, resources, knowledge, and support. They can help job seekers strengthen their career pathway, expand their network, and achieve their goals.

“I’m blessed that my efforts connecting have led to greater opportunities,” Anderson said. “It’s important to surround yourself with others and put your best foot forward in everything you do.”