ZINK FAMILY HISTORY
Since 1972, the Zink Family Foundation, originally the John Steele Zink Foundation, has contributed more than $100 million throughout Oklahoma.
The Zink family’s history is a testament to their adventurous spirit, dedication to nature conservancy, and commitment to giving back to their community. Spanning three generations, their story begins with John Steele Zink, whose innovative mind and passion for the outdoors laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to shape lives in northeastern Oklahoma and beyond.
John Steele Zink, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, founded the John Zink Company in 1929. Known for his inventive spirit, he revolutionized the combustion industry and established a thriving business that became a global leader in environmental control systems. His success fueled his passion for nature and youth development, leading him to purchase the first 1,800-acre parcel of what would become the Zink Ranch.
The ranch wasn’t just a personal passion though, it was a gift to the future. In 1957, John Steele established the John Zink Foundation and donated the Zink Ranch property. The Zink Ranch was never envisioned to be a working ranch but a place to be used by community organizations to fulfil their missions. This land donation ensures the Zink Ranch will serve generations in perpetuity. This commitment to philanthropy extended beyond the ranch. In 1972, he created a second foundation, the John Steele Zink Foundation, focused on supporting the arts, education, and humanities. Combined, the Zink Family Foundations have contributed over $100 million to the Tulsa community, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cultural and educational landscape.
John’s son, John Smith “Jack” Zink, joined the family business in 1951 after graduating from Oklahoma State University. He successfully led the John Zink Company for more than 20 years. Following John Steele’s passing in 1973, Jack continued carrying the torch of innovation and philanthropy. After the John Zink Company sale, Jack founded Zeeco, Inc. Jack also had an adventurous streak, becoming a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 as an owner and car designer. Additionally, he loved driving and competing in off-road races, racing sailboats and was a consistent winner in many other forms of racing.
Jack’s dedication to giving back was equally impactful. By the time of his passing in 2005, he had expanded the Zink Ranch to over 30,000 acres. His four rules of success—understand who you are, associate with successful people, be a dreamer, and have patience—guided his life and left a lasting imprint on his family and community.
Today, Jack’s son, Darton Zink, continues the family’s legacy. Darton became President and CEO of Zeeco in 2001. He has expanded the company’s reach while continuing the Zink family’s commitment to education and philanthropy. Darton and his wife, Jamie, lead the Zink Family Foundation and the John Zink Foundation. The foundations have partnered extensively with youth development and higher education, most recently opening the Zink Center for Competitive Innovation at OSU. This transformative gift supports the university’s mission to empower career-ready graduates and fosters the importance of competitive design in cutting-edge engineering research.
The Zink family’s story is about dreaming big, working hard, and giving generously. Their legacy of adventure, conservation, and philanthropy continues to shape countless individuals’ futures.