Our Team

Max Zima

Max Zima is the founder and owner of Zima Automotive in Springfield, Ohio. His journey in the automotive industry began at a young age in Detroit, Michigan, where he spent countless hours in the garage learning alongside his father and hero, Glenn Zima. It was there that Glenn instilled in him the values of hard work, honesty, craftsmanship, and taking pride in doing things the right way. Those lessons would become the foundation not only of Max's career but also of the company he would later build.

That early passion led Max to pursue formal automotive training through the Chrysler Apprenticeship Program and begin a career in professional automotive repair.

As the years went on, Max became increasingly frustrated with an industry that often seemed more focused on transactions than people. Feeling burned out and searching for a greater purpose, he stepped away from automotive repair and moved to the Philippines to serve as a missionary. During his time there, he taught automotive repair skills, worked alongside local communities, and focused on helping others.

It was in the Philippines that Max discovered something that would change the course of his life. He realized his true calling wasn't simply fixing cars—it was serving people. More importantly, he recognized that God had already equipped him with a unique skill set and opened a door through the automotive industry to impact lives, build relationships, and serve his community in a meaningful way.

When Max returned home, he started Zima Automotive out of his garage with little more than a vision, a toolbox, and a desire to serve people differently than he had seen in the industry. He focused on building genuine one-on-one relationships, educating customers, and treating every vehicle as if it belonged to a member of his own family.

As word spread, customers began referring their friends, family, and coworkers. The trust that was built through those personal relationships fueled the company's growth. Over the following years, Zima Automotive expanded from a small garage operation into one of the area's most trusted automotive repair facilities. What started as one man working from his garage became a thriving business founded on relationships, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.

Today, while the business has grown significantly, the foundation remains the same. Zima Automotive was built on relationships, trust, and service—not sales. Max continues to believe that people matter more than cars and that every customer deserves honesty, transparency, and a repair experience they can feel confident about.

That belief became the company's mission:

"To restore good faith and trust to the automotive repair industry by educating and empowering our customers, our team members, and our community."

For Max, automotive repair has never been about fixing vehicles alone. It's about serving people, building lasting relationships, and honoring the values his father taught him while using the gifts God has given him to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Life hasn't always followed the path Max expected. Through seasons of challenge, loss, and rebuilding, he has discovered that some of life's greatest blessings come from new beginnings. Today, he is grateful to have found his forever partner, Cassie, and is excited to be building a blended family together with their children. Their journey has reinforced his belief that trust, communication, commitment, and grace are the foundation of both strong families and strong businesses.

When he's away from the shop, Max enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and embracing just about any adventure that gets him outside. Whether it's hiking a new trail, working on a project, traveling, or simply enjoying quality time with the people he loves, he believes some of life's best moments happen away from the distractions of everyday life. His passion for family, faith, and the outdoors helps keep him grounded and reminds him why serving others matters so much.

Whether he's leading his team, serving customers, mentoring others, or spending time with his family, Max strives to live by the same principles that have guided him throughout his life: faith, integrity, humility, and service to others.

"I thought I was leaving the automotive industry behind. Instead, God showed me that serving people through automotive repair was exactly where I was meant to be. Everything I've built—from this business to the family I'm blessed to be a part of today—has been rooted in relationships, trust, and a commitment to serving others." — Max Zima