December Seahawk of the Week Q & A with Zach Schabot '01
Recently named one of the most 100 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate by Inman News, Zach Schabot has stayed
busy since graduating in 2001 with a degree in Communication Studies and a Leadership Studies minor. The founder of
Better Homes and Gardens Go Realty in Cary, N.C. and GoConnect App, a software app built for real estate agents, took
some time out to answer our questions. We honor him as the Seahawk of the Week!
What do you love most about UNCW?
Easy, the people. I met some of my best friends at UNCW.
What organizations were you a part of as a student?
Delta Tau Delta, Orientation Leader, Pandion Society, Campus Rec
How did UNCW prepare you for your career?
Through my Leadership minor, I was encouraged to try many different activities and classes. Everything I did at UNCW
helped prepare me for my career. Public speaking, networking, leadership, volunteerism, self-awareness, collaboration,
risk taking, creative writing, altruism. Starting a company from scratch takes a combination of all of these things.
What is your favorite place on the UNCW Campus?
The library. Ha! Just kidding. I loved the intramural fields. Between my job at Campus Rec and playing on my fraternity
teams, I spent a lot of time there.
What is your favorite memory from UNCW?
It was incredible when our basketball team made the post-season tournament. The whole campus rallied around our team.
I was always proud of our school but I felt a renewed sense of pride and school spirit during those championship runs.
How do you stay connected with UNCW?
I am only a few hours away so I visit campus every year. I read the magazine, check the website from time to time. Mostly,
I stay connected with the school through the people. My friends. Social media makes it so easy.
Are there any professors you found particularly inspiring?
Right after graduation, Tammy Bulger invited me back to one of her classes to speak to her students about transitioning to
"the real world." I bombed. I was unprepared, hungover, arrogant and left the students with no educational value.
Afterwards she talked me through it. I apologized. She forgave me. She invited me back the next year. I've been fortunate
to speak in front of thousands of people all over the US in the last few years and I always remember the things she taught
me about preparing and educating. If you are reading this, thank you Tammy for your wisdom (and for not kicking me out of
your class that day.)