The phrase “A man’s word is his bond” dates back centuries, attributed to Cervantes and Shakespeare in similar takes on the proverb. Regardless of the syntax, the belief follows that one’s words are as good as gold. You can add Colin Regina to the list of individuals who fervently believe that promises are sacrosanct.
Vice president of the technical services group for Sharp, Regina still abides by the notion 45 years into his journey in the technology and service industry. It’s the North Star that defines his professional compass.
“If you commit to something, you meet the deadline. You own both the success and the failure,” said Regina, a 2026 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “When things go well, give the credit to your team. When things go wrong, take responsibility yourself. That philosophy has guided me throughout my career.”
That he would enjoy a long career at Sharp seemed unlikely, considering service and technology weren’t exactly on his radar. As a young man, he was a musician playing five nights a week. A keyboardist, Regina was constantly trying to keep his gear in working order, despite having zero grounding in electronics. It occurred to him that by attending trade school, he could become a touring roadie fortified by the electronics education, which would provide an inroad into launching a music career.
While he still enjoys writing and performing, Sharp is undoubtedly Regina’s biggest stage. He’s extremely appreciative of the mentors who’ve guided him and the lifelong friendships created along the way. Like any good musician or roadie, helping others contribute to the overall sound at Sharp, so to speak, has been gratifying. Understanding struggles, removing roadblocks and keeping the team moving forward to realize its goals has made the journey even more rewarding.
Given his standards, it’s not surprising to learn that Regina constantly pushes to find his better self. “I’ve always tried to recognize my own shortcomings, learn from people around me, and keep asking, ‘What’s next?’ Continuous learning and self-improvement have pushed me throughout my career, and I’ve always enjoyed seeing the finished result after hard work,” he added.
Over the years, Regina has grown to appreciate the value of embracing the unknown and accepting every opportunity to listen. That’s the advice he’d give to his younger self: talk less, listen more and make the most of the opportunities that will result.
“Listen before deciding what you can and can’t do with new knowledge,” Regina said.
A resident of historic Cornwall, New York—which boasts a population of 8,000 and just one traffic light—Regina and his wife of 23 years, Michelle, are the parents of a daughter, Chloe, who will be leaving for college in the fall (“It’s a milestone that fills us with both pride and excitement,” he noted.) Although Regina may be docile and reserved at the office, his daughter sees a dad who is animated, energetic and even loud.
Five days a week, Regina joins a breakfast club-esque group of individuals with fascinating and diverse backgrounds, at the local coffee shop. The eclectic group features a retired New York Times writer, a college textbook publisher, a retired JAG officer and West Point graduate, a retired IBM data scientist, a local rock musician, the director of the local arts center, an international luxury luggage marketing executive, and a local deli owner.
“Everyone brings a lifetime of stories, experiences, challenges, and perspectives,” Regina said. “Sometimes we solve problems, sometimes we debate current events, and sometimes we simply listen. It’s a reminder that everyone has a story worth hearing, and I value those conversations as much as any meeting I’ve ever attended.”
The high school version of me wanted to be: A rock star
Interesting fact: Four-year varsity track letter winner
Celebrities I’ve met: Hall & Oates and Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple
Favorite book or movie: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Favorite food: Italian
Person I’d most like to meet: Leonardo da Vinci
Dream vacation destination: My home in Florida with my wife and daughter
Special talent: Playing keyboards/songwriter/music/recording
Guilty pleasure: Spending time at the beach
Most prized possession: My family and the memories we’ve made together
