Zach Poker was born and raised in Oconomowoc, on Silver Lake, with his brother, Austin, by his parents, Amy and Gene Poker. In high school he had a successful sports career which led him to play football at the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. After college he worked in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas but ultimately wanted to find a way back to Wisconsin because he takes so much pride in his roots and the people of Wisconsin. Zach is passionate about paving a better future for himself and others by building relationships that last a lifetime.
Poker Financial Group is the next challenge in front of him and he understands that starting any kind of business can be extremely difficult, yet rewarding. Zach is a massive fan of all sports and anything outdoors. You may find him on the Lake Country Trail taking his daily bike ride with his Huskie, Mando; or at the YMCA playing pick-up basketball or getting in a good workout. The Lake Country area allows Zach to live life to the fullest and he is proud to call this place home!
About Zach Poker
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have the cutest and most loving mother, Amy Poker. The smartest and most resourceful midwest dad, Gene Poker. And a kind and extremely hard-working brother, Austin Poker.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I’m the owner of Poker Financial Group. I chose this path from previous career and life experiences. With a love of numbers, helping people, and creating long lasting, genuine relationships, I love being my own boss and creating a life for my future family.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Educating people on financial planning and investments. There’s just too much information out there on the web- it’s so rewarding to be a trusted source of information to people. If I don’t know an answer, I’ll find someone who does.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Adversity and failure. I’ve had over seven serious surgeries which included two titanium screws and 55 anchors to hold my body together. But I don’t let any of that stop me from working out and playing sports every day. I’ve also failed at starting up an office in a different industry and had to fight to come back from that, both financially and mentally.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Watching how far I’ve come and remembering the silly, negative or scary thoughts I had about failure or what to do next in business.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
My main goal is to have my own office in Lake Country and serve the good people here.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
You have to find a vision and paint of picture of the life you want to have in the future. Once you find that, find a fulfilling vehicle to get you there. Understand it’s going to be extremely difficult along the way, but giving up just means starting the process all over again. So never give up!
Zach Poker & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love how friendly everyone is. My favorite thing to do is spend time on the lakes with good people. If you treat people right, life can be easier than it seems.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Favorite coffee shop is Roots or Blue Collar. I love a good dinner at Amalia’s in Oconomowoc and my favorite restaurant is Rosati’s.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Prideful, friendly, fun.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to meditate.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Favorite book is Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey. My favorite movie is The Dark Knight Rises. Favorite song is hard to say, I like so many!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Bloody Maria – contains vitamins and minerals so it’s “good for you”. And the tequila makes me silly.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Warren Buffett.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Sky diving, spending months in the mountains camping, or sailing around the world.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Seeing others smile around me. Also just free time.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Do onto others as you wish to have been done to you.
Where to Find Zach Poker
Email: zpoker@pokerfinancialgroup.com
Phone: (262) 443-2744
