Meet Ian Iringan

We were lucky to catch up with Ian Iringan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ian , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism has always been a cornerstone of who I am. I’ve found joy in connecting with people effortlessly, forming bonds across any group or setting. It wasn’t until my time in Phoenix, that I truly understood how to harness this optimism in a meaningful way.

My mentor introduced me to a simple yet transformative mantra: “PMA every day”—Positive Mental Attitude. Each morning, he recited this to me, not just as words, but as a mindset to carry into every moment. It didn’t take long for this philosophy to take root in my own life, and the impact was immediate.

Embracing PMA not only elevated my outlook but also created a ripple effect, lifting the spirits of those around me. It taught me that optimism isn’t just a personal trait—it’s a force for good, capable of sparking positivity in others. This simple phrase amplified my natural optimism and transformed it into a tool for connection, resilience, and growth.

PMA didn’t just change my days; it changed how I approach life. It’s a reminder that every day brings an opportunity to lead with positivity and inspire those around us to do the same.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m currently the Business Development Manager for Harpel, where I focus on building strong relationships and driving growth in the roofing and restoration industry. With over eight years of experience in sales and the rental industry, I’ve developed a passion for connecting with people and helping businesses achieve their goals.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to bridge the gap between vision and execution. Every project we take on is unique, and being a part of a team that brings ideas to life is incredibly rewarding. I’m especially passionate about the collaborative process—whether it’s with clients, contractors, or my internal team, I love seeing how each piece comes together to create something impactful.

Beyond the day-to-day, I’m also deeply involved in initiatives that promote growth and opportunity within the industry. This upcoming year, I’ll be stepping into the role as Chair for the EnACT group (Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Trades). This group fosters connections and discussions around the construction and trades community. We’re planning some exciting events next year, including panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to drive meaningful conversations and inspire the next generation of leaders in the field!

Ultimately, everything I do professionally revolves around fostering relationships and creating value for those we serve. Whether it’s through our work at Harpel, my involvement with EnACT, or new initiatives on the horizon, my goal is always to contribute to a stronger, more connected industry/community.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been particularly impactful in my journey have been: adaptability, relationship-building, and a growth mindset. Each played a critical role in shaping both my personal and professional development.

Adaptability:
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances has been crucial, especially in industries like construction and sales, where no two days are the same. Whether it’s shifting project priorities, navigating market changes, or embracing new technologies, staying flexible has allowed me to seize opportunities and overcome challenges.

For those early in their journey, embrace change as an opportunity rather than a setback. Put yourself in situations that push you out of your comfort zone—these experiences will help you develop the resilience and confidence needed to thrive in dynamic environments.

Relationship-Building:
Success is built on strong relationships. I’ve learned that cultivating genuine connections—with colleagues, clients, and mentors—leads to trust and collaboration. These are essential for long-term success.

Focus on listening more than you speak. Truly listen. Take the time to understand the needs and goals of others, and always approach interactions with authenticity. Building a strong network doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent effort will pay off in the long run.

Growth Mindset:
Maintaining a growth mindset has been HUGE! Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I see them as learning opportunities. This perspective has allowed me to continuously improve and stay motivated even when facing hurdles.

Adopt the habit of reflection. After every project or significant experience, take a moment to assess what went well and what could be improved. Seek out feedback and be open to learning, even if it’s uncomfortable. Over time, this will help develop a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth has been in strategic leadership and communication. Transitioning into my role as Business Development Manager at Harpel, I’ve had to think beyond day-to-day sales and focus on long-term business growth. This has required a more strategic approach to identifying opportunities, building partnerships, and aligning our efforts with broader company goals.

One specific area of improvement has been honing my ability to communicate vision and strategy, both internally and externally. Whether it’s presenting new business initiatives to our leadership team or collaborating with clients on complex projects, I’ve worked hard to ensure that my communication is clear, impactful, and aligned with our objectives. This shift has not only strengthened my leadership skills but also helped drive more effective collaboration across teams.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianiringan/

Image Credits

All pictures were taken by me.