Meet Donny Zanger

We recently connected with Donny Zanger and have shared our conversation below.

Donny, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

Resilience has been a defining trait for me, and I think it was forged early on in life. Growing up dyslexic, school was an uphill battle. While other kids seemed to breeze through reading and writing, I struggled to keep up. Every assignment or test felt like climbing a mountain, and even though I worked hard, it often felt like the system wasn’t built for someone like me.

But those struggles taught me something invaluable: how to persevere. I learned that failure wasn’t the end—it was part of the process. When I faced setbacks, I couldn’t just give up. I had to find alternative ways to succeed, whether it was leaning on tutors, focusing on my strengths, or developing creative problem-solving skills.

School didn’t just challenge me academically; it tested my patience, confidence, and determination. By the time I reached adulthood, I had built a kind of mental toughness that made me ready to tackle challenges far beyond the classroom. I think resilience, for me, is rooted in that experience of constantly having to prove to myself—and sometimes to others—that I could overcome whatever obstacles were in my way.

Now, as an entrepreneur, that same resilience helps me navigate the ups and downs of building businesses. It’s a quality I’m grateful for every day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve always been someone who thrives on building things from the ground up. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of bootstrapping multiple companies, starting with little more than an idea, hard work, and sheer determination. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me so much about resourcefulness, resilience, and the importance of staying adaptable.

Bootstrapping means learning to make the most of limited resources, and that’s a mindset I’ve carried with me through every venture. It forces you to get creative, focus on what truly matters, and find ways to deliver value without relying on outside funding. Each business I’ve built has been an opportunity to solve a real problem, whether for individuals or entire industries, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

Looking back, I think those early challenges, especially growing up dyslexic, prepared me for this path. They taught me how to approach problems differently, lean into my strengths, and persevere when things got tough. Bootstrapping isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s been the most rewarding way to turn ideas into reality.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in my journey:

1. Resilience: Building something from scratch is never easy, and setbacks are inevitable. The ability to push through challenges, adapt to change, and keep moving forward has been crucial. For those early in their journey, focus on cultivating a mindset that sees failure as a learning opportunity. Read stories of successful entrepreneurs to see how they navigated tough times—it’s inspiring and grounding.
2. Resourcefulness: As a bootstrapper, I’ve learned how to maximize limited resources and find creative solutions to problems. For newcomers, start small and get hands-on experience in different areas of your business. This will help you understand how to stretch resources effectively while maintaining quality.
3. Vision and Execution: Having a clear vision for what you want to create is important, but execution is where the magic happens. Set actionable goals and stay disciplined. For those starting out, focus on breaking your big ideas into smaller, manageable steps and consistently work toward them.

Advice: Surround yourself with people who share your values and can support your growth. Invest in your learning, whether through books, podcasts, or mentorship, and always stay curious. Your journey won’t be linear, but with resilience, resourcefulness, and vision, you’ll find success.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that has profoundly influenced my development is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a timeless story about pursuing one’s dreams, and it resonates deeply with the entrepreneurial journey.

Here are a few of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book:

1. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
This idea reminds me to trust the process and stay committed to my goals. Opportunities often appear when you’re aligned with your purpose, and being open to them is key.
2. “The secret of life is to fall seven times and to get up eight.”
Resilience is critical. Success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how you respond to setbacks and keep moving forward despite challenges.
3. “Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”
This speaks to the importance of staying true to your vision, even when others doubt or question it. Listening to your inner voice is essential for building something meaningful.

The Alchemist teaches that the journey is as important as the destination. It’s a reminder to embrace the process, trust your instincts, and stay focused on your personal legend—your unique path in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buildwrks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanger123
• Linkedin: https://LinkedIn.com/in/donnyzanger/

Image Credits

Donny Zanger