We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Zalle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The combination of industry experience, consistent regulation and policy changes, education, human psychology, and business acumen is what makes for a qualified ‘safety’ person. It’s very different than any other professional occupation I’ve seen.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m most proud of our ‘we’ mentality in every aspect of the business. YellowBird has been labeled as many things we are not, but as a platform and as a team we stay focused on the long-term vision of solving complex Occupational Risk and EHS labor resource problems through better technology.

Candidly, early on we were built on a very nice front end (website, forms) and a very manual back end (people). It was daily learning, having amazing structured spreadsheets, templates, guides, processes and methods for staff vital. The dream, which we are now achieving, was to have the ability to execute highly specialized professionals for the specific challenge of the specific location.

Today we can execute hundreds of site surveys (osha, loss control, etc.), training, or specialty audits (like fire or hazardous materials) across the nation with easy and visibility from one single computer or phone.

I’ve learned what is the difference in success or failure is understanding where you can improve and what the value to the customer really is (and it’s not tech or labor)

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy nice meals and good whiskey. For dinner you can’t go wrong with Steak 44 or Elements, for lunch I love Hillstone. I do enjoy a good cigar on occasion so Trevors on Mayo or Fox Cigar in Old Town have a great selection and a nice lounge with a solid menu of libations.

I love to golf (I’m an amputee at birth, a one-handed golfer) but get out to Talking Stick or The Boulders or The Phoenician as often as I can. It’s just a wonderful walk in the park and an opportunity to get out of the grind while making connections with fellow golfers and business associates.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being married to, or the child of, an entrepreneur is not easy. To be successful you must obsess in the early stages of the business. The toll can be big unless you listen to those who lose you (emotionally, psychologically, physically) during the early stages. My wife has completed this ride several times by my side and with amazing patience.

The associations in our industry are truly a community. The American Association of Safety Professionals, The National Safety Council, The Board of Certified Safety Professionals, The National Fire Protection Association, and The Nation Volunteer Fire Council are second to none in supporting their members. The leadership of these organizations have embraced YellowBird as they see member leveraging from the skills, knowledge, and tools the associations have provided to serve the community and generate personal income.

Website: www.goYellowBird.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goyellowbird/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzalle/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/40971258/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/YellowBird-112712943447471

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.