In 2010, Keith Zars knew his company, Keith Zars Pools (KZP), had plateaued. He was 65; he could have sold and retired. Instead, he chased growth opportunities for his custom swimming pool business, known for its breathtaking designs that blend indoor and outdoor living to create an oasis of tranquility.
Fast-forward 12 years. The company ranked first on Pool and Spa News Top 50 Service lists in 2020 and 2021, third on its Top 50 Builder List in 2022 and was voted 2021 Best Swimming Pool Builder and Services by the San Antonio Express-News. Projects have included pools for multiple players on the NBA’s hometown team, the San Antonio Spurs.
KZP has built more than 11,000 pools since 1985. And while the pools cool its customers, Zars’ business continues to run hot as soaring gas prices and record-breaking temperatures have homeowners rushing to buy.
“When I started with Vistage, I wore 20 hats. I was managing everything,” says Zars, now a 12-year Vistage member and 2021 Member Excellence award winner. “The knowledge I’ve gained has helped me expand from about 275 to over 500 employees, and that has freed me up to focus on my strengths.”
