Chris Zepponi is vice president of sales at High Definition Solar, a Diamond Certified company since 2013. He can be reached at (925) 399-1919 or by email.
Chris Zepponi: Good Energy
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
CONCORD — With a background in sales and marketing, Chris Zepponi has done everything from home loan refinancing to high-tech recruitment. However, it wasn’t until he entered the home improvement field that he discovered the kind of energy that truly suited his personality. “Honestly, I never expected to be in home improvement, but given the economy in 2002, I was happy to get any work I could find,” he recounts. “To my surprise, I fell in love with the industry. In particular, I appreciated the unique opportunity to help people make their dreams come true.”
Chris explains how his involvement in home improvement naturally led to an emphasis on solar energy: “When I first started in this industry, solar wasn’t at the forefront—it was more about general remodeling measures like replacing windows and kitchen cabinets. Within about seven years, however, solar had emerged as a huge aspect, which prompted our company to alter its focus and change its name to High Definition Solar. Today, solar is a cornerstone of the home improvement field, and it continues to grow and evolve.”
As a resident of Fairfield, Chris says he appreciates the energy (both solar and communal) to be found in the Bay Area. “With the exception of maybe New York, I think the Bay Area has the best, most vibrant level of energy in the country. In addition to the people, there are so many opportunities here, especially since Silicon Valley is the high-tech capital of the world. Also, from a solar standpoint, the Bay Area has some of the best climate in the world for solar energy.”
Outside of work, Chris likes to stay active. “I have a passion for working out, so I spend a lot of time at the gym, as well as running and hiking,” he affirms. “I also love playing golf—I could play four or five times a month, no problem.” Chris also enjoys spending quality time with his 15-year-old daughter, Christina. “I like hanging out with my daughter, whether helping her with homework or taking her to the movies.”
In his life and career, Chris says attitude is everything. “If you don’t have a good attitude, you’ll never get to where you want to be in life. When you look at all the top business people and professional athletes, you’ll see they have an attitude that’s second to none. Nothing is going to stop them from being the best, and that’s a mentality we try to emulate at High Definition Solar.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Chris says he’d see the world. “I don’t get to travel as much as I’d like to, so that would probably be number one. I’ve never been to Europe, and since my ethnicity is Greek and Italian, I’d love to visit those countries.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Summer—it’s when my company is the busiest.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: “Homeland.”
Q: What’s one website you visit on a daily basis?
A: YouTube.
Q: What were you most known for in high school?
A: Sports—I played rugby.
Q: Is there a book that’s been particularly influential for you?
A: “Awaken the Giant Within” by Anthony Robbins.
