Zach Purser, General Manager of Fastenal in Anniston, Ala, and former Future Business Leader of America officer at Cedartown High School, was the speaker at the FBLA Power Breakfast this month.

Purser began his presentation by telling the students how “blessed” he is to be in his current position, because even though he did attend college, he does not have a college degree.

He stated many companies require a college degree, and he also feels a college degree is important.

Purser draws his strength, however, from the vocational classes he had while at CHS and leadership skills he acquired as an FBLA Officer.

One lesson in particular he said, is that he kicks himself daily for not following the

advice of his Work Based Learning/DCT Teacher, Mr. Russ Edge, when he showed him how much money he would have by the time he was 40 years old by saving only $20 every paycheck.

Purser said with the compounded interest he would be a millionaire in just a few years.

Mr. Purser presented information on his company to show the students how many different areas of business he deals with as a general manager of an international company.

He also showed them the manufacturing, logistics, marketing, financial and retail aspects of Fastenal. The students were especially intrigued at the idea of getting tools out of a vending machine!

Mr. Purser emphasized the lessons learned from many inspirational and business speakers while serving as an FBLA officer. He finished by crediting much of his success today to adhering to the advice and direction of these leaders.