I grew up in a small town outside Lake Tahoe, California. I was a Boy Scout and achieved Eagle Scout, so I grew up with a real strong sense of community and purpose. My mom was a ranger for the Forest Service and always used to say, “Smokey Bear is her boss.” Through hearing about her work, I gained an understanding and appreciation of law enforcement from her, which stayed with me as an adult.

I pursued a sales and tech career after high school for several years – selling cars, running a computer repair center and setting up big wireless networks used to build computers. Then I decided I wanted to join the military. I wanted to travel, serve my country and be able to give back. I joined the Air Force and my first duty station was in Germany. I got to spend three years there, which was fantastic.

I became a federal agent for the Air Force for a special division that investigated felony crimes involving criminals, terrorists and espionage threats to members of the Air Force. I worked on cases ranging from illegal drugs to sexual assaults to counter terrorism. I was one of only 1500 agents worldwide who did this type of work. I investigated a lot of crimes against children, and one of my biggest passions became protecting kids.

Once I got married and started a family, I realized that I needed a job with more flexibility. I had looked into real estate, and I knew I would be good at it. A friend of mine hired me to be a listing agent right out of the gate, even though I’d never sold a house in my life. Real estate affords me the opportunity to spend a lot more time with my family.

I still wanted to continue the same type of work I’m so passionate about, so when I became a real estate agent, I switched to being a reserve officer for the Air Force. I also volunteer with a group called SERT Ministries, an organization that helps save missing or exploited kids. I believe in this cause so strongly that I donate my time and put my life at risk on a regular basis to help save children.

It’s serious work, no doubt, but I was born with a skill set that most people don’t have, and I feel I can’t waste that skill set. Giving back to the world is something I’ve always done. And even though I give a lot, I get a lot back because it’s rewarding work. I’ll never forget the time we rescued one young girl. She had run away and when we rescued her she couldn’t believe that a team had been searching for her. She broke down and said, “Wow, I didn’t think anybody cared about me.” It’s pretty eye-opening. We literally saved her life. It’s hard to describe the depth of that reward.

My life is all about saving lives and changing lives. It’s why I do this volunteer work, and it’s also why I’m a real estate agent and a father. The bottom line is I care about people and their well-being. I’ve been known to mow my client’s front lawn before an open house. People think I’m crazy. But to me, acting with integrity and doing the right thing is the norm. The way I see it, I’m changing the world one client at a time.

Coming from a law enforcement background, I understand what it means to take things seriously. Buying a house isn’t a life-or-death proposition, but it is one of the biggest investments someone’s ever going to make. It changes people’s lives, and that’s why I do it. I care about people and their well-being.

I enjoy working with Veterans, Law Enforcement Officers and other first responders because I love seeing them realize their potential. Many Veterans use their VA loan to buy their first home, and it’s exciting to help them reach that goal.

I choose to live my life saving as many kids as I possibly can and helping as many people as I can. Protecting my clients’ interests is my job and I take that fiduciary responsibility very seriously. I don’t offer gimmicks. I answer my phone and return calls. I communicate directly with my clients and put their needs first. My job is to serve my clients to help them achieve the American dream.

Sincerely,

Zachary W.J. Bach
Father, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Real Estate Agent