My name is Zachary Barber, and I’m the founder of Yorktown Tools.
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a real hands-on passion for tools and mechanics. Before I joined the Army in 2007, I worked all sorts of jobs in between high school and my military service — everything from Taco Bell and Pizza Hut to working for my father in his painting business, AutoZone, R&L Carriers, Ingersoll Rand, and Tools & Accessories Corp. Those early experiences taught me to work hard and solve problems as a young adult.
I served 20 years in the U.S. Army as a turbine engine technician (15B). I rose to Company First Sergeant and Battalion Operations NCOIC, I served in Korea, Hawaii, all over the United States and did two combat deployments to Afghanistan. Along the way, I earned an Associate’s in Aeronautics and a Bachelor’s in Project Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The Army taught me the value of having the right tool for the job and the power of strong teams. I’ve always wanted something that was truly my own. I wanted to prove to myself that I could build a successful business from the ground up. I’ve always been curious about what it really takes to be an entrepreneur. Yorktown Tools is that dream in action.
I started this company not just for myself and my family, but to build something bigger. I want to create a place where the people who work here are proud to say they’re part of Yorktown Tools — a place where they can grow, build a good life, and see a real future for themselves.
The Army showed me how strong teams are really formed. It brings together people from every background, and what bonds you isn’t the easy times — it’s the hard ones. The deployments, the long training exercises, the moments when everything sucked. Those shared tough times create real trust and loyalty. That’s the kind of culture I want to build at Yorktown Tools.
What I’m Looking For in Teammates
As Yorktown Tools grows, I’m being very intentional about who I bring onto the team.
I value people who understand that first impressions matter. I moved over 10 times during my Army career, and I always showed up to new leadership looking sharp and professional. That same mindset carries over here.
I look for people who take full ownership of their work. Once you know your role, I expect you to own it completely and constantly look for ways to make it better. When you help improve something, it becomes yours — and you’ll care more about seeing it succeed.
Attitude is huge for me. I want positive, optimistic people who lift the team up instead of dragging it down. Negative attitudes spread fast, and I won’t let them hurt the culture we’re building.
One big red flag for me is how someone handles stress. If you lose your temper or can’t think clearly when things get tough, that’s a serious issue in my book.
Above all, I look for people who are teachable and adaptable. The Army taught me that the ones who grow are the ones willing to learn new ways of doing things. I’ve seen too many people stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it,” and it holds everyone back. I want teammates who get excited about improving and moving forward.
I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from the great people I’ve worked with over the years — when it comes to the tool industry especially the team at Tools & Accessories in Maryland. That place showed me what a strong, long-term company culture looks like, and it’s something I want to build here at Yorktown Tools.
We’re still early in this journey, but I’m genuinely excited about the company and the team we’re creating. We’re not just another tool supplier — we’re building a veteran-owned business that makes contractors’ lives easier and gives good people a place to grow and be proud of.
Tools Worth Fighting For.
If there is anything I can do to help you or your company, please reach out.
Yorktown Tools |
757-940-5171 |