Cindy Zwergel – The Vinyl Answer
For National Women’s Small Business Month, we are delighted to spotlight Cindy Zwergel, the President of The Vinyl Answer. Based in Imperial, Pennsylvania, The Vinyl Answer fabricates high-quality vinyl fencing, railing, decking, and garden products for professional installation companies and independent lumber yards across the region. In addition to their vinyl offerings, they also distribute a line of durable aluminum fencing and railing, ensuring they meet the high standards that professional installers demand.
Cindy’s journey into this industry began with her background in IT and process control. As the former Director of IT at a software company, she was well-versed in managing technology and optimizing systems. While dating her now-husband, who owns a fence company called Metro Fence, they struggled to find vinyl fencing in a timely manner. Recognizing the gap in the market and armed with her technical expertise, Cindy decided to take a leap and start her own business. In 2000, she founded The Vinyl Answer, fabricating vinyl locally at a time when few companies were doing so.
Cindy’s expertise in computers played a significant role in shaping the company’s operations. Under her leadership, The Vinyl Answer implemented state-of-the-art CNC (computerized numerical control) machinery, which streamlined their manufacturing process. Her background in IT and process control gave her an edge in developing efficient, technology-driven workflows that set The Vinyl Answer apart from competitors. What started as a modest warehouse operation has now grown into a larger space with a showroom, where contractors can bring their clients to select styles.
In 2008 The Vinyl Answer expanded their product line to include vinyl railing and decking. Cindy takes pride in the company’s flexibility; since they fabricate products from raw materials, they can source the highest-quality vinyl, creating unique blends that meet their clients' specific needs. This adaptability is crucial to the company’s success, especially when working with contractors who need solutions quickly to complete their jobs.
One of The Vinyl Answer’s most notable projects was a large townhome complex in Pittsburgh, a $500,000 undertaking that chose Cindy’s company specifically because it’s woman-owned. While The Vinyl Answer mainly serves contractors and independent lumber yards, they also cater to individual homeowners. No order is too small or too large—they treat every client like they’re their most important customer, embodying a commitment to personalized service.
Cindy’s leadership goes beyond just running a business; she has created a workplace that feels more like a family. She loves the variety in her work—whether she’s drawing up custom designs, handling sales, or managing day-to-day challenges. Cindy’s dedication to her team and the dynamic nature of her role make every day at The Vinyl Answer unique and fulfilling.
The name The Vinyl Answer has a fun origin story. Cindy chose it as a play on the phrase “Is that your final answer?” popularized by Regis Philbin on the TV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. With a clever twist, she turned “final” into “vinyl,” giving the company a memorable name that reflects both the product and a bit of humor.
Cindy and her husband have a 14-year-old daughter, Gemma, and together they balance family life with running their respective businesses. Cindy finds joy in her work, appreciating the diversity of people and projects she encounters, as well as the sense of camaraderie among her employees. For her, the real reward is seeing The Vinyl Answer not just as a business, but as a community that supports each other through every challenge.
To learn more about The Vinyl Answer and their high-quality products, you can reach them at their showroom located at 535 Route 30, Imperial, Pennsylvania, call them at (724)-695-7715, or email Cindy directly at cindyz@vinyl-answer.com.
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