About Me: The Underdog Story

My name is Zach Holland, and my journey in the dog industry began in 2012 during one of the most challenging times in my life. I was a sophomore in high school when everything changed for my family. My dad—a creative, determined man who always walked his own path—was involved in a severe car accident. The injuries he suffered were life-altering, leaving him in a coma with most of his bones broken. In an instant, our world was turned upside down.

Amid the uncertainty, I got a puppy named Ripley, named after my dad’s brain surgeon. Ripley brought light into a dark time, becoming a source of hope and strength for my family. But he also presented new challenges—my dad’s fragile recovery required extreme care and caution, and we couldn’t afford any mistakes. That’s when I was introduced to dog training. What began as a solution for my family’s immediate needs quickly turned into something far more profound.

My dad and I got involved with a local dog training business together, during his recovery. We poured everything we had into growing it. I balanced my work there with high school, learning invaluable lessons about hard work, resilience, and the importance of building trust with clients. Those years shaped who I am today, teaching me to embrace challenges and use them as stepping stones toward success.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve managed and overseen the launch of four different dog-based brands, taking each one from concept to profitability. These experiences have not only honed my skills as a leader and entrepreneur but have also solidified my reputation as a dedicated expert in the dog industry. From designing programs and operations to building customer trust, I’ve developed a deep understanding of what it takes to create and sustain success in this field.

When life threw new challenges my way, I knew I had a choice: I could let those challenges define me, or I could take control and define my own future. It wasn’t always easy, but I took responsibility for my path and decided to create something truly my own—Underdog Academy.

At Underdog Academy, we’re driven by the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Our mission is to help both dogs and their owners realize their potential through expert training and unwavering support. We don’t just teach obedience—we foster the kind of bond that transforms both dog and owner into a team.

I am eternally grateful for the incredible team we have, the clients who trust us with their beloved dogs, and the struggles that have shaped me into the person I am today. I truly believe that everything in this universe happens for our benefit, even when it’s hard to see in the moment. The level of gratitude I feel for this journey, and for the chance to make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, is beyond words. Thank you for being a part of this story.