Elmer Zubiate, CEO of Zooby Neighborhood Superheroes Inc., recently shared comprehensive insights about building a $40 million business while maintaining integrity during a two-part interview on The Contractor Fight Podcast hosted by Todd Liles, CEO of Service Excellence Training. The conversation provides practical guidance for Texas entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of rapid growth and team management in the competitive home services industry.
In the first episode titled "The Brutal Truth About Building a $40M Business Without Selling Your Soul," Zubiate detailed his journey scaling Elmer's Home Services into a Texas powerhouse before selling to private equity investors. He revealed the decisions that nearly sank the company and the sacrifices most entrepreneurs avoid discussing, emphasizing how chasing revenue at the expense of values leads to burnout. Zubiate explained the critical balance between rapid growth and long-term stability, highlighting the mindset shifts that separate businesses that fizzle from those that endure in Texas's dynamic economic landscape.
The second episode, "How to Lead, Build, and Keep High-Performance Teams," focused on Zubiate's philosophy that culture beats perks every time. He demonstrated how team loyalty is fostered through clarity rather than superficial benefits, and how regular communication prevents talent drain in competitive markets. Zubiate provided leaders with a blueprint for building teams that want to stay and grow, offering practical guidance for transforming employees into united, high-performance units that drive economic impact across Texas.
Zubiate also discussed his vision for Zooby Neighborhood Superheroes Inc., his newest venture described as a modern home services company built for people who expect better service. The company emphasizes honest, flat-rate services without hourly billing or contractor drama, focusing on home repairs without headaches and maintenance without mystery. Todd Liles, an expert in training home services companies, noted that "Elmer makes it clear: customers win when your team feels valued. That's business done right." The podcast episodes offer valuable insights for business leaders seeking sustainable growth strategies and effective team management approaches that could reshape how Texas businesses approach scaling and employee retention.
