Supporting communities through individual enrichment

Zoo Nation is a family business founded by Darrell & Sue Zwicker that focuses on the most important brand in the world - your family brand; also known as your "zoo." The principal mission of Zoo Nation is to be a prominent supporter in organizations that promote the well being of others through individual & family enrichment programs.

Zoo Nation sells quality customizable apparel and accessory products that are both functional and unique in design and cause. 100% of profits from the company’s signature product, the Welcome Mat, will go toward our goal of raising one million dollars to help fund a variety of organizations committed to the health and well being of the communities we serve; with a special focus in the areas of mental illness, developmental disabilities, and youth enrichment.

Why a welcome mat?

Not to be confused with a door mat, the welcome mat not only welcomes guests into your zoo, but also signifies a welcoming presence and safe haven to those facing the challenges of mental illness, developmental disabilities and character development. At Zoo Nation we want everyone to feel welcome.

Motivated by Darrell’s mother's wishes of taking care of a family member in need, Darrell and extended family became acutely aware of the challenges facing not only the people that suffer from mental illness, but also the challenges facing family members supporting those individuals.

With the entrepreneurial drive ingrained from his father, Darrell sought ways to look for a new meaning in life and make a career change that would be sustainable, meaningful and affect change in a manner congruent with the values his parents had instilled in him.

The Zoo Nation mission embodies those values as it states:

Be different, make a difference, have fun!

Briefly explained as follows:

Be different

Darrell's dad was a true entrepreneur and he believed that to succeed you had to be different to grab people’s attention.

Make a difference

Darrell's parents made a difference in so many ways. So many people that came in contact with them had a profound and positive experience. Whether it was making a financial contribution to challenged youths, sponsoring a sports team, or giving someone down and out, a place to stay - they knew the importance of supporting their community!

Have fun

Darrell's dad saw humor in every situation. He could often be heard saying, "Who has more fun than people?" and "You better have a good time because you are a long time gone when you leave this earth."

Why Zoo Nation?

People want and need to be part of a bigger community to sustain happiness and meaning in one's life. It is our idea that this can be achieved in a fun and meaningful way regardless of our unique qualities and the challenges we face. The zoo signifies not only your family, but also a greater message of togetherness.

Welcome to Zoo Nation.