I met Zach in 1994 at Cincinnati’s own Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse, where we worked together as busboys during the summer months. We were in our upper teens at the time. We’d then return to Bowling Green State University, where we brothers in Sigma Phi Epsilon (Sig Ep) fraternity. SigEp was founded on the cardinal principles of Virtue, Diligence and Brotherly Love. These principles didn’t have quite the meaning then that they do now.
Since graduating, I’ve followed Zach on social media over the many years that have passed. His story is remarkable.
Zachary joined the United States Marine Corp after graduating from Bowling Green state University in 1993, serving until 1999. It was here that he gained the resourcefulness, integrity and grit to become a highly successful entrepreneur.
In the devastating aftermath of 9/11, Zach felt a strong need to continue his service toward helping his fellow man. After joining the City of Wyoming fire department, Zachary got lost in a fire and became disoriented. Inspired to find a way to ensure this would not happen to his brother and sister firefighters, he invented Advanced Photoluminescent Technology, and the company Foxfire was born. The technology is like a “supercharged glow in the dark” providing much-needed visibility during critical situations. Over 80,000 firefighters now use the technology.
Zachary went on to found LumaWare, using his photoluminescent technology for EXIT signs that never require electricity or batteries, ensuring safety while also improving the environment. Their life-saving products are used in major sports arenas and high-rise buildings in over 25 countries. Zachary grew the company from the trunk of his car to over $30MM in organic sales.
Zachary’s new book, Warrior Entrepreneur, was released in September of 2021, and in the first few weeks earned “bestseller” status on Amazon.
What’s the common thread between all of Zach’s endeavors: helping people. And living the principles of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love.
In this superb primer for budding entrepreneurs, the author describes his own trials and tribulations, successes and failures, and takes the reader along on the wild ride that is his own entrepreneurial journey. In the end, he came out on top because of his ability to face adversity, never quit, and because he has grit. As a former Marine, firefighter, and award-winning entrepreneur, he’s not afraid to admit to his own fears and describe how they were overcome. An added bonus are the stories of others: Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Elon Musk, the first female Marine Corps infantryman, and more. Yes, this book is an excellent primer for any wannabe entrepreneur. It will help you recognize that the journey is hard, but not insurmountable. Buy it today and keep it next to you throughout your own entrepreneurial journey.
-Craig Whelden, Major General, U.S. Army (ret), Multiple award-winning, #1 Best-selling author of Leadership: The Art of Inspiring People to Be Their Best
