Zachary Varnadore, 27

Occupation: VP of Operations, Trinity Co

What I do: I am in charge of managing daily operations, overseeing all crews we have and meeting with clients.

How I got started: Blake Merrill, the owner of the company and a family friend, brought me on in 2021. This was something totally new to me and Blake reaching out specifically to me meant a lot. 

What makes me passionate about power utility/drill shafts: I love leading others and helping my guys daily. It’s also awesome to know we help provide the power grid to people.

My biggest professional accomplishment so far: In 2023 I was tasked with starting the Hydrovac Division. I took the opportunity with great pride and personally worked in the field with my crew for a year. We started with one vac truck and by the end of the year we grew to eight vac trucks, and we are currently continuing to grow. It was a great accomplishment for the company and was a great test to see my full potential.

When I’m not working: In my spare time you will either find me on a golf course or soaring through the skies in an airplane. I have a huge passion for aviation, which led to me working on obtaining my pilot’s license.

My first job: I cut my teeth in the roofing industry at T. Scott Roofing, working every day with the most amazing people installing roofs all over Lake County.

My local mentor: Sammie Smith has always been a huge mentor in my life. Sammie and I met when I was in high school. I loved playing football, and he helped me with speed and agility for a long time. His on-field coaching was amazing but the life lessons I learned from coach Sammie have stuck with me daily, and I can’t thank him enough for that.

The best advice I ever received: “Adversity introduces you to yourself.” Carey D. Lohrenz is an author, I enjoy reading, this is a quote from her book. She was the first female F-14 pilot and a very inspiring quote for me in business now.

Fun fact: In meeting me, people would probably never guess I enjoy jazz bands. My little brother is an outstanding saxophone player, and I would go to his performances, and in doing so, I found a love for jazz music.

If I had $1 million to give away: I would give it to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Life after 40: I see myself continuing to grow at Trinity growing this company to being a leader in power delivery, while also adding new divisions to best support power companies all over the country.