Meet Sam Zimberoff | Cal Poly SLO Student & Junior Marketer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Zimberoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Like many, I used to believe time was the most valuable resource. But time has been dethroned in today’s digital world; your attention is now king.

Work-life balance is something that’s constantly evolving in my life. In the past, primarily sourced from media and early education, I used to think it was about dividing my time equally between work, relationships, and my personal life. Over time, I’ve realized that balance is far more fluid than fixed; different bouts of work demand different levels of attention in various areas. I’m far from perfectly balanced, but I always strive to be more intentional about it.

When I’m working, I aim to be fully present. When I’m with friends or family, I try to engage just as deeply. I won’t say I get it right every time, but that’s where growth happens: learning when to pull back, recalibrate, and refocus. Ultimately, balance is less about hitting a perfect formula and more about knowing when to change gears, all while giving myself the space to be flexible. It’s a constant process of adjusting and aspiring to show up fully where it matters most.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been an exciting journey, and though I’m still in the early chapters, it’s already been filled with invaluable experiences. As part of the marketing team at Mondraker USA, a globally renowned bicycle manufacturer, I focus on marketing, experiential events, digital strategies, and more. I’m incredibly fortunate to be in this position, balancing college, a social life, and some serious physical training goals. None of this would be possible without the support of a growing list of amazing people.

In a way, my path into the cycling industry feels like learning to drive. After spending years in the backseat, unintentionally observing how my parents navigated the road, I instinctively knew what to do behind the wheel when Drivers Ed came around. Similarly, I had the privilege of growing up around the cycling industry, soaking up knowledge without even realizing it. I fell in love with mountain biking as soon as I discovered what a mountain was, which took some time since I spent the first 18 years of my life in Chicago, a beautiful city, but undeniably flat.

Over the past decade, my passion for cycling grew into an obsession. I rode whenever I could, watched races, read articles, and immersed myself in every aspect of the sport. It wasn’t just a hobby; it was pure joy. I didn’t realize I was building a knowledge bank that would later serve me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. When I started college, I felt a creative itch that needed scratching, and that’s when I began brainstorming ways to combine my love for cycling with my creative drive.

This led me to an internship with Mondraker, and after an incredible summer in Spain, I successfully pitched a part-time role on the newly formed USA marketing team. Since then, it’s been full steam ahead, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future. What sets this journey apart is that it’s not just about work—it’s about blending my passion with my career and learning from every step along the way.

I’ve learned that it is never about chasing happiness. It never was. It’s about finding joy in the pursuit itself. Whether in my career or personal life, the real reward isn’t catching the dangling carrot; it’s realizing that the time we spend in the chase is the secret. Power and privilege come from wrestling with resistance, and I know that you can count on learning in both success and failure during that battle. That’s where the growth happens.

For me and my future with Mondraker, it’s learning that it’s not just about the output; it’s about redefining what we value: the journey, the process, and the moments of struggle. Imagine the joy of winning those battles—that’s what fuels me, and that’s the essence of my story.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friends were visiting Chicago for a week, I’d ensure they got the full experience, from the iconic spots to the hidden gems that made my time in the city memorable. We’d controversially kick things off by grabbing a classic deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s (nowhere else, end of story). You can’t talk about Chicago without talking about the food, and Lou’s sets the tone.

Then we’d head to Millennium Park to check out The Bean, which is overrated but a sight taken straight out of science fiction, followed by a stroll or bike ride along the lakefront to help that deep dish-settle. For some adventure, I’d make sure we spent a morning riding our bikes at the Palos Forest Preserve. It’s not much compared to mountain ranges, but for someone like me who grew up in Chicago, Palos was where I first fell in love with riding. The trails are tucked away but have a charm that can make you forget the busy city for as long as needed.

For lunch, we’d dive into the food scene at Au Cheval for one of the best burgers in the city and later hit up the West Loop for dinner at Sushi Doku. You can’t come to Chicago without indulging in its world-class restaurants, and believe me, there are plenty. We’d spend a day exploring the Art Institute, followed by an intimate show at the beloved Vic Theater.

Another must is an architectural boat tour down the Chicago River, followed by a gut-test lunch at Mr. Beef off N Orleans Street. Whether hanging out along the lakefront, exploring the neighborhoods, or sneaking in some time on the trails, Chicago has an impeccable blend of culture, food, and outdoor spots that make it one of the best cities to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Regarding the heroes and mentors in my life, nobody has had a more significant impact on my journey than my parents. Together, they’ve taught me that success is not about what you accomplish but how you empower others along the way.

My dad, David Zimberoff, has been a constant guiding force. His 30-year career at SRAM and his work with World Bicycle Relief are impressive, but his greatest impact on me is how he leads by example and learns through doing. He always has, and I hope he always will. His balance of creativity, passion for innovation, and genuine care for the global community has shaped how I approach work, life, and beyond. It’s infectious, and I wouldn’t trade my ‘brother-from-another-mother’ for anything.

My mom, Anne Klassman, has been my rock and one of my life’s greatest sources of love and support. Her unwavering encouragement has given me the foundation to pursue my goals passionately and confidently. Watching her transform into an entrepreneur with her woman-owned business, UNDRESSED Salad Bars, has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. She defies the status quo daily, pushing boundaries and creating something extraordinary. Watching UNDRESSED come to life has been nothing short of remarkable, and through it all, I’ve never once doubted the strength of my lifelong best friend.

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samzimberoff/