Alumni Stories: Abbigale Gerrish

PCA alum Abbigale Gerrish began at PCA in Kindergarten and graduated from PCA in 2015. Now a Marketing Manager with PORT Lighting, Abbi shares her journey in the following interview about her time at PCA and how it impacts her today.

What made you decide to attend Endicott College after graduating from PCA?

I initially chose Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, for its strong business school and Division 1 equestrian team. However, after one semester, I transferred to Endicott College in 2017 to be closer to home and family. Endicott offered both a Division 3 Equestrian Team and an excellent business program, which aligned with my goals. Having been a competitive equestrian during my time at PCA, I wanted to continue pursuing the sport while following my passion for business.

In 2020, I graduated magna cum laude from Endicott College with a double major in Marketing and Business Management, and in 2021, I completed my Master of Business Administration degree. I secured a job right after graduation as a Supervisor of Customer Service & Logistics Operations at AOTCO Metal Finishing. My experience in this position transitioned into the role of Quality Manager at their sister facility Plating for Electronics in Waltham, MA.

Although I still ride competitively, I transitioned to the dressage discipline after several accidents that required multiple surgeries. For the past two years, I’ve been riding at a private facility in Hampton Falls and thoroughly enjoying it.

What are you up to now?

I currently live in Portsmouth, NH, and work as the Marketing Manager at PORT Lighting, a company founded by my father, Todd Gerrish. Working for my dad has always been a dream of mine, as I’ve been inspired by the business, he built from the ground up. Starting in his parents’ garage, his hard work and dedication helped grow the company into a leader in the event lighting industry, serving clients across the country.

As a Marketing Manager, I focus on generating qualified leads through inbound marketing strategies, including blogs, social media, paid advertising, and SEO optimization. While we’re well-established in the Northeast, we’re working to expand our key initiatives nationwide.

I am also deeply passionate about advocating for women in business and ensuring that women have a seat at the table. While I can’t single-handedly change every industry, if I can make a difference by being successful and helping to pave the way for others someday, that’s what I will strive to do.

How has PCA aided in your success?

PCA made me feel well-prepared for college. The academic workload was realistic, so I never felt overwhelmed, and it helped me build the skills needed to succeed. The strong relationships I developed with my teachers also made me comfortable asking for help when needed, a skill that carried over into college. I was able to approach my professors openly and build meaningful relationships with them, and that support played a significant role in my academic success. I still maintain some of those connections with my PCA teachers today.

Do you have any favorite memories or highlights from your time at PCA?

All my memories of PCA are positive. I especially remember Dr. Connie Lawrence discussing learning styles, which helped me discover that I’m a common-sense learner. This understanding allowed me to optimize my learning approach and grow. I also have fond memories of Dr. Pease and Mrs. Morris, and I really liked all my teachers. PCA was always supportive, accommodating my absences and helping me manage schoolwork while I traveled for horse shows and competitions.

How did your time at PCA affect your walk with the Lord?

PCA helped shape my walk with the Lord and keep me involved spiritually. My parents are believers, and I attended youth group as an adolescent and sang in the church choir. My time at PCA encouraged my involvement during a time when some teens began distancing themselves from God. I am still a believer, carrying the Lord with me, and it affects the decisions I make daily.

My time with Abbigale made it clear that she values hard work and servanthood. According to one of her teachers,

“Abbigale was a dedicated student from day one.” Her fourth-grade teacher noted: “Abbi showed kindness when she assisted a classmate by picking up items that the student had dropped on the floor. She always sought to be a helper, offering to tidy up the classroom at dismissal. She demonstrated stewardship as she voluntarily cleaned up the playground at recess. And she modeled servanthood when she and some other students all gave up their recess to clean the gym.”

Along with hard work, Abbi is a believer in family and legacy as she stands alongside her father as Marketing Manager to further advance the family business.