Growing Leaders from Within: The Homegrown Managers of ListenUp

At ListenUp, we have always believed that our greatest strength is our people. For nearly five decades, our company has grown alongside the careers of employees who started in entry level roles and worked their way into leadership positions. This culture of promotion from within reflects our commitment to supporting the career goals of every individual while building a team that understands our history, our customers, and our values.

Benjamin Larkin – From Sales Floor to President

Benjamin joined ListenUp in 2007 as a Sales Consultant. His defining moment came when he managed an installation project in Breckenridge that became the largest in company history. Ben’s colleagues still recall how flawlessly he ran the project, which quickly became a point of pride for the company. From there, Benjamin moved into technical operations, then general management, and ultimately into the role of President. His story reminds us that initiative and excellence in one opportunity can open the door to a lifetime of leadership.

Hallie Gallagher – Building Marketing Leadership

In 2019, Hallie was hired as a Marketing Specialist, bringing fresh perspective and strong enthusiasm for creative problem solving. She quickly advanced into roles as Marketing Strategist and Digital Marketing Manager, where she helped shape campaigns and drive engagement. Each time the department faced change or leadership gaps, Hallie was the one who stepped forward to keep everything moving upward. Today she serves as Director of Marketing, a role she earned by consistently proving her leadership and vision.

Sarah Tompkins – Discovering the Right Fit

Sarah’s background when first hired was in the education industry as a librarian, but a friend encouraged her to apply at ListenUp. She originally interviewed for an accounting role, but left such an impression that two departments wanted to hire her. She joined e-commerce as an assistant, where her hard work and curiosity stood out. Sarah later became Brand Manager and now serves as Purchasing Manager. Sarah’s path highlights how new opportunities can uncover unexpected talents that shape a lasting career at ListenUp.

Evan Stinson – Learning the Business From Every Angle

As the son of ListenUp’s founders, Evan could have taken a shortcut into leadership, but instead he began as a summer installer at age fourteen. Evan grew up around ListenUp, but his career began like many others, as a teenager pulling wire on job sites. Over the years he worked in support, warehouse operations, sales, and project management. He later managed the ListenUp Boulder store before moving into general management and eventually becoming Vice President of Omnichannel Operations. Evan’s journey proves that at ListenUp, leadership is earned through experience, not given by name.

Jeffrey Blundell – Technical Expertise Into Leadership

Jeff began in 2010 as an installer and within months was promoted to the team’s lead installer. He steadily advanced through project coordination, project management, and technical operations roles. In 2025, he became Chief of Staff for Technical Operations, overseeing technical strategies across the company. Colleagues describe him as someone who leads with both technical depth and a steady hand, making him a natural fit for executive leadership.

Tanya Arnold – Balancing Growth and Life Goals

When Tanya joined ListenUp in 2008, she left a senior accounting role elsewhere in search of a better work-life balance. She started as a payroll clerk, but quickly showed her ability to take on more. She became Accounting Manager, then transitioned into HR leadership, and today is our People, Payroll, and Process Manager. Tanya’s career demonstrates that at ListenUp, growth can align with personal goals, and leadership opportunities exist for those who want them.

From left to right: Hallie Gallagher, Evan Stinson, Sarah Tompkins, Benjamin Larkin,Tanya Arnold, Christine Dungo, Orlando Sanchez,and Jeffrey Blundell — leaders who grew their careers at ListenUp.

Orlando Sanchez – Leading Where He Grew

Orlando began his career with Hudson’s in Albuquerque before the store became part of ListenUp in 2013. He continued as a Sales Administrator, taking on everything from scheduling and inventory to sales and even installations when needed. By the time the Branch Manager role opened in 2024, Orlando was the clear choice. His journey reflects long standing dedication to both the company and the community he now leads.

Christine Dungo – Turning Ambition Into Achievement

Christine joined ListenUp in 2018 as a Senior Accountant after establishing her career as a CPA and state auditor in the Philippines. From the start, she impressed the team with her expertise and drive. In her interview she was asked where she hoped to be in five years and replied that she wanted her manager’s role. True to her word, in November 2023 she was promoted to Accounting Manager almost exactly five years later. Today, she is recognized not only for her financial skills, but also for the focus and ambition that continue to shape her leadership.

The ListenUp Way:  A Tradition of Promoting from Within

These are just a few of the stories that define ListenUp’s culture. We believe that leadership is built over time, with hands-on experience and dedication. By promoting from within, we not only strengthen our team, but also honor the history and values that have shaped ListenUp since  1972.

Our managers may have started in sales, warehouses, or support desks, but today they lead departments and stores with the same passion they had on their first day. That is the ListenUp way: investing in people and watching them grow into the best versions of themselves.