Who we are
Zephyr was founded in 2008 and has since become the leading national helium supplier and a major provider of wholesale propane for industrial machines. Aside from our national distribution, we also sell internationally with service locations in Central and South America, Canada, Japan, Israel, and the Caribbean.
Who we serve
Zephyr supplies helium, helium tanks, balloon inflation products, and cylinder safety equipment to large retail chains, as well as to high-volume, single location stores, both nationally and internationally.
Zephyr also provides wholesale propane for industrial machines, including forklifts and floor buffers and burnishers.
How we serve
Much like a restaurant that sources its ingredients locally to promote a healthy cyclical economy, we have worked very hard to establish a vast, national network of local distributors to distribute Zephyr helium and propane. Zephyr has also developed strategic partnerships that ensures a continuous flow of helium and propane to the supply chain. In doing so, Zephyr has not only advanced the model of promoting local businesses by successfully replicating it nationally, we have also established a level of flexibility and customization for our customers that is unmatched by any other supplier. And although it isn’t the most glamorous service to talk about, our customers have also expressed a tremendous appreciation for our streamlined central ordering and billing system. The point is- our goal at Zephyr is to make life better. For everyone.
Meet the Leadership Team
Kathi Leiden
Kathi founded Zephyr in 2008 and grew it into a leading helium, propane, CO2, nitrogen, and balloon inflation equipment provider. Kathi has been described as an instinctual entrepreneur and her passion lies in growing a supply chain and delivery network of independently-owned, locally-based providers to service Zephyr's national accounts. She has always promoted a happy work environment to benefit both employees and customers, which remains at the core Zephyr's values to this day.
Max Hooper
Max brings more than 30 years of executive experience to his role as Zephyr CEO. He has been professionally associated with some of the top companies within the industrial gas industry. He has also been involved in leading successful integrations during 40+ acquisitions. Max earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Marketing at San Jose State University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of La Verne. He was captain of his football team at San Jose State, where he was named All-Conference for 4 years and Honorable Mention All-American for 2.
Mark Wright
Mark joined Zephyr in 2017, bringing 25 years of financial and leadership experience. He began his career in public accounting and later transitioned into the communications, logistics, and aftermarket automotive industries. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career including Chief Financial Officer. He is a CPA and maintains a current license in the state of Ohio.
Terri Graffius
Terri joined Zephyr in 2013, bringing over 25 years of corporate accounting experience, including management responsibilities in the fields of accounts payable, procurement, payroll, accounts receivable, and customer service. She is past President of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the International Accounts Payable Professionals. Terri graduated with her B.A. from Ashland University.
What drives us
Many companies worry first and foremost about numbers, sales, or product. At Zephyr, our priority is people.
When you treat people the way you would want them to treat you, positive growth will follow.
Our mission:
Conduct business that is good for all sides, have fun, lead a balanced life, and genuinely care—
care about our coworkers, the company, its distributors, customers, and partners.
Our vision:
Be the helium supplier of choice to the majority of retail chains in the USA.
Our core values:
1. Be kind.
2. Be honest.
3. Have fun.
4. Innovate.
5. Be grateful.