Who the Folk?! Zack Chazin

Welcome to “Who the Folk?!” Every week on Monday we feature a new member of the community as our “Person of the Week.” Last week we got to know Zoe Stern. This week meet Zack ChazinKnow someone we should feature? Nominate them by sending an email to [email protected].

TC Jewfolk: Are you from the Twin Cities?

Zack: Yes I was born in St. Louis Park – Like every other Jew in Minnesota.

TCJ: We heard about you in relation to PowerBark. How’d you get into the dog food business?

Zack: PowerBark is one of my many projects.

My mother Leslie came up with the genius idea to develop a PowerBar for dogs, her best friend Beth developed the formula, and seven years later we have a revolutionary way to feed your dog on the go!

TCJ: Are dogs really as stressed out and over-scheduled as the rest of us that they also need their food on the run?

Zack: In today’s world, yes! Well maybe not for the dog but for the owner. Let’s face it. Our dogs would love to eat our extra french fries at lunch but that’s a fast track to doggy heaven.

I take my dog to the office, hiking, hunting, camping, road trips and basically everywhere I go. Trying to feed him on the go was very stressful before PowerBark, now I just keep a box in my desk at work and in my car and I never have to worry about my dog Byron missing a meal again!

TCJ: In the Jewish summer camp showdown, who do you want to win?

Zack: I’m not aware that there is a showdown!?!?!?! However, if Teko and Herzl are contenders… my money is on them!

TCJ: What’s your favorite way to celebrate Shabbat?

Zack: At home with my family. My fiance is converting next month so it will be very exciting to build our own family traditions.

TCJ: What’s your favorite Jewish holiday?

Zack: Channuka, obviously… every year we have a huge family holiday party and it’s always the highlight of our winter. Nothing beats celebrating with family and friends.

TCJ: What’s your favorite Jewish food?

Zack: My mom’s matzo ball soup. It’s better than Crossroads Deli…. I promise.

TCJ: Who is the coolest Jew?

Zack: Richard Lewis — without hesitation. Not only the coolest Jew I know but also the coolest human I have ever met. He turns any situation into a standup comedy act. Without trying. He is brilliant.

TCJ: Have you ever been to Israel? What’s your favorite memory?

zack-chazin-1Zack: YES, I just went last year.

My favorite memory was the Kotel. For different reasons than most. There was an incident at the Wall/on the other side of ours. They were protesting and things escalated. Mind you I had no idea what was going on until the next day but I’m standing at the wall, taking in its glory, when I hear a series of explosions. Every American at the Wall looked like deer in headlights, while everyone else went about their prayers. We see IDF helicopters above and soldiers running with automatic weapons. Come to find out the explosions we heard were stun grenades going off to tame the angry mob. When I went to Israel I wanted to see what my brothers and sisters deal with on a daily basis. I’m grateful for being able to feel first-hand the emotions they go through.

TCJ: What’s your favorite thing to do in the Cities?

Zack: My favorite thing to do in Minnesota, well….  I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE some of the restaurants we have here. Never in my life have I had better Pad Thai, Pho and Pasta than I get here. Tum Rup for Pad Thai, Lotus to go for Pho and Broders Pasta Bar for pasta.

Besides that, I tend to spend as much time as possible during our short summers on Lake Minnetonka.

TCJ: Give us one more reason why you’re folking awesome!

Zack: Whenever I cook I like to play music from the country or state from which my recipes originate. Silly, yes I know….

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