Meet Zeal Consulting LLC

Introduction to Zeal Consulting LLC

Hello and welcome to Zeal Consulting LLC's journey into business excellence. I'm Evan Howard, the founder of Zeal Consulting, and I'm here to share my story, which is deeply intertwined with the ethos of our company.

I hail from Dayton, Ohio, and my professional journey began in the military. Enlisting in 2004 as a PFC in the Army Reserves, I embarked on a path that has profoundly shaped my life. The military wasn't just a career choice for me but a forging ground for character, discipline, and leadership.

My initial stint as an 88H cargo specialist was just the beginning. After basic training at Fort Benning, GA, my mentor, Major Graves, a respected figure and a Vietnam Vet, steered me towards higher education. His guidance was instrumental in my winning first place in the 2004 nationals in ROTC for precision drill, so I obliged.

I started at Sinclair Community College but soon found myself at Central State University, helping to build the ROTC program. This period was a significant learning curve for me, teaching me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. When I considered leaving Central, another mentor, SFC Andrews, encouraged me to continue my education. Following their advice, I landed at the University of Dayton, and four years later, I emerged as a commissioned 2nd lieutenant in the Army as a Signal Officer (25A) for the Ohio National Guard.

Over the next 15 years, I led large organizations such as the 137th Signal Company and the Services Flight Commander for the 179 AW. My military career, filled with domestic and international missions, honed my strategic planning and leadership skills.

However, after separating from the military in 2019, I faced challenges in finding purpose in the corporate world. My time at one of the world's largest banks was a period of introspection. It made me realize the need for meaningful work that aligns with one's values and passions.

Thus, Zeal Consulting LLC was born in 2019 after George Floyd’s tragic death. It started as a way to channel my expertise in business strategy and empowerment to help small business owners. "Zeal" signifies eagerness and ardent interest in pursuing something – a principle that has guided my life and, now, my business.

At Zeal Consulting, we approach business strategy like a military operation: efficient, effective, and mission-focused. We're not just about growth; we're about sustainable and meaningful success. We empower small businesses and entrepreneurs by handling the complexities of business management, from team development to social engagement.

Our mission is to be the Special Forces of business strategy – swift, precise, and impactful. We're here to ensure the future success of your business by focusing on essential, often overlooked aspects that yield substantial results for the entire team.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the world of business strategy and leadership the Zeal way.

Evan Howard, Founder, CEO