Delivering an established service in a new way can be as exhilarating as making first tracks on fresh snow. Doesn't happen often, but what a thrill.
Zachary Bretz, developer of The Park City App, knows the feeling, offering a local ride service that doesn't require the sometimes-awkward dilemma of tipping.
"Uber and Lyft typically take 60 percent of the fare," Zach notes. "Our drivers keep 85 to 90 percent, so we attract and retain a great team. They have fans all over town because of their professionalism and helpfulness."
They will happily receive a gratuity, he adds, "but they don't have to depend on them.”
Zach loves getting behind the wheel himself. "I've met so many people around town through driving, who I now consider friends,” he says. Memorable moments include meaningful conversations and hair-raising experiences, "like whiteout drives down Parleys at 4:00 AM," he laughs.
Zach is a rare bird in our snowy mountains - a Parkite who "arrived reluctantly, to be honest. My partner is a skier and she wanted to live in the mountains." Zach soon saw the light, however. “Now, I ski as avidly as she does."
Finding the right business was also an indirect journey. "I wanted to build a tech-enabled business," says the self-taught coder. “I saw the opportunity to offer a local lift service as a perfect pairing with my coding ability."
Designing The Park City App himself, Zach launched 18 months ago, the same time his newborn arrived. "My hobbies now include changing diapers and listening to Baby Shark," he jokes.
He notes that visitors can be skeptical about the town's friendliness. “They’re like, ‘Why is everyone so nice?’ We tell them Park City is filled with kind, thoughtful people."
"We've also been fortunate, blessed with so many cheerleaders and supporters right from the beginning. We're thankful for them all."