San Antonio, January 1, 2026
Elmer Zubiate, founder of Elmer’s AC, has launched a new venture, Zooby, focused on home remodeling and craftsmanship. After selling his previous company, Zubiate aims to empower the San Antonio community through workforce training and support for small businesses. His commitment to integrity and exceptional service is at the core of Zooby’s mission, which addresses local economic challenges and aims to uplift aspiring tradespeople while reinforcing community ties.
San Antonio, Texas
Elmer Zubiate Revitalizes San Antonio’s Economy with Zooby
Elmer Zubiate, the founder of a beloved local business, is back in San Antonio with a new venture, Zooby, after a transformative experience selling his previous company. With a focus on remodeling and craftsmanship, Zubiate aims to not only build home spaces but also empower individuals by fostering a skilled workforce and supporting small businesses in the community.
Background
Elmer Zubiate kicked off his journey in the air conditioning repair industry during his high school years in Odessa, Texas. After relocating to San Antonio in the mid-1990s, he founded Elmer’s AC with minimal resources—just $1,500 and no formal business training. His sheer determination and commitment to quality service led to the company’s growth into a household name in the area, driven by impactful marketing strategies including television commercials and partnerships with the San Antonio Spurs. At the peak of its success, Zubiate made the bold move to sell Elmer’s AC to allow for expansion throughout Texas, but soon found himself at odds with a new company direction that did not align with his core values. This prompted his exit from the established enterprise.
Current Endeavors
With Zooby, Zubiate’s mission is clear: he is dedicated to remodeling and craftsmanship, stressing the importance of culture, integrity, and exceptional customer service. The cornerstone of his approach is a commitment to community support, where he actively trains tradesmen and champions local businesses. Zubiate recognizes the invaluable backing he has received from the people of San Antonio, emphasizing that his continued success is a reflection of their loyalty. His philosophy is straightforward: uphold integrity by acknowledging mistakes and making them right, anchored in the belief that “I wouldn’t have anything if it wasn’t for San Antonio. I’m not going anywhere.”
Impact on the Community
Zubiate’s return to the San Antonio business landscape is not just about personal ambition; it’s a commitment to uplift the community that supported him. By providing training to aspiring tradespeople, he is addressing a critical skills gap while strengthening local business ecosystems. These initiatives are vital for the long-term sustainability of the Bexar County economy, fostering job creation and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth permeate through the community.
Conclusion
Elmer Zubiate’s transition from Elmer’s AC to the new venture Zooby demonstrates a powerful narrative of resilience, integrity, and community focus. His dedication to remodeling and craftsmanship, paired with a commitment to training the next generation of skilled tradesmen, highlights a proactive approach to strengthening the local economy. As San Antonio continues to evolve, supporting companies like Zooby will prove essential for fostering a vibrant community driven by entrepreneurial spirit.
FAQ
Who is Elmer Zubiate?
Elmer Zubiate is the founder and former CEO of Elmer’s AC, a company he built into a household name in San Antonio, Texas. After selling the company to expand across Texas, he departed due to a shift in company direction that no longer aligned with his values. He is now focusing on his new company, Zooby, emphasizing culture, integrity, and customer service.
What is Zooby?
Zooby is a construction and home services company founded by Elmer Zubiate, focusing on remodeling and craftsmanship. The company emphasizes culture, integrity, and customer service, aiming to build homes and help build people by training tradesmen, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the San Antonio community.
Why did Elmer Zubiate leave Elmer’s AC?
Elmer Zubiate sold Elmer’s AC to expand across Texas. However, the new direction of the business no longer aligned with his mission to focus on culture and changing lives, prompting his departure from the company.
What is Elmer Zubiate’s mission with Zooby?
With Zooby, Elmer Zubiate aims to build homes and help build people by training tradesmen, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the San Antonio community that supported him from the start. His focus remains on culture, integrity, and customer service.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founder | Elmer Zubiate |
| Previous Company | Elmer’s AC |
| New Company | Zooby |
| Focus | Remodeling and craftsmanship |
| Mission | Build homes and help build people by training tradesmen, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the San Antonio community |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
