We recently sat down with Rocky Colombo, who was promoted to lead Exponential Power’s Industrial, Data Center, and Service businesses. Rocky’s had a remarkable career in the battery industry, starting out as an electrician in the field and working his way up to Senior Vice President. He’s built a reputation for rock-solid leadership, deep technical know-how, and an unshakable focus on customers.
In this Q&A, Rocky shares his perspective on how the industry has evolved, the role of service in delivering the “Exponential Experience,” and what advice he has for the next generation of power professionals.
Q: Rocky, congratulations on the new role. What does this promotion mean for you and the teams you lead?
Thanks. It’s an exciting next chapter. This role gives me the opportunity to unify our industrial sales, data center solutions, engineering team and field service operations under a common vision. Our goal is simple: to deliver complete, high-performance power solutions that meet our customers’ real-world needs.
Q: You’ve spent decades in this industry. What are the biggest changes you’ve seen?
The changes are there, but the basics are the same. The biggest change comes in the customer base as technology changes in our daily lives. Most battery and standby systems were on Utility, Chem and Petro plants, along with other industries including Telephone offices. Then we saw growth in Cable Television and Telecom markets for many years, so this changed and added to our skill set and equipment provided. Today we are building Mega Data Center and Energy storage systems and some of these systems can be more complex. We have adapted well in all areas. Regardless of the industry/customer we deliver confidence that their back-up systems will work when they need them.
Q: Technology is moving fast. How is it changing the battery and power landscape?
Technology in the industry is moving fast. There is a constant push for the next great item in standby power that comes to the market. The products being sold are in many cases on the word of the company building it as IEEE, NFPA and other regulators cannot get standards in place fast enough prior to the offer being used in the industry. We put a lot of emphasis on doing what is right and it’s concerning when I see many claims that many not be true. If a customer is thinking about Lithium, SMC, monitoring, modular UPS or chargers they should speak with us to understand what they are purchasing and is it the proper product for the application.
Q: What’s unique about serving data centers compared to other markets?
Data Centers operate on the idea of zero downtime and that is what they are selling to their customers, along with security. We need to support that need 24/7 and the stakes are high per their commitments and contracts. It is a very clean and secure space and everything you do in this space get the white glove treatment. We deliver high quality systems with built-in redundancy, advanced testing, and service models that guarantee up time. It’s not just about equipment — it’s about trust and peace of mind for our customers.
Q: At Exponential Power, we talk a lot about delivering the ‘Exponential Experience.’ How does service play into that alongside products and design?
Service is where the rubber meets the road for our customers. Our team delivers safe, reliable service every day regardless of the task at hand. On Emergency call out we ask the right question to make sure the customers load is protected, and repairs are done timely. Our technicians are generally former military and well trained by the experts at Exponential Power for the task they are to perform. That’s how you build long-term partnerships. That’s the Exponential Experience.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the power industry?
Just a few things about this industry: Learn the fundamentals and never stop asking questions, your knowledge to support the customer is very important. This industry rewards curiosity and consistency. Whether you’re in sales, service, or engineering—know your product, know your customer, be honest, and don’t cut corners.
Q: What do you see coming next for this industry?
The transition to electrification and decarbonization is driving major growth. The demand for resilient, intelligent backup power isn’t going anywhere. Companies that invest in people, processes, and tech will lead. And that’s what we’re doing.
Q: What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Honestly, the people both internal and external. I’ve had the chance to work with incredible teams—from techs in the field to engineers, sales pros, and customers who trust us. Helping others grow, solve problems, and win—that’s what it’s all about.
Closing Thought:
Rocky’s career reflects the same values that define Exponential Power—grit, expertise, and a relentless focus on doing right by the customer. With Rocky at the helm of Industrial, Data Center, and Service, the road ahead looks strong—and well powered.
Ready to experience the power of trusted leadership, unmatched service, and proven performance?
Let’s talk about how Exponential Power can support your critical operations—whether you’re powering a data center, industrial facility, or anything in between.
Contact us to start a conversation info@exponentialpower.com.