Zack first met Jake at the Stanford University Quarterback and Receiver camp. They became roommates in college and have been good friends ever since. Two years ago, Jake asked Zack to come up to Denver and handle the foundations big event. At that time, Zack had other obligations but when his life opened up, he called Jake and asked him if the position was still available. “I’m now the Director of the foundation and one of our main goals is to do more events throughout the year and continue with our big event the Bowlorama. I want to put together a real good structure with a solid foundation so that it will go on and on forever, not just while Jake’s playing.”
The Jake Plummer Foundation was started in 1999, during Jake’s second year in the NFL. Jake started it because he had watched his family care for his grandfather who was an Alzheimer patient. He wanted to support the Alzheimer Association and be able to help fund the caretakers of Alzheimer patients. “At this time there is no government funding that contributes to caretakers of Alzheimer patients. The foundation was able to pay for three yearly caretakers’ salaries last year.” The foundations largest event to date is the annual Bowlorama. “I put the event together in three and a half months. We had three hundred attendees this year and we’re shooting for a thousand next year. It’s a dinner, live auction and celebrity bowling tournament.”
Zack would like to get more involved in volunteering. “I’d like to get back into volunteer coaching and would also like to become a mentor to young kids. I would love to help young athletes. There’s also a niche where I can help other athletes become involved in the Denver community, whether it’s by starting a foundation, putting on events or just getting involved in community projects.”
Zack’s passions are sports, helping out others and kids. He can incorporate all of his passions in his position with the foundation and his job with Total Sports Management. “I’m doing what I want to do and I’m stress free.”
Do you have a favorite childhood story? What is it? One of my favorites is house boating with my parents for the first time. My parents didn’t have a clue as to how to tie up a houseboat. We woke up in the morning with the houseboat untied and slamming up against the shore. I don’t think my parents have been house boating since!
Tell me a little about your career. I have worked for DeWalt Power Tools as a field marketing rep, a field marketing coordinator, and a regional sales manager. I taught high school math and coached football for two years in Tempe, AZ. I worked for Newell Rubbermaid as a District Manager and a National Account Manager. Currently I am the director of the Jake Plummer Foundation and a director of scouting and events for Total Sports Management.
What’s important in your life? My family and friends are the most important things in my life.
What’s in your future? I really don’t know what is in the future, but I know that it will include my passions of sports and helping others.
What are your volunteer activities? I have volunteered as a high school football coach for three years in Arizona.
Which social event is your favorite? Watching and going to football games.
Favorite restaurant? My favorite restaurant in Denver is Morton’s. Their food and service is second to none.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? I am not big on the celebrity status. I try to know people for who they are, not what they are.
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? No one. I think I am the best candidate for that role. Although, some say I kind of look like Ben Affleck.
Do you have any pets? Yes. His name is Bronson. He is a year and half old black lab. I rescued him from the Denver Dumb Friends League.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? I am clean and organized.
What word describes you best? Motivated.
How would you like others to describe you? Trusting and a true friend.
What was your first job? Doing manual labor jobs in high school.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Trying to do too much at once.
What trait do you most deplore in others? Selfishness.
What is your greatest indulgence? Chocolate or anything sweet.
What type of clothes do you like? Clothes that make me feel comfortable. Since this is my first winter, I better start liking warm clothes.
What or who is the greatest love in your life? My dog Bronson.
What is your current state of mind?Living in the moment.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Taking the risk to quit my job, leave my family, and move to Denver to start a brand new life and career.
What is your most treasured possession? My memories of my family and friends.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Speaking their mind and trust.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Speaking their mind.
Favorite books/writers? Dan Brown.
What is the best advice you have ever received? My high school coach, John Felice, told me to suck it up and get the job done. Too many people complain about what is wrong and not focus on the goal at hand and how to accomplish the goal.
Do you have a motto? Suck it up!
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you? Getting stuck on the front of a houseboat by my shorts, when trying to water ski in front of my girlfriend and her parents.
If you could come back in another lifetime, what/who would you like to be? And why? One life is enough for me.
What are your hobbies? Other interests? Working out, running, hiking, camping, reading, going to the mountains, football, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and watching sports.
Who is your mentor? My older brother Gabe.
What would you most like to be remembered for?Having a positive impact on other people’s lives.
If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would it be? Travel the world and see it all. I have only traveled in North America.
What do you like about the town you live in? It is a big city with a small town mentality. I think I may settle down and call this place home.
