Know a Netting Expert: Erica Piekarski

Erica Piekarski

As NetPlay USA and InCord Netform Sales Manager, Erica is the main point of contact between InCord and its range of parks and recreation customers. She provides exciting play structures and sturdy Netform rope elements that bring both fun and safety to every project she is involved in.

How long have you been with InCord? 15 years

What does your day look like as an InCord/NetPlay USA Sales Manager?

Every day I get to wake up and work with some of my favorite people. I can either be traveling to visit a customer or talking on the phone to someone I hope to meet soon. I get to go over their ideas & designs, colors & space. We talk about families and travel, work, and our family pets. A lot of time we can sit down with a sketch on a piece of paper and in the end have something that is ready for design/production. Sometimes we enjoy a cup of coffee and chat.

In the afternoon I catch up on quotes, follow-ups, updates and putting orders together. I talk to production, shipping & inventory to get everything in order to schedule ship dates. I send out confirmations and answer questions.

At the end of the day, I do a quick once over to be sure I have responded to everyone that needed something and shut down the computer hoping that I have exceeded our current customer and potential customers expectations.

Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

Ed Ritz. If it weren’t for Ed's foresight, faith, and forcefulness, I certainly wouldn’t have the career I do today. He supported me in everything I did. He backed my decisions and stood beside me. Most importantly, he listened to the good and the bad. He listened and helped me come up with solutions if needed and paths forward if I already had a plan. Still today, some of my first thoughts are “What Would Ed Ritz Do?”

InCord Founders Ed Ritz (left) and Bob Martin

What is the most unique part of working here?

The most unique part about working for InCord & NetPlay is that everyone enjoys their jobs. We take pleasure in our accomplishments as well as others. We build each other up and are proud of one another. I think it is rare to see so many people thoroughly enjoying their jobs.

How would you describe your job to a class of kindergarteners?

I sell playgrounds! I mean, it doesn’t get any better than that.

How do you like to spend your time when you aren't working?

Traveling. Anywhere and everywhere, but I am partial to a white sandy beach and some clear blue tropical water. We have a camper that my husband, 3 boys and 2 dogs like to take on the road as often as possible.

What is your happy place?

St. Catherines Island, Georgia. A 10 mile long private barrier island in our back yard. It is only accessible via boat so the amount of people that are there is limited. If you arrive in the morning, you can watch the dolphins swim back and forth catching breakfast. Occasionally you get to wait for an alligator to make its way down the beach to get the best spot for the day and there is also a population of lemurs! This is where I reset at the end of each week.