TEAMJeff Zehnder, Chief Executive Officer
Why do you do what you do?
Variety and Diversity. Every day presents an opportunity to work with different people, products and markets. Since I’m not allowed to sky dive or bungie jump (life insurance requirements!), this provides the absolute greatest thrill and challenges me to think in new and different ways. I love it.
What was your proudest career moment?
It sounds trite, but I just keep finding higher peaks every year. One of the most gratifying moments was when I was handed a cardboard box by the founder of Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, and he told me “You’re our advertising agency.” I realized then that I wasn’t crazy to open an agency when four others closed in the same year.
What fuels you to do the best?
There are two great phrases I always try to remember.
Winners never quit. Quitters never win. (Vince Lombardi)
Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try. (Michael Jordan)
These, and the fact that I hate to lose, drive me to dig deeper and work harder to be the best.
What drew you to Zehnder?
Well, I was strangely attracted to the name. And the founder really seemed like a trustworthy fellow... at the time.
What do you suck at?
Basketball. As a left-handed person, I grew up learning how to do many things decently right-handed, like fishing, shooting, golfing and baseball. But, for the life of me, my right-handed basketball skills suck beyond belief. Thankfully, I’m not forced to earn a living this way.
Describe your most quirky trait:
Well, in addition to my attention deficit disorder (see question one), I’m darn sure I also have a non-life threatening form of obsessive compulsive disorder. I can stop and smell the roses, but I can’t help but notice that the bush needs a little pruning or fertilizer.
Outside Zehnder I love to ....
- Golf
- Spend weekends on County Road 30-A (Florida)
- Travel abroad
- Dream about being the next (and improved) David Ogilvy
