Exclusive Q&A with Bill Zanker, Founder and CEO of The Learning Annex

Bill Zanker founded The Learning Annex in 1980 with just $5,000. Since then, the adult education school has grown into a $100 million dollar a year business, offering hundreds of classes, lectures and expos throughout the country. Here Bill discusses going against the tide, being a part of the community and why it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and think big.

If you had an extra $500 in your budget at the end of the month after covering expenses, how would you spend it?
We’re big believers in training and learning at The Learning Annex, so I’d spend it on training for myself or for my employees. I’d try to take a class or improve my skills at something, maybe that’s reading a balance sheet or making presentations.

What are some advantages that a small business has over a large business?
I think the most successful businesses act small, even if they’re big. A small company or a small group of people are more nimble and they can move faster. They can react more quickly than a large company. Sometimes, large companies can take so long to make decisions that the market has shifted by the time they’ve agreed to do something and they’ve missed the opportunity. Small businesses have the opportunity to move quickly and take action. Not by committee, but by taking advantage of an opportunity they see and just running for it and getting it.

What was your first job? What lessons did you learn that you still draw on today?
My first job was working in an ice cream parlor in Teaneck, New Jersey scooping ice cream. What I learned from that was that the harder you work and the better you treat the customer, the bigger tips you got. And for the rest of my life, I’ve always worked hard and tried to serve the customer the best way I can because they’ll reward you.