ZACHARY Hayward
Favorite Part of Job? I have had the good fortune to work in a unique industry, for a family owned business, supporting farmers 
and the working landscape. Every day poses new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. I work with a terrific team of dedicated individuals working towards a common goal; producing the highest 
quality value added maple products anywhere.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Jim Macisaac. He taught me the importance of the right attitude and optimism in business and life.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Walks in the woods with my family and dogs. Watching football and playing scrabble with my father.
Favorite Super Hero: The Incredible Hulk. The embodiment of "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", and green is my favorite color.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: Bill Belichick. The ultimate manager; success, stability, total buy in from his employees of the importance of every job.
What is the best career advice you have received? "Everything happens for a reason." "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? In the right place. It has always been my goal, in sports, in life, and professionally, to be in the position where my skills and abilities make the most difference.
What will that be in ten years? I have no idea, but I have faith it will work out.
Career Highlights: The rapid growth and seasonal nature of the maple industry for the last ten years have made almost every year the best and busiest that I've yet experienced. Each year has provided new and different challenges and overcoming them and circling the calendar successfully has been its own highlight. Every production goal achieved, order shipped on time, and customer satisfied is the result of a total team effort. Every day needs to be a highlight reel in itself.
Community Involvement: My work, family, and farm occupy the majority of my waking hours. I do my best to help out in the community where and when I can. In the past this has involved coaching several years of t-ball, farm league baseball, and youth soccer. I have also served as a mover when the local pre-k class had to move to and from a neighboring school due to high enrollment and space issues. My employer at the time loaned us their box truck twice and made a big job much easier.
My family is also very involved with the Central Vermont Humane Society. We fundraise actively, and have fostered dozens of cats, kittens, and a lot of dogs over the years.