“A big part of my job is listening to our team, asking good questions, and helping remove obstacles so they can do their jobs well,” he said. “Our vision is really about staying true to who we are as a local company. We want Zamzows to be the kind of place people trust for advice and help, not just a place to buy things. If we take care of customers and take care of our team, the rest usually works itself out.”
Jos Zamzow

Zamzows, which was started by his great-grandparents, has grown significantly over the years, now with 12 stores across the Treasure Valley.

“We still try to run the company with the same mindset it started with: Treat customers well, give honest advice and be part of the community,” he shared. “A lot of our team members have been with us for many years, and that says a lot about the culture and the people behind the business.”

When asked why he believed he was recognized as a CEO of Influence award recipient, Zamzow said he believes it has more to do with the people around him than anything he’s done individually.

He said, “We have a great team that genuinely cares about helping customers, and I’ve also had the benefit of learning from mentors and other business leaders in the community. When a company does well, it’s usually the result of a lot of people pulling in the same direction.”

When it comes to community involvement, he and his team are active in serving people across Idaho. The company gives back by supporting local causes and community events, and personally, Zamzow has been involved in leadership groups where local businesses learn from each other.

“Those conversations have helped me grow and reminded me how important it is for businesses to stay connected to their communities,” he said.

As for what makes him an effective leader and good person, Zamzow describes himself as a continuous learner who tries to always stay curious.

When he’s not at work, Zamzow can be found staying grounded by spending time with his family, getting outdoors to explore Idaho’s beauty, and participating in sports of all kinds. He also said that he keeps things in perspective by maintaining an attitude of gratitude for all of the opportunities he’s been given.