Zach Klein, store manager for the Charlie’s Fast Lube location in Sparta, Illinois, realized early on that cars were where he wanted to be. “I started college right out of high school, pursuing a degree in computer science,” he said. “However, I was working part-time at my first quick lube while going to school and quickly became more interested in cars than in computers. I left school after two years to work full-time as a manager at that same location.”

Brian Hahs, a district manager for Charlie’s Fast Lube, said that Klein bleeds the word leader. “He is a proven leader,” Hahs said. “Not only do his employees look up to him, but the other managers in our organization do as well. He continually sets the bar — he will even fill in at other locations on his own time because he knows how it feels when you need help.”

To Klein, setting a good example for your team is the key to being a high-quality leader. “A good leader should be highly motivated and always make good decisions when under pressure or faced with difficult circumstances,” Klein said. “I believe that your crew will act as you do if you always set a good example and do the right thing.”

Doing the right thing is key to Klein’s work ethic. He said some of the best career advice he’s received was about taking pride in doing the right thing, no matter the situation. “People will respect you more for going out of your way to do the right thing instead of cheating or shortcutting,” Klein said.

And that work ethic is part of what makes him so valuable to his leaders.

“His work ethic would be admired by most people,” Hahs said.

Rightly so, since Klein’s work ethic has created a highly profitable location. “His dedication to his store is amazing. When he took over, it wasn‘t doing near its potential. It doesn‘t matter how many hours it takes to make sure everything is running smoothly or the time it takes to train an employee. Zach is there,” Hahs said.

Some of Klein’s energy and work ethic is fueled by being around people like him. “Attending The Car Wash Show in Las Vegas was one of my greatest experiences,” he said. “I was able to meet and connect with many like-minded people, and it was an eye-opening experience to see so many other people who are just as passionate about their careers as I am.”

As his career progresses, Klein said he is interested to see where technology takes the car wash industry. Either way, he hopes to continue along his current path at Charlie’s Fast Lube.

When Klein’s not busy steering his store toward growth, he enjoys spending time among his many hobbies. “My wife would probably say I have too many hobbies,” he said.

His most time-consuming hobby is his love of all things salt water: “I have three salt water tanks in my home that occupy a huge part of my off-time,” he said. “I keep everything from fish and corals to an octopus and jellyfish.”

He also enjoys spending time staying healthy with trips to the gym. While he never finished his degree in computer science, he did go back to school to become certified in personal training and nutrition. He also enjoys attending sporting events, including baseball, football and hockey.