I Am Rosa the Riveter and This Is My Adventure in the Fastener Industry
Ever since I can remember, I dreamed of working for my father. Starting in 5th grade, I
would visit him and would learn the in’s and out’s of the polishing business. My father
was a leader and, at one time, owned his own Polishing Company. I really loved hearing
about his projects and listening to his work conversations. So he inspired me to learn
more about a career in the industrial sector.
I would forego my spring breaks and travel to job sites with him. He showed me how
his work was being installed and how it was used. After I graduated high school, I went
to work for my sister, who took over the company. I sought resources to hone my sales
skills and was in awe of how fun and powerful this industry was. I worked during the day
and went to school at night. However, I had a strong desire to create new opportunities
for myself. The best chapter of my life was about to begin.
My fastener career has directly influenced my relationship with my father. Ever since
high school and to this day, I have never missed telling him stories of companies he
used to deal with. He loves to be updated on their progress. We can spend numerous
hours discussing new and interesting technologies that have emerged over the years. It
is so great to share a knowledge and common interest in the industrial sector of our
changing economy.
Throughout my career, I have also had many opportunities to give back to the
Community. My passion is to educate middle school and high school children about
fasteners and global trade. I have spoken at work events, schools, and Career Day
events. I have had many children come up to me and thank me for making a difference
in their lives by inspiring them to pursue other opportunities in sectors not usually
presented to them.
As a Product Manager and a Salesperson, I am able to reach many people to educate
them on the importance of fasteners and how they impact our daily lives. I think anyone
who knows me, knows my enthusiasm and dedication to finding the best solution and
resources for customers and colleagues alike. If I can leave a meeting introducing new
ways of thinking and offering “out of the box” solutions, then I feel like I have
accomplished my mission in life. To me, in my daily dealings, I feel like it is important to
leave a positive impression and open up a line of communication for years to come.
I have been in this industry for 25 years and, on a daily basis, make connections with
friends, colleagues, and customers whom I have had the pleasure to know over the
years. I feel like the fastener industry is a small and tight knit community and have
always made sure to be a resource to others and have no hesitation to reach out to
them when I need help. I have watched various new trends and technologies emerge,
and I can say that I strive to keep current and understand their impact on the future of
the fastener industry. I am currently at BBI; I am truly honored to say that I represent
Brighton Best International in the fastener industry.
Rosa E. Hearn, President WIFI - Women in the Fastener Industry http://www.fastenerwomen.com networking. educating. connecting.
Twitter: @proferredrivets
Rosa E Hearn is currently the Product Manager for the Proferred Rivet line at Brighton Best International (BBI). Rosa is also the current President of Women in the Fastener Industry and the 2016 Innovative Importer of the year winner courtesy of Women in International Trade and the California State Assembly board. Ms. Hearn previously led the West Coast & Latin America division and spearheaded several committees and branding initiatives for BBI. She is a Certified Fastener Specialist from the Fastener Training Institute and holds a degree from El Dorado College in Accounting and received her certification in exporting by the Trade X University from the Port of Long Beach. Ms. Hearn comes to BBI with 24 years of previous sales and management experience in distribution, manufacturing and secondary processing. During her years at BBI, Ms. Hearn has been on the board of directors for the Pacific-Western Fastener Association and the Fastener Industry Coalition. Ms. Hearn is also on the advisory committee for Rancho Santiago Center for International Trade Development for the Global Trade & Logistics –Orange County, where she teaches and speaks to High School and college students about the fastener market. Ms. Hearn also provides Externships to teachers and Counselors providing a business view on importing, exporting and global trade. Rosa is a regular contributor to the digital magazine www.threadedmedia.com about the Mexico market. Before becoming part of the Brighton Best International executive team, Ms. Hearn spent her years building strategies, teams and departments for small and large publicly traded companies. Rosa is a mother to her 4 year old son Jake, a wife to James Hearn of 20 years and is fluent in Spanish.
