The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Yana Haralanova from RepCor

The DPHA 17-on-17 Program recognizes up-and-coming influencers in the decorative plumbing and hardware business. This program will profile 17 DPHA members with 10 or less years of experience. Each month from June through October 2017, members will be inducted into the 17-in-17 club, and their stories will be featured in DPHA's weekly newsletter, Connections. This week we recognize Yana Haralanova of RepCor in northern California.

In the last few years, Yana has grown from a novice to the leader of the luxury team at her company, where she now serves as their Director of Luxury Sales and Marketing. She is not only intelligent, but she is engaged in making herself and her entire company better. When her company recently began representing a very big product line, she stepped up by managing and training her team on the new line while at the same time keeping all of her customers up-to-date. She is enthusiastic about the DPH industry - to Yana, her work is more than just a job and her enthusiasm is contagious. We are also told that it's smart to hang out with her at ISH, since she speaks German. 

 

Connections: How long have you been in the DPH industry?

Yana: Almost 10 years now.   

Connections:What has surprised you about the industry?

Yana: Interesting question. There have been so many unexpected turns and astonishing revelations. To name a few - the importance of sustainable and sensible water management, emphasized by the drought in California (and the lack of understanding of the water system by the governing bodies), the commitment of the people in our industry to educate ourselves and get involved with associations and charitable organizations; the ongoing battle of brick-and-mortar stores and the internet players. Therefore, I have to say the biggest surprise of the industry is how ever-changing and perpetually challenging it is.

Connections: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in our industry?

Yana: One of my favorite things about our industry is it's history and age. The plumbing system in the US predates the electrical and phone systems. As such though, we, it's members, are often reluctant to change, to accept new technologies, materials or even methods of communication. It would be great to see the application of technology spread further among industry members.  

 

Connections: What do you enjoy about being in this industry?

Yana: This will sound a bit cliche, but truly, I enjoy the community. Throughout the years I have made numerous friends and even more so, I have had many colleagues actively engage with my career, providing guidance, advice and mentoring through rough times. I am extremely grateful for everyone's support and I try to reciprocate or pay it forward whenever I can. 

 

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Yana: Thank you DPHA for this recognition. It has been such a great pleasure getting to know everyone and being involved with this organization. 

If you would like to nominate someone for inclusion in the 17-in-17 program, click here to download the nomination form, complete it and send your nomination to Jim Babbitt via email at jbabbitt@dpha.net or fax to 866-623-6180. It takes only a few minutes to complete a nomination form, but isn't that time well spent for recognizing someone who is making an impact on your business and/or our industry?