Jim Craig Honored with Special Legacy Tribute Award for Profound Impact On Zeigler Leadership Development

 

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Kalamazoo, Mich. (August 9, 2021) - Zeigler Auto Group is proud to announce Jim Craig as its newest Legacy Tribute Award honoree. The coveted award, usually reserved for Zeigler's most tenured employees was, for the first time, awarded outside of the organization to the renowned Olympian, speaker and author.

"Jim has made a profound positive impact on developing leaders in our organization. And he is also the first non-Zeigler employee to ever win the Legacy Award," said Aaron Zeigler, president and owner of Zeigler Auto Group. 

Having worked with Zeigler Auto Group since 2013, Jim Craig has provided the organization with continuous support in leadership development, conducting monthly sessions with Zeigler's top leaders.

During these hour-long training sessions, he focuses on challenging the way leaders see themselves and others, often pulling from his experience as an Olympian and the defining moments in his life. 

"I firmly believe that winners get up the quickest, and this is a concept I reflect on frequently when things get hard. A defining moment for me was when I incurred a career-ending injury playing for the Minnesota North Stars in the NHL, meaning a career in which I was one of the best in the world at, was over. I had no idea what I was going to do next, but I picked myself up, reinvented myself, and navigated to the next chapter. All of the hard moments in my life have made me who I am."

True to his competitive nature, Jim Craig always emphasizes the importance of not giving up when things get hard or when you feel stuck, "My biggest advice is that failure isn't fatal, but being afraid to fail is. I encourage those people to stop being afraid of failing and take a risk or they will forever sit on their dreams. I encourage them to find mentors, always have a curious mind, and ask for help."

Thanks to his ongoing involvement with Zeigler, many have come to see him as a mentor, and a vital part of their development at the organization. Zach Terrell, general sales manager, says he's been personally helped and challenged by Jim. "He is a no-nonsense kind of guy and I really appreciate that about him. He'll tell you what you need to hear and won't sugar coat it. I feel like he challenges me personally and professionally to be my best."

He also says he's seen the impact Jim Craig has had on the organization first hand. "One of the biggest things I've noticed that we started doing was calling everyone "team mate", this leaves the titles at the door and levels the playing field. I think that it helps a lot because when you call someone "new" or a "rookie" you're bounding them to those thoughts and experiences, when you change that around to "team mate" you are opening them up to bring everything they can to the table without labels."

Even from the very beginning of his partnership with Zeigler, Jim found a way to leave his mark. The very first day he visited the auto group, he saw a sign on the wall with Zeigler's famed P.R.I.D.E acronym with P.R.I.D.E. representing Passion, Reputation, Integrity, Drive, and Excellence.

Although he liked the concept and agreed with most of the meanings behind P.R.I.D.E., he felt the "E" for "Execution" was a better fit for what the organization was trying to achieve. Aaron Zeigler agreed, and changed it shortly after.

"I love the fact that Aaron has never gotten comfortable. I enjoy the fact that the company never settles for average and is creating the Gold standard in their industry," he continued.

Besides Aaron Zeigler, Jim Craig also pointed to other standouts within the organization including Mike Van Ryn, Joe St. Germain, Damon Allison, Ariah Daniels. "I love the way Joe St. Germain continues to reinvent himself. I love the fact that Mike Van Ryn has gotten out of his comfort zone. I love the fact that Damon breathes a new life into the organization. I love that Ariah has decided to be a leader."

"Jim Craig has been instrumental in Zeigler's leadership development over the last few years. He challenges people to get out of their comfort zone, by discussing topics that make you think in different perspectives. He is an inspiration to me and our entire Zeigler team!"

Mike Van Ryn, Director of Talent Development

"Jim Craig has been a HUGE positive influence on me and our team. He takes a different approach to training by making us THINK differently about important aspects of our business. He challenges us to think about different ways to approach the way we do business daily, the way we train, the way we approach our culture. I have learned a lot from Jimmy and I consider him an important part of our success!"

Joe St Germain, VP, Zeigler Auto Group

"Jimmy has been very inspirational in my current development! He is my mentor and helps me to ignite my personal career goals.  He consistently challenges my weaknesses and pushes me with guidance and conversation. The thing that I value most about Jimmy is his passions and encouragement towards the personal growth of others!"

Damon Allison, Corporate Recruiter & Talent Development, Zeigler Auto Group

"Jim has played an instrumental part in taking our leadership team to the next level! He's done an exceptional job at challenging our mindset and helping us step out of our comfort zones to grow. His passion and determination for helping others thrive is incredible and I'm happy to call him a mentor, coach, and friend!"

Ariah Daniels, Corporate Recruiter

(Jim Craig signs his Team USA Jersey at Zeigler event)