Young Ohio Entrepreneur Redefines Success with Client-Focused Growth Strategies
By
Aug 15, 2025
From Nonprofit Development to Entrepreneurial Awakening
Burnout forced young Ohio entrepreneur Zacharias Wray to admit what most ambitious people avoid: success can still feel like a trap. He began his career as Director of Communications and Donor Relations at a regional nonprofit, where he managed messaging, donor engagement, and fundraising campaigns. That work led him to a second leadership role as Director of Philanthropy at a private K–12 school. There, he oversaw development strategy and helped raise more than $1 million in support of student programs and expansion projects. In both positions, he saw what was possible when storytelling, strategy, and relationships came together around a shared mission. But even with clear results and strong alignment on paper, something deeper was off.
The structure he was working within was increasingly rigid. Policies were applied broadly without room for nuance. Creativity was often sidelined in favor of tradition. The push for constant output left little space for reflection or innovation. What began as mission-focused work slowly started to feel corporate. Decision-making was often emotional and reactive, and change ÎCwas met with resistance even when it was clearly needed. Despite holding influential roles, Zach found himself with very little control over how he spent his time or how he used his strengths.
That realization pushed him to do something drastic. At 25, he bought a small marketing business in Amherst, Ohio. On the surface it looked like a modest local business, but he saw something deeper. This was not just an escape from burnout. It was a chance to build something with intention. He wanted to create a company that helped other small businesses grow with clarity and strategy without sacrificing their people or their purpose in the process.
The Burnout That Drove Change
The experiences of burnout in his nonprofit career were instrumental in shaping the work culture at RBGS. Zacharias wanted to create a place where he and his team could do meaningful work without sacrificing their well-being. His goal was to create a sustainable environment, one where people could flourish creatively and professionally, without the pressure of an unrelenting corporate structure.
By applying lessons learned in nonprofit development, Zacharias designed a workplace that was both people-centric and results-driven. Policies like Common Sense PTO and a fully remote work model allowed employees to prioritize personal needs without compromising productivity. This freedom nurtured a culture of creativity, innovation, and efficiency, values that translated into the agency’s approach to client relationships.
“I didn’t want to create just another business; I wanted to build something that would respect the people who worked for it as much as the clients we served,” says Zacharias.
This mentality extended beyond internal operations. The way RBGS approached client relationships also reflected this shift. Instead of offering cookie-cutter solutions or over-promising on services, the agency became known for its diagnostic approach. Every client engagement began with a deep dive into the business’s unique needs, followed by a strategic plan designed specifically for their growth.
Creating a Business That Reflects Personal Values
The growth agency Zacharias created was built on the idea that business success is not a one-size-fits-all model. The agency doesn’t simply chase quick wins or immediate results. Instead, RBGS works with each client to identify their core challenges and determine the next steps that will have the most meaningful impact. This approach ensures that each client’s investment is purposeful, well-considered, and tied to tangible, long-term results.
“We don’t just sell marketing services,” says Zacharias. “We help our clients take the next step in their growth journey. When they grow, we grow, and that’s the foundation of a true partnership.”
By focusing on long-term success rather than short-term achievements, RBGS has established a reputation for delivering results that matter. From generating over 10 million unique impressions for clients to secure multiple #1 search engine rankings, the agency’s focus on strategic growth has led to significant, measurable outcomes. Clients see an increase in qualified leads and better-performing websites, which in turn drives lasting market presence.
The People-First Business That Breaks Limits
Building a people-first culture has been a cornerstone of RBGS’s success. Zacharias ensured that the agency wasn’t just a place to work, but a place where creativity and personal growth could flourish. Many team members had experienced burnout in corporate environments before joining RBGS, so the agency’s commitment to a better work-life balance and a flexible, remote culture was a natural fit.
The agency’s team structure emphasizes the value of individual contributions, creative freedom, and a strong sense of camaraderie. By building a company that nurtures its people, RBGS has been able to foster a high-performance environment that supports both personal well-being and professional growth.
“Creating a company where people could prioritize their personal lives while still contributing to meaningful work was essential,” says Zacharias. “It’s about giving people the flexibility and the trust they need to do their best work without burning out.”
Success on Their Own Terms
Today, Roaring Business Growth Solutions is a wonderful example of the power of intentional, people-first business practices. With a talented team and a growing list of clients, RBGS continues to help businesses break through barriers and achieve lasting success. Through its strategic, diagnostic approach to growth, the agency has earned a reputation for driving measurable, sustainable outcomes that support clients’ long-term goals.
For Zacharias, the success of RBGS is not just about business metrics, it’s about creating something meaningful that reflects his personal values of creativity, balance, and growth. By blending his nonprofit development experience with entrepreneurial principles, Zacharias has built an agency that challenges traditional business norms while delivering exceptional results for his clients.
“My journey wasn’t a straight path, but every experience led me to create something that has meaning beyond just financial success,” says Zacharias. “At RBGS, we focus on making an impact, not just for our clients, but for the people who work here.”
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Business Growth?
If you’re ready to experience the difference that a people-first, growth-focused agency can make for your business, discover how Roaring Business Growth Solutions can help you break limits and grow with purpose. Visit their website at roaringpages.com to learn more or connect with Zacharias and his team on social media:
