Hilary Hinton Ziglar began his career as a salesman for WearEver Cookware in 1947, eventually advancing to divisional supervisor by 1950. Born in Coffee County, Alabama, in 1926, he spent his early years in Mississippi before establishing himself as an orator, author, and professional trainer within the American management consulting and motivation industry.
Early Development
The tenth of 12 children, Ziglar attended the University of South Carolina between 1943 and 1945 as part of the Navy V-12 program. After leaving college, he relocated to Lancaster, South Carolina, to pursue a sales career. These initial years were marked by financial hardship, which he navigated while developing the positive mental attitude that would eventually define his professional methodology.
Professional Expansion
In 1963, he co-founded American Salesmasters, an organization focused on improving the public image of salespeople through regional seminars. He collaborated with figures such as Norman Vincent Peale and Maxwell Maltz to reach diverse audiences, including small-business owners and insurance agents. His career trajectory included roles with the National Association of Sales Education and Mary Kay Cosmetics, followed by a tenure at Automotive Performance Company in Dallas.
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He launched the Zigmanship Institute in 1977, which was later rebranded as Ziglar, Inc. The firm expanded its reach through leadership development programs, keynote speaking engagements, and an extensive catalog of books. Over the course of his career, he authored more than 30 titles, covering topics ranging from sales techniques and performance management to parenting and Christian living. His son, Tom Ziglar, assumed the role of CEO in 1994.
Final Years
Following a fall in 2007 that resulted in short-term memory challenges, Ziglar maintained a reduced schedule in the motivational speaking circuit until his official retirement in 2010. He remained active in public life as a supporter of political figures such as Mike Huckabee. Ziglar passed away from pneumonia on November 28, 2012, in Plano, Texas, and was buried at Ridgeview Memorial Park.
Fast facts
- Born: 1926, Coffee County
- Died: 2012, Plano
- Education: University of South Carolina, Hinds Community College
- Professional fields: Motivation, management consulting
- Spouse: Jean Abernathy
- Children: Suzan, Tom, Cindy, Julie
- Known for: Ziglar, Inc.
- Burial site: Ridgeview Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
What was the primary focus of Ziglar, Inc.?
The company specialized in leadership development, keynote speaking skills, and a certified coach program, supported by an extensive library of books and training materials.
Did Ziglar serve in the military?
He participated in the Navy V-12 Navy College Training Program while attending the University of South Carolina between 1943 and 1945.
How did his religious views influence his work?
Ziglar, a Baptist, integrated his Christian faith into his motivational seminars and writings, famously referring to his July 4, 1972, baptism as his born-again day.
Achievements
- Educated at University of South Carolina and Hinds Community College
- Worked as motivational speaker, writer and orator
