Millennial Blog Series: Jessica Scalo, Director of Marketing, Scalo Companies

What is your name?

Jessica (Jesse) Scalo

Tell us more about your job with the Scalo Companies?

I am responsible for determining the optimum marketing mix in order to develop and manage promotional campaigns, public relations, trade shows, sponsorship, electronic media and other communications programs within the target market.

How did you end up at your current job? 

Burns & Scalo is a family business, started by my grandfather John T. Scalo in 1956. I, as well as my brother John, are third generation in the business. I attended the University of Denver where I attained a Business Degree with a focus in Real Estate & Construction Management. Past experience includes a brief time spent with Burns & Scalo Real Estate Services, a separate company, owned and run by my dad’s twin brother, Jim Scalo.

I became the Director of Marketing when a position opened up at The Scalo Companies (best known as Burns & Scalo Roofing) right as we were kicking off our 60th year in business. The company had plans to celebrate this great accomplishment by means of a corporate event, a museum quality timeline, and a video chronicling 60 years of Scalo history. With my knowledge, passion, and care for my family company, I answered the call to fill the position and see each one of these projects through. You can watch the video here.

What do you like about your company?

My favorite thing about Burns & Scalo and the Scalo Companies as a whole is the energy of a “family” business that is not carried exclusively by those carrying the Scalo name, but by most employees of the company. There is a level of loyalty and passion that is very unique to this firm that has ultimately lead to great successes. This isn’t just a job for many. We say it’s not “what we do, it’s who we are.”

This culture is not easy to find. The other thing I like most about the Scalo Companies is its constant attention to the future. We are industry leading in so many areas that have led us to become much more than simply a roofing company, but a diversified building-envelope provider. We are constantly pushing technology to take us to higher level production and efficiency. We offer the best quality and most innovative services in our industry. What it all boils down to is being part of a winning team. Everyone likes to be on a winning team!

What do you think millennials bring to the table?

1. Efficiency through the use of technology
2. A high-level of adaptability
3. A unique and creative approach to problem solving

If millennials could improve or counter a (perceived) negative character flaw, what should that be in your opinion?

Communication. We bring a high level of technological efficiencies but we are not good verbal communicators. I’ve seen a lot of millennials come and go because they were not able to communicate issues/problems in the work place effectively and chose to avoid confrontation until the problem escalates and they leave. This can be improved by proper training and transparent management. Second, is patience. Many millennials have their eyes set on goals but many of us are not willing to wait the 10-20+ years the generation before us did to get there. We’re looking for instant gratification or overnight success. I’ll counter that with growing up in a family business. We had to do things right every day for 60 years in order to get to where we are today, and I have a huge respect for that.

“You cannot close a deal on e-mail. It is so important to look someone in the eye, shake their hand, and let them know that they can trust that you stand behind your product.” – Jesse Scalo, Director of Marketing, Scalo Companies

Many baby boomers have started to retire. Have you learned something from a baby boomer that you are thankful for?

Patience, as I mentioned above. The example of dedicating your entire career to something and the often great reward that comes from that dedication. Also, hard work – there’s no substitute for it. But perhaps what I value most from the advice of the boomer generation is that people like doing business with people. You cannot close a deal on e-mail. It is so important to look someone in the eye, shake their hand, and let them know that they can trust that you stand behind your product. That is how you build relationships with people, and over time, that’s what separates you from the pack.

iPhone or Android, or something else?

iPhone…there is nothing else.

Instagram or Snapchat?

Both. Leverage these platforms for business… great way of differentiation!