Meet Donny Zanger | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donny Zanger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. The traditional job path never quite fit, and I held only a few positions before realizing that working for others left me feeling confined. The fear of being fired lingered with me long after each job, making me crave the independence that entrepreneurship could offer. Running my own business gave me the freedom to be true to myself, set my own standards, and push my own limits, without anyone else deciding my path.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our Story and What Sets Us Apart

From an early age, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. The traditional job path never quite felt right for me, and I quickly realized that working for others didn’t offer the freedom I needed to explore my potential. The desire to create something meaningful and impactful drove me to start my first business, Donny’s Decks, while still in college. Building that company sparked my passion for entrepreneurship, and I’ve been building new ventures ever since.

After college, I launched All Week Walls, a temporary wall company that has now been serving the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut areas for over 15 years. As one of the oldest temporary wall companies in NYC, we’ve distinguished ourselves by delivering high-quality, adaptable solutions to clients who need to maximize space in a crowded city. Our commitment to quality, trust, and service has helped us survive and thrive, even through tough economic times and increased competition.

In the years that followed, I created TransferPod, a tech solution for transferring and backing up iPod and iPhone music, as well as Data Recovery 47, a data recovery service that was successfully sold in 2022. These ventures have each presented unique challenges and opportunities, allowing me to deepen my knowledge across industries, from tech to service-based businesses. My current focus is BuildWrks, a platform that connects homeowners with rigorously vetted contractors, providing high-quality leads and offering contractors a reliable source of work in exchange for a small commission.

Recently, I’ve also been working on EstimatorPros.com, a groundbreaking AI-driven tool designed to streamline the bidding process for contractors. This project has been a longtime dream of mine, and I believe it has the potential to revolutionize the estimation industry by reducing costs and enhancing accuracy.

Overcoming Challenges

The entrepreneurial path has not always been easy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many small businesses, we faced some of our hardest challenges. All Week Walls depended on SBA loan assistance to stay afloat, and we’re only now beginning to recover. Managing multiple businesses, especially during such uncertain times, has tested my resilience and adaptability. Each hurdle has taught me the value of persistence, flexibility, and an unwavering belief in the vision.

Lessons and Vision

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that success requires both grit and adaptability. You have to trust in your vision, yet be ready to pivot when needed. These qualities have become foundational to my work, whether I’m refining a current business or exploring new ideas. My goal is for each business to provide value, innovation, and integrity, and to make a positive impact on the people we serve.

I’m excited about what the future holds for each venture and grateful for the journey that has led me here.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Day 1: Classic NYC Sights

• Breakfast: Start with bagels and coffee at Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters, two legendary spots for an authentic NYC breakfast.
• Morning: Head to Central Park for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Stop by Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge for iconic views.
• Afternoon: Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), one of the world’s greatest museums, with art from ancient to modern times.
• Dinner: Dine at Katz’s Delicatessen for a famous pastrami sandwich or Joe’s Pizza for a classic slice.
• Evening: Take in the skyline at Top of the Rock for breathtaking nighttime views of the Empire State Building and Central Park.

Day 2: Downtown & Financial District

• Breakfast: Grab pastries and coffee at Balthazar Bakery in SoHo.
• Morning: Walk through Wall Street to see the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues. Visit the One World Observatory for panoramic city views and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum for a powerful, reflective experience.
• Lunch: Try Eataly Downtown for a delicious Italian meal.
• Afternoon: Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan, enjoying views of the skyline.
• Dinner: Explore Chinatown with dinner at Nom Wah Tea Parlor or Joe’s Shanghai for soup dumplings.
• Evening: Hit Apotheke in Chinatown, a speakeasy with creative cocktails in a unique setting.

Day 3: The Village and Artistic Hotspots

• Brunch: Head to Sadelle’s in SoHo for a brunch experience with fantastic bagels and smoked fish.
• Morning: Explore the boutiques, galleries, and street art in SoHo, then head to Washington Square Park to people-watch and enjoy street performances.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Carbone (for Italian-American) or Minetta Tavern (for classic NYC burgers) in the West Village.
• Afternoon: Stroll around Greenwich Village, visiting jazz clubs, indie bookstores like Strand Bookstore, and vintage shops.
• Dinner: Try L’Artusi or Olio e Più for a cozy Italian dinner.
• Evening: Enjoy live jazz at Blue Note or Village Vanguard in the Village.

Day 4: Brooklyn Day

• Breakfast: Grab coffee and pastries at Devoción in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
• Morning: Walk around Williamsburg for vintage shopping, art galleries, and waterfront views.
• Afternoon: Head to DUMBO for photo ops under the Manhattan Bridge, with lunch at Time Out Market for a variety of local food vendors.
• Evening: Catch sunset at Brooklyn Heights Promenade for one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.
• Dinner: Enjoy modern American cuisine at Olmsted in Prospect Heights.
• Nightlife: Check out a rooftop bar like Westlight in Williamsburg for drinks with a view.

Day 5: Uptown Culture

• Morning: Begin with breakfast at Sarabeth’s by Central Park South.
• Museum Hopping: Visit the American Museum of Natural History and, if time permits, explore The Guggenheim for an immersive art experience.
• Lunch: Enjoy a classic meal at JG Melon on the Upper East Side, known for its burgers.
• Afternoon: Take a scenic walk through Central Park, stopping by the reservoir and Belvedere Castle.
• Dinner: Dine at Daniel (for a Michelin-star experience) or The Smith for a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Evening: For an elegant night out, check out Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel for cocktails and live piano music.

Day 6: Midtown & Broadway

• Breakfast: Have a hearty breakfast at Clinton St. Baking Company in the Lower East Side, famous for pancakes.
• Morning: Explore Bryant Park and New York Public Library, then check out Grand Central Terminal.
• Lunch: Stop by Los Tacos No.1 for some of NYC’s best tacos.
• Afternoon: Walk around Times Square, then visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) for iconic modern artworks.
• Dinner: Dine at Sardi’s for a pre-theater meal or Carmine’s for family-style Italian.
• Evening: Catch a Broadway show. Choose from classic favorites like The Lion King, Hamilton, or Wicked for an unforgettable theater experience.

Day 7: Queens and Beyond

• Breakfast: Start the day at Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo for a Cronut or inventive pastries.
• Morning: Head to Long Island City in Queens for MoMA PS1, a branch of MoMA focused on contemporary art, and enjoy stunning views of the city from Gantry Plaza State Park.
• Lunch: Try Astoria’s diverse dining options, like Taverna Kyclades for Greek food or Arepa Lady for Colombian arepas.
• Afternoon: Explore the vibrant cultural scenes in Queens or return to Manhattan for any missed spots or last-minute shopping.
• Dinner: Finish with a memorable meal at Peter Luger Steak House in Williamsburg or Keens Steakhouse in Midtown for a taste of NYC’s steakhouse history.
• Farewell Drinks: End with cocktails at The Campbell in Grand Central Terminal, or for a scenic nightcap, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar with views of the Empire State Building.

This itinerary balances NYC’s classic spots with unique experiences, from iconic landmarks to the rich cultural diversity found in its neighborhoods. Each day brings a different flavor of the city, with plenty of memorable moments for a first-time visitor. Enjoy!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Paul English has been a true inspiration to me

Website: https://www.buildwrks.com

Instagram: @buildwrks_com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnyzanger

Image Credits
Denis my manager of all week walls inc