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Category:
Published: February 2007
Learn how a local-startup became one of the region's most successful material handling company through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to its workers.
Success Magazine: What does success mean to you?
Larry Zintner: Success is building a company that is recognized as a leader in its industry and owning a company that is able to grow and support my family.
SM: What does success mean to you personally?
LZ: I believe that success is starting something worthwhile from nothing, like how I started this company. I started the business in the cellar of my home. With hard work and knocking on doors and working with people of various industries we were able to become successful in the material handling industry.
SM: How did you convey to people that you had a competitive product since you had no experience?
LZ: It was very difficult for the first three years. I had experience selling forklifts for another company for many years but then I wanted to get out on my own. With hard work, knocking on doors some people bought my story and helped me start.
SM: During the first three years when you were down and out and you could barely pay your bills what advice can you give to those just starting their new business?
LZ: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. I certainly had my share of tough situations, but you can't give up, you have to keep strong and banging away at it.
SM: What makes you different in your industry?
LZ: We care, when a customer puts his faith in me that I will take care of him and provide him with the best product and service that our firm can deliver. What I have found is that so many businesses today don't seem to care. We try to take care of our customer and have them keep coming back here. I find that has paid off.
SM: Most sons do not follow their fathers into business. What made your sons enter into the business with you?
LZ: Three of my sons are working with me. Larry, Jr., Greg, and Scott are all trained to take over the company. Larry Jr. is a smart engineer and made a reputation for himself. Greg wasn't sure that he wanted to work here, but then he came on board and became our sales manager. Then Scott became our president.
SM: Your youngest son is president? How did your other sons take that?
LZ: Very well, I asked my sons to each give me their resumes and after careful review he was made president because his resume and work acumen was the best. My other sons were fine with that. Not everyone has the same leadership skills or are a workaholic like Scott.
SM: If someone would try to start a business today, what words of wisdom would you give them?
LZ: That would be pretty difficult; I tell you this much I wouldn't do it all over again.
SM: But then your wife wouldn't be playing golf and you would not be retiring like you have planned.
LZ: That is true. You have to have a lot of fortitude. It is very difficult getting started, but if you persevere and stick it out during the tough times it is worth it.
SM: Your employees are dedicated to you. How do you maintain that relationship?
LZ: We have always tried to treat our employees the way that we would want to be treated. That means being fair and giving them the opportunity to expand themselves and that means gaining educational training and making a better income. And we provide a good facility, and modern equipment to work with. And I think in turn that they appreciate that. We invest in our people with training and a family environment.
SM: What role has your wife Marie played in the company?
LZ: Marie was my bookkeeper and partner, when you work those long hours and especially in the beginning she held the family together while I was building up the company. She is great Mother and a great wife.
SM: Where do you see your company going in the future?
LZ: I would like to see the company continue to grow and I would like to see the company expand into the markets set by the coming of AMD and the nanotech industry to our area.
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