Zig Ziglar was more than just a sales guru—he was a mentor, a motivator, and a man who understood that true success begins with helping others. I had the privilege of learning from Zig through his books and tapes long before I met him at my first National Speakers Association convention in Phoenix.
There, during a coffee break, I found myself next to my hero. Zig greeted me like any regular person, with warmth and authenticity. That interaction confirmed what I had always believed—his teachings came from a place of real integrity.
Zig’s core message in sales was simple but profound: “You can have anything you want if you first help enough other people get what they want.” This wasn’t just about closing deals—it was about building trust, listening, and putting the customer first.
That philosophy served me well throughout my career. It sometimes put me at odds with others in my organization, but I always stood by the belief that customers, not companies, pay our salaries. If we serve them well, everything else falls into place.
That same mindset applies beyond sales—it works in relationships, too. In marriage, for example, the saying “Happy wife, happy life” rings true. When I understand my wife Lynnda’s needs and focus on making her happy, my own happiness follows.
The same principle guided how we planned family vacations with our kids and now with our grandkids. We included everyone in the process—from picking destinations to choosing restaurants—because when everyone’s needs are considered, everyone has a better time.
Evenings by our backyard fire pit are some of the best moments Lynnda and I share. No phones, no TV—just the two of us, talking and listening. It’s about understanding each other and reinforcing our bond. That’s how strong relationships work. Focus on the other person, and happiness naturally follows.
This people-first mindset is also the foundation of the work we do at Shale Crescent USA. We’re not in the business of selling—we’re in the business of helping.
As we prepare for this year’s SelectUSA conference, we’ve made it our mission to understand what foreign companies need when they come to the U.S. We don’t start with our pitch—we start by listening. Then, we show how the Shale Crescent region—Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—can meet those needs better than anywhere else.
Discover the Competitive Advantage of Shale Crescent USA
Why Choose Our Region?
- Access to Low-Cost Energy and Materials
Located on top of some of the world’s most reliable and affordable energy sources. - Proximity to Customers
Reach 50% of the U.S. population within a one-day drive. - Sustainable Growth
Our natural advantages are long-term—not temporary tax incentives.
Who We Are
Shale Crescent USA is a nonprofit dedicated to helping companies expand and succeed while creating local jobs and economic growth.
When a company chooses our region, everyone wins. They reduce costs and grow profits. Our communities gain good jobs and higher living standards. We also help these companies build relationships with local partners—from engineers and legal advisors to potential customers and suppliers. Just last week, a European company we met at SelectUSA came to visit. We introduced them to five local companies that could help them succeed here.
Zig Ziglar’s wisdom doesn’t just apply to sales or business—it applies to life. If you’re not satisfied with your relationships or career, maybe the answer isn’t to demand more, but to give more. True happiness and success don’t come from focusing inward—they come from lifting others up first. Whether it’s in marriage, work, or business, the key is always the same: help others win, and you’ll win too.
Greg Kozera, is the Director of Marketing for Shale Crescent USA. He’s a professional engineer with a master’s in environmental engineering, a leadership coach, speaker, author of four books, and a high school soccer coach with over 40 years of energy industry experience.
