Zach F.'s Legacy of Leadership and Innovation at Cummins
Zach F.’s career at Cummins is more than a profession—it’s a continuation of a family legacy. As a third-generation employee, his path has been shaped by tradition, leadership, and a passion for forward-thinking innovation. From his initial role as a Project Engineer to his current position as Site Logistics Operations Manager at the Charleston Turbo Plant, Zach’s commitment to both his team and the company’s values shines through in all he does.
Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Zach holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from Indiana University. With both his grandfather and father devoting 35 years each to Cummins, it felt natural for him to join the company, beginning his own journey in 2012. His leadership potential was nurtured early on through sports—especially basketball. A high school state championship victory taught him perseverance, collaboration, and how to inspire others—traits that are now core to his leadership style. “Basketball taught me grit and persistence,” Zach recalls. “Experiencing a tough loss one year and then coming back to win taught me the power of dedication and teamwork.”
In his current role, Zach oversees key logistics functions at the Charleston Turbo Plant, including material flow, warehouse operations, packaging, and the MRO storeroom. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. What motivates him most is seeing his colleagues grow professionally. “Helping others advance in their careers is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “It’s fulfilling to know I’ve contributed to their development.”
With the plant producing around 15,000 turbo units each week, Zach plays a vital role in ensuring efficient movement of materials and products throughout Cummins’ global supply chain. His efforts contribute directly to manufacturing performance and quality across industries such as transportation, off-highway equipment, and aftermarket services. The work is fast-paced, but his team thrives in the dynamic environment, constantly pushing boundaries through innovation and teamwork. “Our team is amazing,” Zach says. “We feed off each other’s drive to improve and innovate.”
While Zach was initially drawn to Cummins because of his family ties, he’s stayed because of the company’s strong people-first culture. He witnessed firsthand the influence his father and grandfather had on those around them, and he aspired to create a similar impact. Over time, the connections he’s made have evolved into lasting friendships. “People still tell stories about my dad and grandfather,” he shares. “That’s when I understood—our work here goes beyond tasks. It’s about the bonds we form and the legacy we leave.”
Looking ahead, Zach is eager to broaden his experience across various business functions within Cummins. The company has continuously supported his leadership journey and encouraged him to embrace new challenges. He’s especially enthusiastic about the growing use of automation and AI in manufacturing, which he believes will revolutionize efficiency. “We’re always exploring ways to improve processes,” he says. “The innovations we’re embracing today will shape the future of our operations.”
Beyond logistics, Zach takes pride in the broader mission of his work. Whether it’s ensuring school buses run safely, hospitals have reliable power, or emergency vehicles are ready to respond, he understands the real-world impact of Cummins’ products and services. “It’s humbling to know our work supports essential services,” he says. “We’re not just building components—we’re making a difference in people’s lives.”
To those considering a future with Cummins, Zach offers this advice: if you want a place where growth, challenge, and meaningful impact are part of the journey, Cummins is the place. “This company has allowed me to lead, evolve, and contribute in ways I never imagined,” he says.
With hard work and an open mindset, the opportunities here are limitless.” His story is a testament to the fact that a career at Cummins is not just about climbing the ladder—it’s about being part of a lasting legacy built on innovation, leadership, and purpose.
Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Zach holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from Indiana University. With both his grandfather and father devoting 35 years each to Cummins, it felt natural for him to join the company, beginning his own journey in 2012. His leadership potential was nurtured early on through sports—especially basketball. A high school state championship victory taught him perseverance, collaboration, and how to inspire others—traits that are now core to his leadership style. “Basketball taught me grit and persistence,” Zach recalls. “Experiencing a tough loss one year and then coming back to win taught me the power of dedication and teamwork.”
In his current role, Zach oversees key logistics functions at the Charleston Turbo Plant, including material flow, warehouse operations, packaging, and the MRO storeroom. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. What motivates him most is seeing his colleagues grow professionally. “Helping others advance in their careers is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “It’s fulfilling to know I’ve contributed to their development.”
With the plant producing around 15,000 turbo units each week, Zach plays a vital role in ensuring efficient movement of materials and products throughout Cummins’ global supply chain. His efforts contribute directly to manufacturing performance and quality across industries such as transportation, off-highway equipment, and aftermarket services. The work is fast-paced, but his team thrives in the dynamic environment, constantly pushing boundaries through innovation and teamwork. “Our team is amazing,” Zach says. “We feed off each other’s drive to improve and innovate.”
While Zach was initially drawn to Cummins because of his family ties, he’s stayed because of the company’s strong people-first culture. He witnessed firsthand the influence his father and grandfather had on those around them, and he aspired to create a similar impact. Over time, the connections he’s made have evolved into lasting friendships. “People still tell stories about my dad and grandfather,” he shares. “That’s when I understood—our work here goes beyond tasks. It’s about the bonds we form and the legacy we leave.”
Looking ahead, Zach is eager to broaden his experience across various business functions within Cummins. The company has continuously supported his leadership journey and encouraged him to embrace new challenges. He’s especially enthusiastic about the growing use of automation and AI in manufacturing, which he believes will revolutionize efficiency. “We’re always exploring ways to improve processes,” he says. “The innovations we’re embracing today will shape the future of our operations.”
Beyond logistics, Zach takes pride in the broader mission of his work. Whether it’s ensuring school buses run safely, hospitals have reliable power, or emergency vehicles are ready to respond, he understands the real-world impact of Cummins’ products and services. “It’s humbling to know our work supports essential services,” he says. “We’re not just building components—we’re making a difference in people’s lives.”
To those considering a future with Cummins, Zach offers this advice: if you want a place where growth, challenge, and meaningful impact are part of the journey, Cummins is the place. “This company has allowed me to lead, evolve, and contribute in ways I never imagined,” he says.
With hard work and an open mindset, the opportunities here are limitless.” His story is a testament to the fact that a career at Cummins is not just about climbing the ladder—it’s about being part of a lasting legacy built on innovation, leadership, and purpose.
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