The Power of Perseverance: Jason Zygadlo, ’02, A Successful Entrepreneur, Beats all Odds
Determination, a proactive mindset and an unwavering purpose helped Jason Zygadlo rise above what life has thrown at him. He made the most out of his college experience and served as president of Alpha Tau Omega, served as a student ambassador, a resident assistant, tour guide and was a member of the 2001 Homecoming Court. A first-generation college student, Jason found the academic side of college challenging. But he persisted and graduated with a degree in marketing and a plan to go into sales.
Driven to land a job after graduating, Jason began applying for pharmaceutical sales positions. “Everybody wanted experience and I didn't have any,” Jason said. “I was being ghosted so I had this creative idea to put on my suit, make my own business cards and put my resume in a shiny folder.” Instead of waiting for companies to contact him, he took the initiative to go to them first. Across from Mike’s Place in Kent were medical offices, and Jason approached sales representatives as they visited the offices. That bold move opened doors to interviews and, eventually, the start of his sales journey.
However in 2019, a cancer diagnosis took him down a different path when he made a major career pivot. Seeking more meaning and impact in his professional life, he founded build.your.own.brand. to help organizations and individuals stand out in their careers.
A proud Kent State graduate, Jason enjoys giving back to Kent State. He is a member of Kent State Alumni Association’s National Board of Directors. He also speaks to different organizations on campus, including the student ambassadors, sororities and fraternities to build their confidence, help identify their strengths and inspire them to stand out in the competitive job market. Get to know Jason in his own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
JZ: Spending time with my family out on the waters of Lake Erie.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
JZ: People who don’t take themselves too seriously.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
JZ: I’m extremely impatient.
KSU: Who had the greatest influence on your life?
JZ: My late mother…love you always, Kathi Zygadlo.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
JZ: I loved being on campus. Whether that was walking from point A to point B, for an athletic event or just in my dorm (Clark Hall). There was a very special energy on campus.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
JZ: My favorite journey is life. There’s a lot of ups and downs and twists and turns, and I am just doing my best to enjoy the ride.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
JZ: A maple donut filled with creme from Donut Land in Brunswick, Ohio.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
JZ: Being a first-generation college student, I would say graduating. Still very proud of the investment made to go to college. It was a wonderful experience.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
JZ: I would probably come back as myself, maybe just do some things a little bit differently.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
JZ: Being involved on campus. I was president of Alpha Tau Omega, student ambassadors, an RA, tour guide, etc. Learning leadership as it relates to being involved in all of these organizations as well as engaging with some really amazing people along the way was really impactful.