This week’s Hometown Hero has a name that’s synonymous with fireworks, especially here in the Valley. His company’s humble beginnings started in Youngstown when he was just 15 years old, selling fireworks out of the back of his mom’s Chevy Impala.
Since then, the company has vastly grown.
Phantom Fireworks CEO Bruce Zoldan refers to himself as a hometown boy who in all of his success is just happy he can give back to the community that he’s called home his entire life.
“I grew up in the city of Youngstown and I will always be a part of the city. This company could be anywhere in the United States but we chose to be here and we’re proud of it,” he said.
From breath-taking pyrotechnics to numerous community outreach efforts, Phantom Fireworks also has a hockey team.
The employees at Phantom say Zoldan is always willing to help them learn and grow. Many of them say they are also hometown kids who look up to him as a hero.
“But to me, the real heroes are my employees. That’s what makes this company successful, all the people that work here,” Zoldan said.
They are all excited to see what the future has in store.
“Everybody should stay tuned! 2020’s coming and we’ll have a lot of surprises for the Valley!” Zoldan said.
