The 17-in-17 Program Recognizes Joseph Torres at Renaissance Design Studio (Woodland Hills, CA)

The DPHA 17-in-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 Joseph Torres, a Sales/Technical Consultant at Renaissance Design Studio's showroom in Woodland Hills, CA.  

Joseph came to Renaissance Design Studio from outside the DPH field, in fact from the auto industry, which some people think may have contributed to how "fast" he has developed within our industry.  Originally hired to fill a shipping/receiving position, Joseph became the manager of that same department within a year, and subsequently restructured the entire warehouse operation, achieving great new efficiencies.  Since that time, Joseph has also assumed a sales position, selling both hardware and plumbing, generating a large volume of sales while simultaneously continuing to fill his role as the warehouse manager at the Woodland Hills' location.

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

Joseph: 5 years

        

Connections: What has surprised you about the industry?

Joseph: My biggest surprise would be the fast pace; we are fortunate to deal with multi-million dollar projects. With so much at stake, you would think that people would want to slow down and make sure things are precise, but I hear on a daily basis, "I need this like last week."  For the most part things work out, but there's been situations where it didn't and made things worst. 

 

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

Joseph: I have faced this challenge multiple times, and it's something that will continue to occur because we're a showroom that believes that nothing is impossible. Our clients constantly challenge us to create things that don't exist. I've been in situations where I've had to design, engineer, and execute a component/product for the first time. We don't believe in the word "no" or "can't."

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

Joseph: I believe I've heard this from someone else but it's true - not every day is the same. You may leave one day having solved a certain set of problems, but the following day you will walk into another set of challenges that are completely different. This industry definitely challenges you and keeps you on your toes at the same time.

Connections: Anything else you would like to add?

Joseph: Thank you again for this honor and consideration.

If you would like to nominate someone for 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?