Before leading a fast-growing commercial service company, Josh Zolin was a professional stuntman. The experience honed his discipline, precision and ability to perform under pressure—qualities that now define his role as chief executive officer of Windy City Equipment (WCE). Transitioning from a high-intensity film set to the world of skilled trades may seem unlikely, but Zolin has made it the foundation of an extraordinary leadership journey.
When he took over the family business, Zolin saw more than a company—he saw a platform to revolutionize how the trades are perceived and experienced. From the beginning, he made it his mission to modernize operations while protecting the pride and craftsmanship of the technicians who power the work. That meant blending new technologies with timeless values, pushing WCE to grow without sacrificing the culture that set it apart.
Over the last three years, the company has expanded across Arizona, Nevada and Texas, supported by systems designed to streamline service, empower employees and exceed client expectations. Zolin introduced cutting-edge automation tools, enhanced support for field techs and built a leadership pipeline grounded in mentorship and continuous improvement. The company’s steady revenue growth and national recognition are reflections of a business strategy grounded in trust and adaptability.
A Titan 100 Honoree, Zolin has emerged as a vocal advocate for the trades. He’s working to change outdated perceptions, promoting these careers as modern, meaningful and rich with opportunity. His bestselling book and public speaking engagements extend this message, elevating skilled labor to its rightful place in conversations about innovation and economic development.
But Zolin’s success isn’t just about business metrics—it’s about impact. His leadership style centers on empathy and listening. By staying close to the frontline experience, he ensures that every policy, platform and investment supports the real people doing the work. This approach has helped foster loyalty, improve efficiency and attract top talent to an industry often overlooked by traditional career paths.
To reignite his own passion, Zolin embraces challenges that demand creative thinking. Whether it’s adapting to shifting customer needs, navigating industry changes or building a new regional operation, he thrives where others hesitate. That mindset—cultivated on stunt sets and sharpened in boardrooms—drives him to lead with both confidence and curiosity.
His vision for WCE goes far beyond geographic expansion. Zolin aims to transform the company into a model of workforce development, where respect, autonomy and purpose are baked into every role. Through smart strategy and bold advocacy, he’s proving that service companies can lead on values as much as they do on outcomes.
Zolin’s journey from entertainment to enterprise leadership is a rare one—but it’s precisely that unique perspective that fuels his ability to innovate and inspire. In showing what’s possible when mission and momentum meet, he’s helping redefine the future of the skilled trades for generations to come.
