Winter is a time of transition. Even as nature looks to be at rest, the groundwork below is being laid for a new season, a new chapter, and new generations to carry on and grow the efforts of those before them.
It is the perfect time to mark an ending and beginning, as two industry pioneers step back to see others succeed them. ZAG Technical Services leaders Jim Hunton and Greg Gatzke, who together have helped build not just the company but many produce operations’ foothold in the latest ways of doing business, are to pass the torch now to Thuan Ngo, incoming Chief Operating Officer, and Eric Regnier, incoming Chief Executive Officer.
“I'll be collaborating with the team to deliver world-class IT services to our clients with quality and consistency and to develop innovative solutions that address our clients' unique challenges in the agricultural sector. Through these efforts, we aim to expand our client base and fulfill our mission of enabling our clients to succeed in their respective markets,” Eric shared.
A former Naval officer, Eric contributes discipline, leadership, and vision to ZAG. With a focus on building community within the industry and addressing key business needs to ensure the company’s continued growth and impact, he’ll work closely with operations to execute strategy and ensure service delivery. Already, I see the closeness in which he is preparing to lead with Thuan, whose forward-thinking mind is prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and strategic partnerships to drive smarter solutions for ZAG’s clients.
“ZAG remains committed to delivering best-in-class managed IT services for agriculture. We’re focused on improving how we serve clients, delivering innovative solutions, and making a broad, lasting impact across the industry—not just for a select few,” Thuan says of the legacy he and Eric are committed to building on from Greg and Jim’s work over the past two-plus decades. "Our Founders built more than a business—they helped to create a thriving community of innovation and trust. I’m dedicated to continuing to foster these connections, building partnerships that empower growth, and ensuring our solutions drive meaningful change. Together, we’ll shape the future while staying rooted in our values."
Transition, as these leaders are demonstrating, is more than musical chairs, and the ZAG team will continue to be sure that the magnitude of the milestone is honored. Jim, who brings 20 years of deep technical knowledge and a profound, passionate fascination with technology, will serve as an advisor to both clients and ZAG’s internal teams. His focus remains on enhancing client journeys and driving technology adoption to further the brand’s success, while Greg will remain a vital resource for ZAG by leveraging his extensive IT and cybersecurity expertise to drive industry conversations and support clients.
“I’m honored to step into this role and continue building upon the tradition Greg and Jim set,” Eric reflected. “Their focus on collaboration and people is at the core of ZAG’s success, and it’s a culture I’m committed to preserving. For me, this role is about service, contribution, and impact—values that are integral to who I am. I look forward to leading ZAG into a new era of innovation and growth while supporting the nation’s food supply chain in meaningful ways.”
ZAG is investing in internal growth and exploring new technologies and strategic partnerships to bring next-level value to its clients, with a direct focus on benefiting ag businesses.
“Thuan and I have spent years getting to know ZAG’s culture and our clients’ businesses. With that foundation and our combined skill sets, we will work with the larger ZAG team to foster collaboration and develop innovative solutions that empower our clients to succeed,” Eric said.
"Our Founders built more than a business—they helped to create a thriving community of innovation and trust. I’m dedicated to continuing to foster these connections, building partnerships that empower growth."
- Thuan Ngo, Chief Operating Officer, ZAG Technical Services
In fact, the two started at the company nearly at the same time a few years ago, working side by side to learn and become part of that strongly established culture.
"Building on our Founders’ visionary leadership, I’ve learned the value of resilience, innovation, and unwavering client focus. As we advance their mission, we’re addressing the industry’s critical need for transformative technology. By delivering cutting-edge IT services, software automation, data analytics, and cybersecurity solutions, we empower clients to grow, thrive, and gain a competitive edge,” Thuan tells me. “Our goal is to honor the foundation they built while driving innovation and expanding our impact across many partnerships."
As such, Eric and Thuan are poised together to lead ZAG into its next chapter, advancing the company’s mission to provide cutting-edge cybersecurity, AI, managed IT services, and data analysis tailored to the fresh industry.
“ZAG is a people-focused organization, both for those in our company and the clients we serve. While I love the tools and technology, my focus is on leading, supporting, and growing ZAG’s team members to enable our clients’ success,” Eric said. “Beyond that, the themes of service, contribution, and impact are core to who I am, and it’s uniquely meaningful to lead this team in supporting, protecting, and enabling the Nation’s food supply. Greg and Jim built a strong legacy of supporting ZAG’s people to achieve that mission—a legacy I’m committed to and excited to uphold.”
From optimizing existing tools to embracing new ones that come along, that core motivation to serve and problem-solve for the people of fresh produce remains deeply rooted. So much so that one season shifting into the next serves only to strengthen and propel, not just for ZAG, but for those it will continue to serve.
And so, as winter marks the end of one chapter and the start of another, congratulations to all these leaders on what is about to unfold. 
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