Business Spotlight with David Zey from Zeytech

In a conversation between David Zey and Kory Dogs, they delved into the challenges and opportunities within the business landscape, particularly concerning Zeytech, David’s company. David emphasized the importance of prioritizing managed IT services, aiming to establish deeper client relationships by understanding their needs holistically, rather than just completing projects. He noted that many businesses fail to truly engage with their clients, which can lead to missed opportunities for growth and support. This approach is part of a broader strategy to shift Zeytech’s focus towards building long-term partnerships.

David also highlighted the ongoing struggle with sales, describing it as a fundamental challenge for many businesses. He stressed the need for authenticity in sales practices, advocating for a relationship-focused approach that avoids the pitfalls of hard selling. David’s advice for other business owners was clear: instead of attempting to manage every aspect of their companies independently, they should seek mentorship and build a supportive network. He acknowledged the value of collaboration within the startup ecosystem, recognizing other local organizations, and encouraged open communication with potential clients through Zeytech’s website and LinkedIn.

Podcast Transcript:

Kory Dogs: Hello, everyone! This is Kory Dogs from ActionCoach Business Coaching, and I’m thrilled to welcome David Zey, founder and president of Zeytech based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. David has 25 years of experience as a technologist and digital strategist, focusing on transforming technology into business growth. His expertise in e-commerce and digital strategy has greatly improved online marketplaces and SaaS solutions, with an emphasis on user engagement and sales growth. He is known for aligning technology with business goals, driving operational efficiency, and enhancing market competitiveness. Beyond his technical skills, David excels at building high-performing teams and optimizing IT operations.

David’s strategic problem-solving has consistently boosted system reliability and business intelligence, facilitating informed decision-making. While he is skilled in various technical fields, including cloud computing and AI data operations, his true strength lies in translating these skills into practical business results. David views technology not merely as implementation but as a means to develop strategies that foster business growth, innovation, and a competitive advantage.

Zeytech specializes in managed IT services, helping businesses manage their infrastructure, cloud services, and vendor relationships while ensuring strong cybersecurity—a vital aspect in today’s landscape. They also focus on risk management and business continuity, as well as application development, providing custom software solutions that drive innovation and streamline operations. At Zeytech, they are a trusted partner, delivering technology solutions that add value and support your growth and success.

Something unique about David is his background—he has a minor in music and initially intended to double major in music performance (saxophone) and physics. However, he discovered his talent for technology and construction early on, which led him to his current path. In his downtime, David loves adventuring with his wife, an incredible explorer who adds a unique perspective to life and makes every adventure meaningful. He is also proud of his seven children, each unique and conscientious in their own ways. Witnessing their potential and imagining the paths they will choose fills him with immense joy and pride.

With that, I’m delighted to welcome David to the show today. Hello, David! Thank you for being here.

David Zey: Thank you for having me!

Kory: To kick things off, can you share a bit about your background? We touched on your saxophone and physics studies, but where did you grow up, and how did you get to where you are today?

David: Sure! I’m a native of Green Bay. Aside from my time at Lawrence University for music and physics, I’ve always lived here. My wife also grew up in Green Bay, and together we have a family of nine. We both tend to challenge ourselves, which includes the ambitious task of raising a large family, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I found my passion for technology unexpectedly during college, realizing I had a knack for it and could translate it into business.

When I’m not working in technology, I enjoy philosophy. It’s great, as my oldest is a philosophy major, so we have some good discussions. I also love outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and running—things that help me connect with nature.

Kory: That’s fantastic! So, how did you transition into the IT world? What was your starting point, and what led you to your current position?

David: My passion for technology began in high school, but I didn’t fully recognize it until later. After high school and college, I spent most of my career as a technology consultant in various industries. However, in the last decade, my focus shifted to local businesses and startups, helping them navigate their growth.

The business landscape has evolved, making technology and cloud computing increasingly important, which complicates decision-making for business owners. I started Zeytech out of a personal need for a reliable service provider while working with different businesses. I wanted to provide clear answers when business leaders asked, “How do we do this?”

Zeytech was born from the relationships I built over the years, aiming to support local businesses in Wisconsin. It can be challenging for smaller organizations to find the same level of support that larger companies have, especially since much of the top talent in technology is absorbed by mid-sized and enterprise firms. My passion lies in helping regional businesses smooth their operations so that technology doesn’t become an emergency, and I strive to offer insights and solutions as they grow.

Kory: Thanks for sharing! Leadership is crucial in any organization. Can you describe your leadership style?

David: My leadership style focuses on empowering teams. While expertise in your field is important, the ability to work relationally with others is even more vital. As a leader, I provide vision and direction, but my main role is to support my team, ensuring they have what they need to succeed and collaborate effectively.

At Zeytech, we’ve cultivated a strong team culture where I primarily support and facilitate the team’s initiatives and client relationships. In technology, many experts are needed, and no one person can do it all.

Kory: Absolutely! Given how rapidly technology evolves, how do you stay informed and up to date?

David: Staying ahead is crucial. As my teams execute their tasks, I can focus on looking down the road to anticipate future developments. I reinforce what is valuable to our clients while also planning for upcoming trends, such as AI. If we don’t prepare for these changes, we risk missing opportunities for both our clients and ourselves.

Kory: That’s a good segue into the next question. Can you tell us more about Zeytech? Who is your ideal customer?

David: Certainly! Our primary focus is on managed IT and co-leading IT within organizations. We typically work with startups and businesses with 80 to 100 employees. Depending on their industry and challenges, some may have small IT teams or none at all, and they often struggle to manage their technology effectively.

Downtime can be a significant issue, and we often support their existing IT teams or help them build a more effective setup. Additionally, we provide co-led technology leadership, ensuring operations run smoothly. Our team excels in technology innovation, addressing problems ranging from plant machinery data management to developing new market offerings for startups. We aim to provide answers and, if we aren’t the experts in a specific area, we can connect clients with reputable local resources.

Kory: Great insights! When did you realize you had the confidence to run your own business?

David: That’s an interesting question. I’d say it was around the third year of running Zeytech. In the beginning, I was motivated and believed I could figure things out through hard work. The realization of my confidence came when I noticed we were stable enough not to need a line of credit, which was surprising but validating.

In the early years, I learned valuable lessons about managing cash flow and navigating challenges. By year three, I recognized that we had reached a point of stability, which confirmed my confidence in the business.

Kory: That’s fantastic! If you could go back to the start of your career, is there anything you would do differently?

David: That’s a tough question because even the mistakes I made contributed to who I am today. However, if I could apply my current knowledge, I would emphasize that business and life are fundamentally about relationships rather than just the challenges we face. I realized too late how crucial interpersonal dynamics are, often overshadowing the problems themselves.

In the past, I tended to prefer solving technology problems over addressing people-related issues. Now, I understand that often, a technology or business challenge stems from underlying relationship dynamics. Achieving a shared understanding among everyone involved can unlock solutions.

Kory: That ties back to your approach to leadership. Communication and interpersonal skills are vital in any business role.

David: Exactly! As a service provider, it’s essential to address business needs and resolve issues. However, we’ve found that keeping stakeholders informed about ongoing problems and progress can be even more valuable than the resolution itself. Sometimes the resolution may not be worth the effort if it doesn’t align with broader business goals.

Kory: It’s about digging deeper to understand the real issues, not just the surface problems.

David: Yes, sometimes the surface issue is just a symptom of a larger problem.

Kory: Many people hold stereotypes about business owners. Are there any myths you’d like to dispel or insights you want to share?

David: Absolutely! Particularly in small and mid-sized businesses, founders face significant challenges that others may not realize. They are not coasting on their teams; they have to manage responsibilities that often go unnoticed. There are days when unexpected challenges arise, and they must tackle them head-on.

Additionally, courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear. Founders often step into the unknown, and true courage is the willingness to move forward despite uncertainty. When someone appears fearless, it often reflects their experience and skills rather than a lack of fear. Real courage lies in facing challenges without having everything figured out and still taking steps forward.

Kory: So, it’s about having the confidence to know you’ll find a way to solve problems as they arise.

David: Exactly! It’s about trusting that, as long as you keep putting in the effort, you’ll find a way through.

Kory: What’s one interesting insight or piece of advice you’ve received recently that you’d like to share?

David: One key insight pertains to the balance between being a team member and a leader. Effective leadership relies on the team’s performance, which requires letting go of control while clearly communicating vision and expectations. It’s vital to create an environment where everyone understands their roles.

During challenges, it’s essential for team members to support each other and maintain momentum. As a leader, you still carry a lot of responsibility, but part of your role is to create an environment that enables your team to thrive. This often means trusting them and giving them space rather than second-guessing them, especially during tough times. If things start to fall apart, you must be prepared to step in while supporting them to keep moving forward.

Kory: That’s valuable advice. Lastly, do you have any resources or books you’d recommend for those looking to grow their businesses or leadership skills?

David: Yes! A few that come to mind are “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni, which explores team dynamics, and “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, which emphasizes the importance of purpose in leadership. I also recommend checking out John C. Maxwell’s works on leadership principles, as he offers practical insights into effective leadership.

Another valuable resource is the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It examines how certain companies achieve sustained greatness, which can inspire and guide those aiming to elevate their businesses.

Kory: Now, looking at Zeytech, what do you see as the biggest area for growth and development?

David: As I mentioned earlier, our main focus is managed IT services, which we want to grow into a more significant part of our business. Currently, we do a lot in application development, but I believe that engaging with clients at a foundational level is more beneficial than simply executing a project. We want to build relationships that allow for better understanding of client needs and how we can support them. Over the next 18 months, we’re committed to fostering these managed IT relationships to identify opportunities for assistance.

Kory: Conversely, what challenges do you foresee that might hinder this growth?

David: Sales is always a challenge for businesses, but for me, it’s about learning how to sell authentically. Sales reflects the human condition in many ways—it’s crucial for our survival, yet we have little control over it. Like hunting, we can seek out opportunities, but sometimes we come back empty-handed. Sales involves influencing people to make decisions, but it’s important to do this authentically. Everyone recognizes when they’re being sold to, and while a hard sell can be off-putting, a soft sell can be appreciated. The key is finding the right approach and focusing on genuine connection rather than control.

Kory: Lastly, what advice would you give to business owners who feel they need to handle everything on their own?

David: Don’t do it alone. Seek support from others because it’s unrealistic to be skilled in every aspect of running a business. If you try to do everything yourself, you’re not valuing your time properly. As a business owner, it’s essential to understand your role. There are different functions needed within a business—such as the technician, the entrepreneur, and the project manager. Trying to juggle all these roles can be mentally exhausting and lead to internal conflicts. I personally compartmentalize my thoughts to avoid contradictions that could undermine my communication. My advice is to find mentors and connect with other business owners for support. There are also experts in areas like finance who can handle crucial details you might not want to manage alone.

Kory: Great advice! Now it’s time for shout-outs. Who would you like to acknowledge for supporting you on your journey?

David: I’d like to recognize two organizations in Green Bay—Headway and Tanduo Partners. They are similar to Zeytech, and even though they’re technically competitors, we’ve developed great relationships and shared experiences. It’s inspiring to see how they contribute to the ecosystem, especially in promoting the startup community in Wisconsin, which is growing through initiatives like Startup Wisconsin and Startup Week events.

Kory: Lastly, how can someone learn more about Zeytech and your services?

David: We have two options: our website, zeytech.com, showcases our projects and use cases. Additionally, our team is active on LinkedIn. Reaching out through LinkedIn is an excellent way to connect personally. Our goal is not just to sell but to engage in meaningful conversations and offer help.

Kory: Thank you, David! It’s been a pleasure having you.

David: Thank you for having me!