Truss on the Beach!
Truss on the Beach!
TAF USA serves customers across North, Central and South America from its office and warehouse in
New Smyrna Beach, Florida. An integral part of its operations is Lara Berlyne, a New York native who
exchanged her life in the big city for working with truss on the beach. A move with no regrets!
In the following interview, we learn more about Lara’s time in New York, education, professional
experience and current responsibilities at the TAF USA office.
- We’re aware that you’re not from Florida. Where are you coming from and what were your early years like?
I was born and raised in New York City. I’m the oldest of three and we’re all close in age, so growing up with them was a lot of fun! I followed my family down to Florida two years ago. New York just wasn’t the same without them!
- What is your educational background? What professional experience did you gain before joining TAF USA?
I got my Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies & Communications from CUNY Hunter College. I was an active member of the Russian Club during my two years of taking Russian Language, an editor of Cult. Magazine, and a Staff Writer for the Hunter College Envoy.
I gained a diverse professional background during my time in New York, with experience in luxury consignment and eCommerce, visual merchandising, office management, and planning and executing accounting education conferences. I also freelanced as a digital artist.
- What led you to TAF USA and how long have you been working there?
I started working at TAF USA in January 2023. I am passionate about ethical, quality manufacturing, so learning about the TAF factory in the Czech Republic was very interesting. I appreciate luxury goods, and it was clear from the start that TAF is a high-end truss brand. I didn’t know about truss before, but now I see it everywhere!
- Can you give us an overview of your responsibilities and day to day activities?
I spend a lot of time optimizing TAF website content, as well as working closely with TAF headquarters on the catalogue and other communication materials.
I help plan TAF USA social media content together with our sales team, deciding on what products and customer projects to feature each month. I also assist with various sales activities and help ensure a high level of customer service.
- Do you have other plans or upcoming activities for TAF USA?
I’m very excited about the LiveTEC Tradeshow coming up on May 14th and 15th in Miami, Florida. This tradeshow is focused on the Caribbean and Latin America and caters to both Spanish and English-speaking professionals in the entertainment technology industries. I can’t wait to meet everyone there! You can find us in Booth #219 and Demo Room #102.
- What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or other interests that you can tell us about?
I live for beach days, and I’m certainly in the right place for that! When the weather isn’t scorching hot, I like to spend time going to thrift stores and flea markets, looking for something to get my heart racing! I also enjoy fishing and was recently on the cover of The Angler fishing magazine with my monster trout!
