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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
What does the word zeal mean? Well, according to Mr. Webster, it means a passion for what you do.
Passion is what I saw in Michael Troy Jackson and his wife Wink when I visited with them at Zeal Optics in Moab. These two former internationally-ranked professional mountain bike racers in cross country/downhill, as well as, triathlon have moved their zeal and competitiveness from bikes to commerce.
Michael Troy and Wink met and married in Japan where they lived from 1987 to 1996. Wink is a four-time All-Japan National Champion in cross-country and downhill.
While they were racing, they both used a wide selection of what was considered performance eyewear. They had many experiences of the products not performing to expectations. They decided to move after many years in Japan back to the United States and start their own business. They knew they could design better performing sunglasses and they had the experience and business background and sourcing connections to become entrepreneurs.
The Jacksons created a line of eyewear that exceeded the demands of professional and amateur athletes. They committed early in their business that they would offer the most innovative, highest quality and best fitting performance eyewear in the world. And, they would do it with zeal or great passion.
Their products are now marketed nationwide and in 16 countries worldwide.
I asked the couple why they decided on Moab for their new venture. Wink asked me to look over my shoulder and look out the window. There was a gorgeous panoramic vista of the beautiful red rocks with the snow-covered LaSalle Mountains in the background. "That's the reason. The beauty, the quality of life and of course Moab is a mecca for mountain bikers," she said.
Zeal Optics started small and has some giant international competitors who were well established. But, with real zeal and passion, Wink and Michael Jackson are carving out a real share of the performance eyewear market.
This is Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
