Class of 2005 Ford Opportunity alumnus Zach Edwards is not your typical college graduate. Eschewing ties and computers for overalls and wrenches, Zach truly gets his “hands dirty” as owner and chief mechanic of Ashland Automotive in Ashland, Oregon. Using the knowledge and discipline attained en route to his BS in Business Administration from Southern Oregon University in 2009, Mr. Edwards has built a thriving business while pursuing his passion for fixing cars.

His education has not been confined to the classroom. As an ASE Certified Advanced Level Master Technician, Zach was taught many lessons in business during his years working as a mechanic in other shops. “At nearly every shop I worked in the past, I always felt there was a better way to do things. I watched everything closely and made mental note of how I would do it differently.”

Zach works tirelessly improving his shop, focusing on quality service and communication. He takes pride in his ability to follow through with a plan, even if it means working 16 hours a day. This work ethic has enabled a doubling in business revenue every year, a feat which very few small businesses in this recession-dominated era can boast.

The master student has become an educator as well, publishing a blog on his company’s website (http://www.ashlandautomotiveinc.com/) demystifying the auto repair process while providing consumers with information necessary to make sound decisions with their vehicles. This openness and honesty is rare in the industry, giving Ashland Automotive the edge on its competitors.

When not presiding over his business, Zach is very active in his community. As passionate about baseball as he is about cars, he has been a coach for the past 6 years, devoting up to 20 hours per week eight months out of the year. He “loves discovering and passing along to kids the parallels of baseball and life” while giving him time to spend with his son. He also enjoys outdoor pursuits like swimming, camping and hiking.

As a successful and principled business owner as well as an active community member, Mr. Edwards embodies The Ford Family Foundation core values of Integrity, Stewardship, Respect, Independence, and Community.