Gray Creates Professional Opportunity in Phelps County

Attracting young professionals to return home to Phelps County can have a big impact on the community.

Zach Gray is a great example. He returned home after college and law school to launch his own business, serve his community and raise a family. He is one of many Phelps County residents who are thriving where they started.

Growing up in Holdrege, Gray participated in football, basketball, wrestling, track, baseball, 4-H, FFA and Summer Honors. 

“I always appreciated that you were able to be involved in things that were completely unrelated due to being in a small town,” Gray said. “You don't just have to be one thing.”

His experiences with 4-H and FFA were particularly influential, giving him opportunities to develop leadership skills while connecting what he was learning to real-world industries and the community. He remembers FFA advisor Mr. Jeff Moore as someone who had a positive impact on him. 

The Bethel Lutheran Church congregation was another important source of support growing up.

Education & Career

After graduating from Holdrege High School in 2013, Gray attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a degree in agronomy with a minor in agribusiness. He then earned a law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law in May 2020.

Gray received $6,000 in PCDC High Demand Jobs Scholarships to help with his education.

“It was a great help to get started, as well as knowing I had support in moving back home for a career potentially,” Gray said of the scholarships. 

Gray moved back to Phelps County after law school and started his law career. In July 2022, he opened Gray Law Firm, located in the Iron Horse Station at 700 Railroad St., Suite 112. He specializes in estate, trust and business planning and administration as a member of WealthCounsel™, as well as real estate and agricultural law.

His wife, Meghan, who is also from a small town, Seward, teaches 7th grade English in Minden. They have a two-year-old son, Merrick, with another son on the way in January.

Gray said he always knew he would eventually move back to a small town, and he hoped it was Phelps County, so he is happy.

“I wanted to raise a family in a small town and luckily was able to come home and be close to family and friends,” he said.

Gray said he also enjoys small-town living because he can drive anywhere in town in 5 minutes.

“Phelps County has done a good job retaining the small-town and rural identity, while also providing the necessary services for people to come back and live, while not needing to leave town for every little thing,” he said.

Giving Back

Gray believes in giving back to the community and provides financial sponsorships for many community activities while also giving of his time.

He is involved in Holdrege FFA Alumni, the Holdrege Citizens Advisory Review ("Watchdog") Committee, and Bethel Lutheran Church, where he is a member and serves as the Parish Council President.  

“I enjoy helping with FFA and church to give back to two important things I was involved in growing up,” Gray said. “I enjoy the Watchdog Committee as it's an opportunity to be involved in the community in a unique way, and one that gives a unique insight into how the City and PCDC function together.”

Gray said he encourages other young professionals to consider returning to Phelps County for future careers.

“Opportunities are out there, either for employment or self-employment,” he said. “You just need to make yourself available to new opportunities.”