[1][2] Prior to Hot Topic, McLaughlin worked for Millers Outpost and The Broadway in finance, merchandising, and operations roles.
[3] McLaughlin joined Hot Topic as the vice president of operations in 1993 when the company was in its start up stage and had 15 stores.
In 2000, McLaughlin succeeded Hot Topic founder Orv Madden as CEO of the company and was appointed to the board of directors.
In 2001, McLaughlin founded the second Hot Topic division called Torrid (NYSE:CURV), a plus-size retail chain aimed at young women.
McLaughlin has received a number of awards for her "think outside the box" approach to strategy and leadership, specifically the recruiting and training of a primarily young work force to manage brick and mortar locations.