Spotlight on the Finalist: Kamal Gill, The Zone
Thanks to Kamal Gill & the team at The Zone for answering a few questions, and congratulations on your nominations!
1. What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award?
To be nominated and being selected as a finalist for Tourism & Entertainment Business of the Year in our first year of operations has been a great honor. It is so great to be a member of the Chamber and work with so many other great & successful businesses and owners. To win the Small Business Award would just be the highlight of this exciting first year for us.
2. What business person has influenced you the most?
Two of my favorite entrepreneurs are – Steve Jobs & Richard Branson. Steve Jobs for creating some of the best, most cutting edge products in the world like Apple Products — Mac, iPhone, iPad and Pixar and for his passion to pursue his dreams, dropping out of Harvard, being kicked out of the company he founded (Apple), and yet still persisting in life and creating Pixar which eventually paved his way back to the top of Apple.
Richard Branson has a passion for life, hospitality, service and has created one of the top brands in the world — Virgin. He is a great visionary and entrepreneur who lives life to the fullest.
3. If you weren’t running your own business, what would you be doing?
I would be in my chosen profession of hospitality in a hotel, resort or a restaurant trying to make sure our guests get the best experience possible.
4. What book are you reading right now?
“Delivering Happiness” by Tony Hsieh from Zappos. Zappos is another great company that I follow. Their Team Culture is phenomenal. I had the opportunity to hear Tony Hsieh in a conference in Las Vegas and visited the Zappos headquarters for a tour. It was a great experience.
5. What is your favorite app?
I love keeping up with the news – so USA Today or Huffington Post Apps on my phone.
6. If you had a full 24 hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?
If I had a full 24 hours off & to myself – I would be catch up on my reading, listen to some of my favorite music, go for a long drive, play a round of golf and probably end my day with a glass of wine and some more reading.
7. What is the smallest thing that has had the largest impact on your business?
I don’t know if this is the smallest thing but I do know that our Community involvement especially with the county schools and local non profits has had the largest impact on our business. Supporting some of the School / PTO / PTA programs, being involved in Charitable / Non Profit events and fundraisers has been a very fulfilling and rewarding experience for me personally and the business.
Check out The Zone’s website here!