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March 28, 2024Top of the Chain with Zach Romero
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING - BLACKLINE HHP
A layoff became the turning point for Zach Romero’s career. After his job ended in the aerospace industry, his career with Blackline HHP began. As vice president of sales and marketing, Zach uses his strength of attention to detail to strategically position the company. Their proprietary formula for black vinyl fencing allows it to maintain color and durability through the years.
YOUR CAREER PATH SEEMS TO HAVE POSITIONED YOU WELL FOR A CAREER WITH BLACKLINE HHP.
I was an inspector with several companies years ago, and then I worked in the aerospace industry. I was laid off from there in 2009. I think my attention to detail is a great advantage today, whether it be the actual product quality or the little things when it comes to communicating and creating relationships with customers.
Blackline HHP specializes in black vinyl fences. The HHP in our name stands for high heat performance. Our proprietary formula allows it to stay true to color and durable. Our customers are looking for a particular outcome and maintaining our focus on details allows us to maintain our high standard of quality.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The owners of Blackline HHP have made all the difference in my career. They are the main reason I stuck around for a while and then I grew to love the industry. I saw there was a career in the fencing industry and with BlacklineHHP. I also like that we are a very niche product. I enjoy being the go-to guy for our specific products.
WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF THE FENCE INDUSTRY, IN YOUR OPINION?
The public’s need for security and aesthetic upgrades to their properties makes this industry stable. I also like how those in the industry work well together; it seems to have gone to a higher level in the last few years.
SINCE YOU’VE BEEN IN SALES FOR 15 YEARS, WHAT WOULD YOU DESCRIBE AS KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL SALES CAREER?
Being able to listen to your customer first and foremost; and then realizing that, at times, you might not be the best fit for them. You must have a network in place so that you can direct customers to where they should go if it’s not you.
WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF BLACKLINE HHP?
Our unique formula has proven performance. We have created a reputation in our industry that has allowed our customers to become great ambassadors for us.
WHO HAS HELPED PROVIDE YOU WITH MOTIVATION OR MENTORSHIP?
The pastor of my church and my grandfather have helped me. They have similar work ethics and outlooks for careers. My grandfather lived halfway across the country and would help me out over the phone, but my pastor became the present father figure in my life who pushed me and taught me a good work ethic. He often said, “Success cometh to those who worketh their guts out.”
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY WHEN YOU’RE NOT ON THE JOB?
I love spending time with my family and enjoying my first grandson. I have a second grandson on the way. My wife and I also enjoy going on cruises and now that our kids are older, we are starting to do that more often.