Josh Zolin

CEO Windy City Equipment

Josh Zolin is the CEO of Windy City Equipment Service (WCE), a leading commercial facilities maintenance company specializing in HVAC, Refrigeration, and Kitchen Equipment. Josh began his journey in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he grew up on a farm that was later converted into a school for aspiring film industry stunt performers. From a young age he was rolling cars, setting himself on fire, and jumping from five-story buildings. After high school he pursued the family stunt business in Hollywood, California before realizing his entrepreneurial dream.

Josh then set his sights for sunny Arizona, to work alongside his dad as a commercial kitchen equipment technician. Over the years he climbed the ranks to grow WCE from two employees working out of a garage, to an 8-figure powerhouse operating four branches in three states. As a direct result of Josh’s innovative leadership, WCE has received Inc Magazine’s “Inc 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America” honors for three years in a row (2018, 2019, 2020).

In complement to his hands-on contribution to WCE, Josh is the published author of Blue is the New White, an eye-opening book which focuses on shattering misperceptions of skilled trades. Donated copies of this best-selling work can be found in 50+ high schools across the country. In addition to business ownership and real estate investing, Josh's professional portfolio also includes public speaking. He is also the host of the Blue is the New White podcast, exploring the industrial journeys of successful tradespeople from around the globe.

Josh is constantly fine-tuning his craft as a CEO, but spends his precious free time with his wife and two daughters in Gilbert, AZ. He is an Avid reader, die-hard Chicago Bears fan, and self-taught guitarist although he will not be releasing an album anytime soon.

MON, May 6: Deep-Dive Workshop Day

4:10 PM Workshop 13 - Tools of the Trade: Sharpening Your Team's Communications and Soft Skills

In the realms of engineering and skilled trades, technical prowess is paramount. However, the power of accurate communication, effective interpersonal skills, and the art of transferring knowledge are often overlooked.

Join Josh Zolin, field service executive and author of Blue is the New White, in a workshop tailored specifically for field service professionals.

Our modern industries thrive on collaboration, making soft skills not just an advantage, but a necessity. Whether you're interfacing with clients, leading a team, or mentoring the next wave of professionals, your ability to convey ideas, insights, and experiences effectively, while building relationships, can propel your professional journey and fuel your overall success.

Key Takeaways:

The science behind soft skills: Understand why communication and teaching skills are crucial in technical professions.
Communication as a tool: Understand the main aspects of communication and how they impact relationships, attitudes, and retention of information.
Effective knowledge transfer: Learn techniques to pass on your skills, experiences and insights, ensuring the next generation is equipped to take the baton and run with it.
The power of listening: Learn why this is the most overlooked aspect of communication, but also the most important.

Join us for this transformative session and bridge the gap between hard technical skills and soft interpersonal skills, creating a holistic approach that you can implement immediately into both your professional and personal life.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Josh.

Download The Latest Agenda