Elmer Zubiate, CEO of Zooby Neighborhood Superheroes Inc. [https://www.zooby.com], recently shared candid insights about business growth and team building during a two-part conversation on The Contractor Fight Podcast hosted by Todd Liles, CEO of Service Excellence Training [https://www.servextra.com]. The discussion provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating growth challenges while maintaining core values.
In the first episode [https://thecontractorfight.com/episode1], 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, the sacrifices entrepreneurs rarely discuss, and the principles that prevented cutting corners during critical moments. Zubiate emphasized that chasing revenue at the expense of values leads to burnout and explained how to balance rapid growth with long-term stability.
The second episode focused on "How to Lead, Build, and Keep High-Performance Teams," where Zubiate argued that culture consistently outperforms perks in fostering team loyalty. He explained that clarity, rather than superficial benefits, creates genuine commitment and how regular communication prevents talent drain in competitive markets. Zubiate provided leaders with a practical blueprint for developing teams that remain engaged and grow with the organization.
Zubiate also publicly discussed his vision for Zooby Neighborhood Superheroes Inc. for the first time, describing it as a modern home services company designed for customers who expect better service. The company operates on honest, flat-rate pricing without hourly billing or contractor drama, focusing on home repairs, maintenance, and upgrades without hidden costs or aggressive upselling.
Todd Liles, an expert in training home services companies, commented that "Elmer makes it clear: customers win when your team feels valued. That's business done right." The podcast episodes offer practical guidance for business leaders seeking to build sustainable companies while maintaining ethical standards and developing loyal, high-performing teams.
