For nearly 40 years, Z.A. Konarski has established himself as a prominent figure in the luxury car market, spending the last 33 years of his career selling Porsches on South State Street.
Known as a remarkable salesman, Michael Baich, Porsche of Salt Lake’s longtime sales manager, claims, “he has got to be top five in the world, if not higher.”
Z.A.’s journey from his homeland of Poland to selling high-end German cars in America is as captivating as his success story.
Originally named Zbigniew, he prefers the initials “Z.A.” because he knows that his full name is hard for Americans to pronounce.
Z.A. made the difficult choice to leave Poland in 1980, motivated by the tightening grip of communism and the feeling of impending danger.
While in his 20s, he became an active participant in the Solidarity movement, an effort to challenge the state’s oppressive control, which labeled him an enemy of the regime.
Knowing that returning to Poland would likely result in imprisonment, Z.A. left the country on a travel visa in 1980, just before Poland was placed under martial law in 1981.
His wife, Margaret, along with their son, had already relocated to the U.S. seeking refuge.
A family relative, a physician, was sponsored to come to America by the staff at Holy Cross Hospital, who painted a bright picture of Salt Lake City, encouraging Margaret to leave New York City for a new life.
Meanwhile, Z.A. was stranded in Austria, navigating countless bureaucratic challenges to secure asylum.
After a lengthy four-year process, which included the support of Senator Jake Garn, Z.A. finally arrived in Salt Lake City in 1984.
Armed with a master’s degree in mining, Z.A. initially took a position as a surveyor with the Utah Department of Transportation.
However, he quickly grew dissatisfied with his work, feeling it was unfulfilling and contrary to his aspirations in America.
After only nine months, he decided to leave the state job and pursue a career in automobile sales, true to his independent and entrepreneurial spirit.
Starting at a Porsche dealership in Provo, Z.A.’s path led him to Ogden and then to California, where he briefly considered staying until his wife expressed a desire to remain in Utah.
In 1992, he returned to Utah and joined what was then known as Strong Porsche, now Porsche Salt Lake City, where he was hired on the spot due to his commendable reputation.
Upon joining, Z.A. didn’t just meet expectations; he surpassed them.
“I don’t sell cars, I sell Porsches,” he states, emphasizing the distinction with pride.
Reflecting on those who doubted his decision to leave a stable state job for car sales, he recalls saying, “I’m not going to be a car salesman, I’m going to sell Porsches. If it’s not Porsche, I’m not touching it.”
His passion for Porsches runs deep, stemming from his early days racing them in Poland.
When he immigrated to the U.S., he brought along a cherished 911 from the factory.
For Z.A., discussing Porsches with other enthusiasts is not just a job, but a therapeutic experience.
However, he believes the key to his success transcends merely sharing his enthusiasm; it lies in establishing long-term relationships with his customers.
“You have to run business in a way that people come back,” he advises.
He reveals a meticulously organized filing system in his office where he keeps records of every Porsche sale he has made in Salt Lake City over the past few decades.
Each file typically contains information on repeat customers, showcasing loyal clientele who often return to purchase multiple vehicles.
“He’s a movie producer. He is the biggest guy. Sometimes he buys six, seven a year,” Z.A. shares, noting the level of commitment some clients have to the brand.
According to his co-worker Jeff Sandstrom, Z.A. doesn’t just sell cars; he cultivates friendships.
“They’re not just his customers, they’re his friends. He knows what they want before they do,” Sandstrom remarks, highlighting Z.A.’s unique ability to connect.
Z.A.’s approach isn’t about sugarcoating; it’s about sincerity and humor.
Baich recalls, “I’ve had several customers over the years say, ‘I want you to know that that was the biggest jerk I have ever met in my life, and I enjoyed every minute of it.’”
His straightforward and humorous personality resonates, ensuring even difficult conversations are received well.
With more than 6,000 Porsches sold and over 2,000 satisfied clients, Z.A.’s sales records would certainly qualify him for a hypothetical car salesman hall of fame.
Porsche has recognized Z.A. numerous times, honoring him as one of its top 100 salesmen globally on three separate occasions.
As he approaches 77 years old in October, Z.A. isn’t rushing into retirement but rather transitioning into a more relaxed schedule.
He still finds time to visit family in Poland at least once a year.
Planning for the future, he has begun mentoring a passionate young employee he refers to as his potential successor.
“I have a person, a young guy who is very passionate about Porsche, and I am introducing him already to my clients,” Z.A. explains.
Despite these efforts, the consensus remains: there is only one Z.A.
Mike Baich succinctly describes him, stating, “He’s just a unique personality who is very, very good at what he does. To quote Mel Brooks, ‘or you got it or you don’t.’ And he’s got it.”
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