At thirteen years old, standing in the humid heat of a Georgia chicken farm, Zach McLeroy was learning lessons he wouldn't fully understand for decades. Every morning, as he tended to thousands of birds, God was planting seeds of discipline, service, and stewardship that would shape his future.

Those early years under his father's guidance instilled more than just a work ethic. His father's commitment to excellence – whether installing carpet in a mansion or linoleum in a modest apartment – taught Zach that true service means giving your best, regardless of who's watching. Alongside this, Zach's early practice of tithing established a foundation of faithful giving that would later amplify into a mission of transformative generosity.

At twenty-eight, Zach faced a pivotal moment. Despite holding a comfortable position in mortgage banking, he felt called to something different – something that would allow him to serve people directly. Following this calling meant selling his prized $8,000 drum set to launch what would become Zaxby's. This act of faith, matched by his business partner Tony, set in motion a journey that would exceed any earthly ambition.

Through thirty years of building Zaxby's, Zach's approach to business centered on investing in people. When others advised against it, he offered partnership opportunities to franchisees, sharing both risk and reward. This philosophy of lifting others while climbing became a hallmark of his leadership.

Even in 2008, when the financial crisis threatened everything he'd built, Zach's faith remained unshaken. These challenges deepened his understanding that true wealth isn't measured in dollars but in lives impacted and communities transformed.

Today, through the McLeroy Family Foundation, Zach's mission is clear: to instill hope and enrich lives. The foundation partners with organizations faithfully serving underserved communities, focusing on housing insecurity, youth development, community health, veterans' needs, and anti-trafficking initiatives.