Engineering the Unconventional.
Anchored by the Journey.
Driven by Adrenaline.
It began in Colville. Zack grew up in Colville, WA, a city of 4,900. His parents’ lifestyle could be called “hippies,” who were college grads and moved waaaay out to “nowhere.” They cut trees down to build their own cabin, and in fact, are still living there. Zack began with an alternative lifestyle as his norm; we just put six gigantic wheels underneath it and called it “Bantha.”
In an industry focused on getting people outdoors, Zack Eichler doesn’t just talk the talk; he engineers the experience from the ground up, proves it on the road, and then jumps out of airplanes to celebrate.
By day
Zack is a driving force in the RV and Marine industry, currently serving as the General Manager of SmartPlug Systems. Educated at Western Washington University, Zack is a plastics engineer by trade with a long, successful history in the manufacturing sector.
Proving the Remote Lifestyle
Before taking the helm at SmartPlug, Zack proved the ultimate viability of the "work from anywhere" lifestyle. He worked on the road as an ERP consultant for Datwyler, serving as an IQMS subject-matter expert while living off-grid. To this day, he occasionally accepts strategic consulting positions to help support fellow industry partners. CONTACT ZACK >
The Mastermind Behind "Bantha"
Zack’s deep expertise in mold design across a variety of industries became the secret weapon behind building "Bantha," their M1087 military expedition truck. Taking a massive leap into the deep end of DIY overlanding, Zack engineered an interior layout that defies the limitations of standard van life.
Utilizing the vehicle's unique folding floors, he designed custom cabinetry that seamlessly folds with the floor. He also engineered an elevator bed with independent motors, allowing it to be perfectly leveled even when the 40,000-pound truck is parked entirely off-road. The result? A staggering 420 square feet of maximized, highly functional living space, a feat virtually unheard of in the overlanding world.
A Seamless Partnership
Zack and his partner, Krystal, first met through their shared work in the manufacturing industry. They quickly discovered that their skills were complementary, working seamlessly together in both the boardroom and the backcountry. Today, they are a unified team, expertly blending their demanding professional careers with their full-time overlanding lifestyle.
Thrill-Seeker and Community Mentor
Zack is known for pushing boundaries, but his greatest impact might be how he pulls others up with him. Just like Krystal, Zack strongly believes in offering a hand-up and encouragement to young job seekers and DIY camper conversion builders alike.
He freely shares his technical expertise and "experiential wisdom," and offers mentorship and a healthy dose of commiseration anytime. He readily accepts calls and inquiries from fellow overlanders on how to navigate the complex challenges of building heavy-duty rigs, and he is happy to answer any questions and share his experiences. He is also eager to learn from others, so the exchange is always a two-way street. (or dirt road)
When he’s not steering growth at SmartPlug, consulting for industry partners, or charting a new backcountry trail, Zack is an active adrenaline seeker. Since his first skydive at age 16, he still regularly leaps from planes simply to relax. He has hiked every volcano in Washington state, enjoyed many rock-climbing routes, and takes on white water rafting whenever the opportunity arises.
Besides Krystal, Bantha, and his treasured family and friends, his true love in life is a good nap in a hammock slung anywhere the road takes him. You’ll often find him ending a day of adventure by raising a sharp glass of whiskey in a toast to the sunset.
Whether he's innovating new product lines, consulting on complex ERP systems, or navigating off-grid terrain, one thing stays the same: Zack makes the journey unforgettable.
Connect with Zack on LinkedIn here >