Zelotes was the founder of the china and houseware business that grew into the Parmelee-Dohrmann Co. with stores throughout Southern California. Eventually his brother, Charles A., bought him out. (I've been told that the business eventually was aquired by Broadway Department Stores, which in turn was aquired by the May Co., became Robinson's-May and is now Macy's.)

He also founded the Parmelee Fixture Co. in downtown Los Angeles and was a big supporter of the YMCA.