The idea of YellowBird was inspired by a total stranger. Michael Zalle was sitting in the back seat of a rideshare on the way to the airport. The driver was impressive, he was articulate, courteous and had excellent personal skills, causing Zalle to wonder why he was driving an Uber. The man, a retired Air Force colonel in a foreign nation with experience overseeing an operation of around 40,000 men and women but he was driving Uber to feel useful.
Zalle began to think about how to develop technology to match and leverage the professional unique skills and backgrounds of people while helping provide new access to income. This vision led to the launch of YellowBird.
YellowBird is a gig economy marketplace that quickly and easily connects risk management and environmental, health and safety professionals with businesses on-demand. By providing an efficient method for business leaders and skilled professionals to connect, YellowBird facilitates the right people, in the right location, with the right experience for the job.
In just under four years, YellowBird has completed revenue in 42 states and has EHS Pros in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Under Zalle’s leadership, the firm has raised $10.9 million dollars across three funding rounds.
As the founder & chief executive officer of YellowBird, Zalle has been a frequent guest on podcasts including EHS on Tap, Risk Management Show, and The Power Producers. He has also written articles for The Contractor’s Compass and served as a speaker at the ASSP Regional Summits and the National Safety Council’s Safety Congresses.
Zalle’s focus on serving others through his work comes from a unique personal story. When he was born with a spinal cord issue and an underdeveloped right hand, his parents and family managed this scary situation with the belief that he could overcome anything. The “Mikey can do it – he’ll figure it out” mentality shaped his mindset and set the stage for success in life.
“I have a dear friend who tells his kids every morning before school to do their best, be kind and have fun,” said Zalle. “These fundamental principles are what make for great humans and leaders, and I believe that humility and a lens of good intent make great leaders.”
Leading with empathy is his superpower, said Zalle. “Empathy helps me see things that others don’t naturally see because I read the room and have the ability to collaborate with others seeking the best solution,” he said.
