Eric Zeigler: Family, Facing Challenges & Developing a Pet Advocacy Campaign

Zeigler’s Distributor, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business committed to providing customers with pet products and service that exceed their expectations.

Founded in 1987 in the heart of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Zeigler’s began with a clear vision: to deliver the highest quality pet foods and supplies with service that feels personal, not corporate. The company has remained true to that vision, growing from a humble local distributor into a leading regional partner serving eight states across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

With many of its retail customers being family-run operations themselves, Zeigler’s has developed a portfolio that features the best products from trusted brands for dogs, cats, birds and small animals. Pet Age recently spoke with Eric Zeigler, president of Zeigler’s Distributor, to learn more about his views on leadership and the pet industry.

What’s your favorite memory with Zeigler’s since your father launched the company in 1988? 

My father bought the business in 1988, so my brother Brian and I have grown up in and around the business our whole lives.  We did everything from making samples to Cleaning offices to picking orders for customers or making deliveries. It was never a forgo conclusion that we would end up running the business someday. Bryan and I went off to college with dreams of other industries. 

I came out of college and worked for a big data company and Brian worked for a nursing staffing agency. Within a year, I think we both realized that we would get more satisfaction and have more fun working together and what better place than the family business that my dad had built. 

The process of running and building a company with other family members and keep the loving family dynamic is not easy. How we managed through it and communicate through the chaos created some of the best memories and funny moments. 

My father always said if the business gets in between the family, he would have no problem selling it. Brian and I have reminded each other of that several times over the years to make sure we keep our priorities in line. 

What motivates you in your role as president of Zeigler’s Distributor? 

We have 85 employees working at Zeigler’s, many were hired by my father over 15 years ago.  It is rewarding to watch someone develop professionally and help them through that process. 

“Leaders develop leaders” is a principle we try to put into practice.  When team members see an opportunity for growth and are empowered to take charge, it fosters a sense of ownership. We have found this to be beneficial for the individual’s development but also the quality of the product or service that we are providing. 

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges facing the pet industry?  

The pet industry has some challenges when it comes to pet advocacy, and its messaging.  The industry associations are aware of the issues and are dedicating both time and financial resources to advocate for a healthy pet community.  We are trying to have a singular voice when addressing advocacy, but we have not been winning some of the important legislative battles to protect our retail stores. 

As an industry, we need to be more organized when it some to pet advocacy. A “Pro-Pet” campaign seems to be an opportunity where we can capitalize and win public sentiment.  

How would you describe your process for making tough business decisions? 

I have a group of directors that I rely on heavily to give me updates on what is happening in their department.  During our weekly meetings we are always trying to identify constraints and opportunities.  When faced with a tough business decision, we try to not let uncertainty slow our decision making.  We want to have a bias toward action and work toward a solution, even if it isn’t the perfect path.  Don’t let the pursuit of a perfect plan get in the way of progress toward a solution. 

I also belong to some non-pet industry peer groups to help me through challenges. 

Who is your sports hero and why? 

My favorite sports figure was Magic Johnson.  It amazed me how he was able to control the pace of the game.  It was his job to make sure everyone else was involved in the game, only looking for his shot if all else failed.