Anthony Talarico of ESU brings a unique background in engineering and contracting to his role as a manufacturer’s representative. With years of hands-on experience in electrical and energy projects, Anthony offers customers practical insights into how Champion Fiberglass® products can address their needs.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you got into sales.
I’m originally from the East Coast and earned a degree in energy engineering from Penn State. For about eight years, I worked on the contracting side of the electrical industry in commercial solar and electrical projects. That experience gave me a strong understanding of what contractors prioritize and how projects are executed. Later, I worked at Rivian Automotive on the EV charging team and with Voltera Power on fleet electrification projects. I then transitioned into the manufacturer’s representative space with ESU. Although this is my first sales role, my project management and contracting background gives me insight into customer needs and sets me apart in the industry.
How do you position Champion Fiberglass products as solutions for customers? Can you share a specific feature or benefit that customers find particularly valuable?
I think of Champion Fiberglass as an asset in my tool belt. The key is matching the product to the right application. For example, Champion Fiberglass is safer, lighter, and easier to handle on the job site. Its superior heat dissipation and lower coefficient of friction often make a real difference for contractors, especially when pulling long runs of conduit. My goal is to help customers identify where fiberglass is the best solution without overselling, so they see us as a trusted resource.
Can you share a project or sale you’re especially proud of, including any challenges overcome? How has Champion Fiberglass helped customers achieve their goals or solve problems?
One project that stands out was at UC Davis, where a new hospital tower required a 3,000-foot duct bank with 24 conduits. Initially, the team only wanted fiberglass sweeps for one specialty size, but we showed them the benefits of using Champion Fiberglass conduit for all bends throughout the system. The product’s heat dissipation and low coefficient of friction advantages helped solve pulling and space issues in a crowded underground duct bank. Overcoming skepticism from decision makers was the biggest challenge, but once they saw the proven performance and installation advantages, they adopted fiberglass bends for all of their sweeps – a significant win with a highly spec-driven organization.
What do you enjoy most about representing Champion Fiberglass?
I enjoy educating people about a product that’s new to them, even though it’s been established for decades. Seeing the reaction when contractors realize how Champion Fiberglass conduit can make their installations safer and faster is rewarding. I also value working with the Champion Fiberglass team, who provide strong support. At the end of the day, we’re not just selling another commodity – we’re helping contractors impart solutions that truly add value.