The Next Generation – Jr. Board Member Interview | Cooper Zwanka
In this month’s WISE Jr. Board interview, we are featuring Cooper Zwanka, an Associate Business Manager at Daymon.
Navigating the world of private brands requires a keen understanding of industry trends, a passion for innovation, and a drive to make a lasting impact. Cooper, a rising professional at Daymon, brings all these qualities and more to the table. As someone who has transitioned from student life to a dynamic role at the intersection of retailers and suppliers, he offers fresh insights into where the private label industry is headed, how Gen Z is shaping the future, and the importance of diversity in driving meaningful change. In this conversation, Cooper shares his experiences, aspirations, and why he sees Daymon—and WISE—as the perfect places to grow his career and make a difference.
WISE: Your current role at Daymon focuses on working with retailer customers and supplier partners. What excites you most about private brands, and where do you see the industry heading?
COOPER: There’s a lot to love about private label. I love the loyalty and affordability aspects of private label, but innovation is what excites me the most. Retail brands are getting more and more attention as they experiment with innovative products, flavors, and packaging and express what really makes them stand out. I think health focused products, AI technology, and sustainability practices will be driving the industry forward in the coming years and I’m excited to see what their effects on the marketplace will look like.
WISE: As this is your first position out of college, what has been the biggest learning curve transitioning from student life to the professional world?
COOPER: I could write a whole book on the transition from student life to the professional world, but to keep it concise, the largest learning curve for myself was truly becoming familiar with my role and the industry itself. At Daymon, you are positioned directly between the supplier and retailer partners, and many of these partners operate in unique ways that are difficult to get ahold of. Further, understanding the day-to-day responsibilities of my role was another hurtle I had to overcome, but I could not be more grateful for the growth opportunities I’ve been presented with to get me to where I am today.
WISE: What advantages do you think your generation brings to the industry, and how do you see the landscape evolving for young professionals?
COOPER: My generation, yes, I own the generation, has grown up with technology in our hands from such a young age. In the increasingly technical landscape in which we live, utilizing all the newest tech is paramount to any individual’s future success. Social media has also provided a platform which exposes us to so many different perspectives and broadens our understanding of the world. We also use social media incessantly, so we see the trends and challenges taking the world by storm and we can utilize those methods promote successes of our own. Social media and technology are going to drive this industry forward, and Gen Z is primed to help any ship navigate these changing waters and reach success.
WISE: You said you hope this is your last job—what about your current role or Daymon makes you feel like this could be your long-term career?
COOPER: I made the “last job” comment in my WISE bio not because of my current role, which I am very grateful to hold, but because of Daymon as an organization itself. The culture at Daymon is second to none. I will do my best not to sound like a Daymon brochure right now, but what makes Daymon stand out is their people. The love I have for those I work with is immeasurable and I am proud to be working for a company that is so understanding of individuals and their situations. Daymon truly values their employees and it’s a wonderful place to work. I’m grateful to be apart of the team.
WISE: What inspired you to join WISE, and what impact do you hope to make as a Jr. BOD member?
COOPER: I knew I was going to join WISE after attending an event this past October. I fell in love with the energetic and sociable people there and I knew I wanted to spend more time in the environment they fostered. Additionally, at Daymon we drive private brands, and I have so many inspirational women in my life that I look up to, namely my mom, my sister, and Serena Williams; so as far as WISE values, I am 2 for 2 with Women and Storebrands. Joining WISE was a no-brainer. As far as impact, I would love to share my unique voice, perspectives, and experiences to help in any capacity I can.
WISE: As someone with a Political Science background, how do you think diversity efforts can shape the future of the storebrand industry?
COOPER: The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with consumers of different ethnicities, races, backgrounds and tastes, all of which need to be considered in the development on private label programs. Only a diverse team will be able to have the right conversations in the development of these programs to satisfy all consumers. Retailers can also use their platforms to promote diversity and ensure inclusivity to marginalized groups. It’s my belief that retailers of the future will not be able to survive unless diversity efforts are prioritized.
WISE: What does Diversity Month mean to you personally, and how do you think companies like Daymon and organizations like WISE can help celebrate and promote diversity year-round?
COOPER: Diversity months promote understanding. At Daymon, we have frequent Employee Resource Group (ERG) meetings where individuals can share and discuss their experiences in a safe space to broaden the perspectives of those who attend. If everyone were a bit more understanding, the world would be a better place. Daymon helps celebrate year-round with monthly ERGs, diversity messages from the higher ups in leadership, and webinars. Daymon ensures that diversity is practiced and promoted all year long. Similarly, organizations like WISE aid in promoting diversity year-round by hosting events, webinars, newsletters, and more to keep diversity at the forefront of our discussions.