Zach Fox, Grader Operator, is celebrating 3 years with the company this month. To commemorate that milestone, he is supporting Wishes for Warriors, a non-profit organization dedicated to returning hope and passion back into the lives of our combat wounded heroes through therapeutic outdoor adventures, awareness, and education. The veteran-run, volunteer-operated group aims to show these heroes that whether wounded of body and mind, they are still able to live out their passions, hope for the future, and improve their quality of life.
Zach explained that he feels a connection to the organization because they help wounded veterans get back into the outdoors to do the things they love—the same types of things he loves to do. “I have been following this organization for a long time and I really like what they do for our vets,” he said. “They take them out to do cool things that I enjoy, like hunting and fishing.”
Grade Tech donated $1,000 to Wishes for Warriors in Zach’s name. The charitable contribution is part of Grade Tech’s “giving back” program which supports the local community by celebrating employees’ work anniversaries (after the first 3 years of employment) by making annual donations to the employees’ “charities of choice.”
“I am happy to make this donation in Zach’s name,” said Rory Hall. “Zach has worked really hard learning how to operate the grader and he is a valuable asset to the Grade Tech team. I couldn’t be prouder of Zach, and I am more than happy to support his charity of choice and our wounded heroes.”
Zach began his career in the trades as an electrician. After four years, he wanted to try something new and a friend referred him to Grade Tech. “Heavy equipment always interested me,” he explained of his desire to become an Operator. So, he came to Grade Tech and worked closely with Billy Hall to master the grader, which can be a challenging piece of equipment to operate.
The Utah native and lifelong resident says that he has enjoyed the challenge that comes with learning to work the grader and that the job suits him well because he loves being outdoors and likes to travel. He says that the past three years have been a lot of fun and some of his best memories are when he is out on the road with the team. The only drawback, of course, is working through the harsh Utah winters.
When asked what has been his key to success at Grade Tech, he exclaimed, “Follow the old man!” He went on to explain, “Find the oldest guy in the company and follow him around for a couple of years.” Although that’s a good way to learn, he may have some explaining to do about the “old man” comment the next time he sees Billy 🙂!
Other keys to success, according to Zach, are “showing up every day, putting in your time, earning your bones, and sticking it out.” He says that he arrives at work every day ready and willing to learn and improve.
When Zach’s not on the road or behind the wheel of the grader, he enjoys hunting and fishing as well as camping near the Strawberry Reservoir. He also enjoys riding his side-by-side whenever he gets the chance!
Please join us in congratulating Zach on his 3-year anniversary with Grade Tech and wishing him more success in the years to come!
