George E. Zong, Jr. is our Master Cabinet Maker. Just take a look at our woodwork and you will immediately see that he is a very talented one. We recruited him in January of 2000 at the recommendation of his woodworking peers and because of his reputation of perfectionism and valuable expertise.

George apprenticed in the United States Air Force, Corp of Engineers from 1982-1987, in the states of Alaska and Montana respectively as a carpenter specialist. Upon re-entering civilian life, George moved his family to sunny Florida where he continued to train and progress in his career. He was employed first by Ray Routh cabinetry, and second by Walter's Woodworking, a specialty furniture and cabinet shop. It was in this gulf coast environment that George's innate artistic ability was encouraged, challenged and confirmed. He was commissioned to do an exciting array of projects of various size and complexity. His responsibilities steadily increased which eventually let to a promotion as supervisor of all woodshop production, form initial design to the engineering of all wooden components. George especially excels in the ability to do research and development on new ideas and also the ingenuity required for the rebuilding of old ones.

A native of Pennsylvania, George, his wife and 2 teenage daughters are considered "half-backs", having moved from the state of Florida to North Carolina. An avid outdoorsman, George looked at the prospect of moving to North Carolina as a dream come true. After meeting with Cornel and getting introduced to the organ industry and Cornel's vision for the company, George felt like he had found his life's purpose. For George, it was as though this opportunity was fulfilling his professional calling. Each and every skill and talent had culminated to a perfect fit for the art and significance of organ building.

George is a man of character, ready to handle the biggest projects with speed and grace. He immediately began to set new standards for productivity on his very first job our Opus 54 in Anderson, SC. He continued with characteristic fervor and focus on Opus 58 at St. Mark's Church in Philadelphia a project that tested his stride and strength. Just one look at that organ confirms that George has an incredible skill that we truly value.

The Zong family recently built a beautiful home in Huntersville, just 20 minutes from the shop. Diana, the oldest daughter, is a freshman at Appalachian State University. Her 16-year-old sister, Emily attends Hopewell High School. Last year both girls represented their respective classes as valedictorians. As for George's wife, Bonnie, she has fallen in love with the Charlotte area, and all that it has to offer. Recently, they have added a new member to their family, a white Shepard/artic wolf mix, named Strider, who they all enjoy and dearly love. He is the size of a small horse with a heart of gold. He joins Luke and BJ, the Zimmer's dogs as a company mascot.

George's contentment and positive attitude is a tribute to the woodshop. His commitment to quality and efficiency will definitely contribute to our future success. Under his supervision the woodshop runs with like clockwork. From his bench have come the qualities of good judgment, knowledge and a fine tuned sense of humor. His candor is appreciated and serves as an invaluable example to all of us. George is a highly respected and appreciated employee of Cornel Zimmer Organ Builders where the gift of quality workmanship flourishes and is refined to honor and glorify God in each production.