Zeb Lee
Store manager | Purcell Tire and Rubber Co. dba Purcell Tire and Service Centers | Age: 37
What was your first job in the industry?
Department manager for Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express Center.
What attracted you to the industry?
The love of automotive and I like working with people and getting involved. This is a growing and changing industry and you have to be willing and able to keep up, and I like that kind of challenge.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
I don't think I have come across it yet.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
I would have to say Freda Pratt-Boyer, senior auditor at Purcell Tire. She is the one who saw something in me and hired me and is always there to help me out when I need her.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Last year we took a losing location and turned it around to break even in 12 months. It took a lot of hard work and dedication by all involved but it was done and everyone at that location had a hand in it.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Working as an area manager or district manager.
What’s the biggest issue facing the industry today?
Young people not wanting to get into the industry.
What’s the one thing you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
How much it would change over the years, and is still changing.
How do you encourage others to enter the industry?
Get them excited and pumped up about sales and service like we do in my shop.
Tell us about your family.
My wife is Leah and my son is Liam.
What’s your favorite weekend activity?
Spending time with my wife and son doing things outside — walking, fishing, and playing games.
What keeps you up at night?
The lack of young talent to take the place of the ones retiring.
Tell us something about yourself others might not know.
I have obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can be a good thing.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Lots of chocolate.
Name a talent you wish you had.
To play a musical instrument.
What’s your favorite food?
Spaghetti.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Donald Trump.
If we took your cell phone away and said it would cost you $1,000 to get it back, how long would you survive until you paid the ransom?
About a day.
