On March 2, 2026, the Daviess County CEO class had the opportunity to visit Zax Creamery and learn firsthand from owner Zach Graber. The experience provided students with a meaningful look into entrepreneurship, as Zach shared his journey, lessons learned, and practical advice for building a successful business.
Zax Creamery, now operating in both Montgomery. Jasper and French Lick, has experienced steady growth since its early beginnings. Zach encouraged students to start small, stay committed, and focus on building genuine connections within their community. He emphasized that success comes from consistency, faithfulness to your vision, and a willingness to put yourself in front of others.
Throughout the discussion, Zach highlighted several important traits for aspiring entrepreneurs, including maintaining a strong work ethic, delivering excellent customer service, producing high-quality products, and running an efficient operation. He also stressed the importance of having an opportunistic mindset, letting go of negativity, reinvesting in your business, and surrounding yourself with mentors and strong relationships. Additional topics included staying passionate about your brand, engaging with customers, preparing for growth, utilizing social media effectively, adapting to challenges, and understanding financing options such as SBA loans.
Zach also shared the story of Zax Creamery’s growth. What began in September 2018 as a small trailer operation gradually expanded through persistence and clear vision. A major turning point came during the 2020–2021 rebrand from “Big Olaf” to “Zax’s,” which included a shift toward homemade ice cream and a stronger focus on branding and product quality.
He explained how increased competition in Jasper pushed the business to improve signage and strengthen brand recognition, growing from just a few competitors to several. In Montgomery, the rebrand led to a noticeable increase in coffee sales, demonstrating the importance of listening to customers and adapting to their preferences.
The visit left students with valuable insight into the realities of entrepreneurship and the mindset required for success. The CEO class is grateful to Zach for his honesty, encouragement, and willingness to invest in the next generation of business leaders.
