Startup Savvy: Young Entrepreneur Phil DePaul of BoomZeal Shares Their Secrets For Rapid Growth and Success
An Interview With Eden Gold
Solution-Oriented: Focus on being a problem solver. True value comes from addressing root causes, not just symptoms. For example, in water damage restoration, it’s crucial to fix the source of the problem, not just clean up the mess. This mindset applies across all aspects of life.
The entrepreneurial landscape is more vibrant and challenging than ever, with young entrepreneurs at the forefront, driving innovation and redefining the boundaries of success in the business world. These dynamic individuals are not only creating new products and services but also building sustainable business models that thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Their journeys are filled with lessons of resilience, strategic innovation, and the relentless pursuit of growth. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Phil DePaul.
In the dynamic realm of business, where strategy and experimentation converge, stands Phil DePaul, a visionary leader who is relentless in his pursuit to reshape the nature of property management as we know it. With an indomitable spirit and an insatiable thirst for growth, DePaul stands at the helm of BoomZeal Enterprises, a local Long Island, NY, organization that is taking emergency services by storm — poised to leave an indelible mark on the business landscape. Visit https://BoomZeal.com for more information.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about cultural sensitivity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My career path has been shaped by a mix of personal and professional experiences. It started with an early fascination with professional wrestling, followed by a brief stint as a computer science major in college, both of which I decided weren’t for me. My real journey began when I spent more than 14 years working at a plumbing supply house, a job I landed thanks to my father, a lifelong New York City Union plumber. During that time, I began to treat the business as my own, learning the importance of building a strong culture, especially in a place where none existed. This drive to create an environment that benefited both myself and others was pivotal. After leaving that business, I transitioned into large-scale disaster recovery, then took the plunge into owning a water damage restoration franchise. With no prior experience in the industry, I became both CEO and hands-on operator from day one. Since then, my journey as a business owner has been a continuous evolution of growth and leadership.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
The story I’m most drawn to sharing is the father-son dynamic at 1-Tom-Plumber of Long Island. Growing up in Staten Island, NY, with my father, a lifelong Union tradesman, he got me my first job in a supply house, which I spent 14 years in. When I launched my water damage restoration business in 2019, I had a murky vision of us working together, though I didn’t know how or when. By 2023, I committed to an emergency plumbing franchise, which ultimately led to my father joining the business, marking the culmination of his 40-year career. In January 2024, this vision became reality, and now not only is my father involved, but my mother is too — making it a true family affair.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
A while back, I did the StrengthsFinder 2.0 test, and my top strength was belief. I’ve often reflected on this, especially when making big decisions, like transitioning from employee to employer. Betting everything on myself without taking a salary for a time was a leap of faith. But beyond that, it’s the daily belief in yourself to make tough decisions and go against the grain that builds fortitude. I’ve always felt more comfortable doing things my own way, and that, to me, defines success — facing fear and overcoming it.
One of the proudest examples of belief in myself was signing up for a triathlon despite never having learned to swim properly. I went from barely being able to swim to developing a love for it through persistence. This experience mirrors my approach to life — facing obstacles head-on with belief.
Another core value is accountability, particularly extreme ownership, inspired by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. I preach this within my organization: checking egos, owning mistakes, and always taking responsibility. If something even sounds like an excuse, I break out in hives! Taking ownership helps me grow from any failure or shortcoming.
Lastly, sarcasm is my way of staying humble and coping with challenges. I use humor to remind myself not to take things too seriously and to find the lighter side in difficult moments. It’s a key tool in my journey of embracing discomfort, failing forward, and maintaining a positive attitude.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about young entrepreneurs secrets to rapid growth and success. To start, how would you define success?
Success is an elusive and relative concept for me. It’s not something you achieve and check off a list; it’s found in the journey itself. Success is about loving the process — embracing early mornings, long days, and the effort it takes to bring a mission to life or build an organization.
While some measure success by financial gain, I see that as a means to an end, enabling greater influence and value creation. True success, for me, is seeing those around me succeed in their own way. It’s about helping others push their visions forward and being part of their journey, whether briefly or for a lifetime. Ultimately, success is looking forward to the next day as a chance to keep chasing it, while being grateful for the work and people you’ve engaged with today.
What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly contributed to your startup’s growth, and why do you think it was so effective?
Starting five businesses in under five years is definitely an unconventional strategy. From my first franchise in 2019, a construction partnership in 2022, acquiring a junk removal business in 2022, to launching an emergency plumbing franchise in 2023, I realized I needed a parent brand — BoomZeal Enterprises — to tie them all together. Initially, I jumped into franchising because I didn’t know what my own business idea was. The creation of BoomZeal has been an exploration of values and passion, but getting there meant trying everything, almost bankrupting my family in the process. That’s how I found my “big idea.”
Can you share a critical pivot point in your startup’s journey and how you navigated the decision-making process?
A critical pivot in my startup journey came last year when we were building out BoomZeal Enterprises, which was meant to streamline home maintenance services on Long Island. The idea was to create a central leadership team to oversee our various home improvement businesses. But we moved too fast, lacked a clear vision, and failed to properly define roles and responsibilities, leading to leadership confusion and operational chaos.
At the same time, our businesses were struggling, cash was running low, and we faced a decision: either fix the structure or risk collapse. I had to figure out whether BoomZeal Enterprises was just a holding company or an entity with its own value. After some tough decisions, including downsizing and parting ways with valued team members, we regrouped and refocused on our core mission.
This painful process clarified our direction and taught me the importance of defining leadership roles. I embraced the mindset of being a “wartime CEO,” responsible for executing decisions that would sustain the organization and keep it alive.
How do you balance the need for rapid growth with maintaining a sustainable and healthy company culture?
To balance rapid growth with maintaining a healthy company culture, the key is recognizing that you don’t need rapid growth — you may want it, but the focus should be on the right inputs. For us, that starts with core values. When you’re clear about who you are and align your team around those values, you naturally gain traction toward your goals.
Healthy culture comes from having the right people in the right environment, where they can do their best work. It’s not about forcing a fit, but about attracting those who align with our mission and values. Our vision is to energize communities by uniting teams through empowering leaders, all while focusing on making home maintenance more manageable on Long Island.
When the right people are aligned with the right values and a shared goal, growth becomes a byproduct, not the primary focus. The priority is putting the right people on the bus in the right seats, and growth follows naturally.
In what ways has your personal definition of success evolved since the inception of your startup?
My definition of success is constantly evolving. It’s less about outcomes and more about focusing on the right inputs. By concentrating on what needs to get done to increase the chances of achieving desired outcomes, and detaching from when those outcomes will happen, success becomes a daily process. You can achieve it in every moment by prioritizing and working on the biggest opportunities ahead.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Things You Need to Succeed as a Young Person in Business?”
1 . Solution-Oriented: Focus on being a problem solver. True value comes from addressing root causes, not just symptoms. For example, in water damage restoration, it’s crucial to fix the source of the problem, not just clean up the mess. This mindset applies across all aspects of life.
2 . Collaborative: Play well with others. Collaboration can amplify ideas and visions. Being someone others want to work with fosters growth and innovation. Humility is essential here; if you think your ideas are the best, you might be missing out on valuable input from others.
3 . Accountable: Embrace extreme ownership. Use the accountability mirror to assess where you are versus where you want to be. This self-awareness is vital, especially for young people who are influenced by peers and societal norms. Ultimately, you are the one you’ll spend your life with, so prioritize honesty with yourself.
4 . Resilient: Build mental fortitude. Engage in activities like CrossFit that challenge you both physically and mentally. Overcoming tough workouts can enhance your resilience, helping you tackle obstacles with strength and determination.
5 . Dynamic: Be a catalyst for change. Strive to make things happen and inspire those around you. A dynamic approach means actively seeking opportunities and creating a life filled with purpose and excitement.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring entrepreneur that you wish someone had given you at the start of your journey?
One piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to start with self-awareness. Use the accountability mirror to assess where you are compared to where you want to be. Be honest about whether you’re ready for the unknowns of entrepreneurship. If you want to be a “dragon slayer,” you need to confront your challenges head-on.
Think of entrepreneurship like a video game: sometimes, you have to take on bigger challenges to level up. Be action-oriented, take calculated risks, and bet on yourself. Confidence comes from competence — each time you tackle a smaller challenge, you build the skills needed for bigger ones.
Focus on developing a leadership mindset internally first. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots. If you invest in your growth during your formative years, you’ll be better equipped to handle tougher situations and seize opportunities in the future.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Well that is BoomZeal in a nutshell! BoomZeal Enterprises is about more than just making home maintenance manageable on Long Island; it’s a movement to empower others, unite teams, and energize communities. I aim to be a catalyst for individuals to break through their limitations and achieve more together.
By focusing on the construction and home improvement industries, we’re raising service standards and enhancing employee satisfaction. This approach creates career pathways for young people in these trades, demonstrating how we can energize communities through essential services.
I’m committed to fighting mediocrity in careers, service, and life, striving to elevate what we can achieve as individuals and as a collective. I’m excited to see how far we can take BoomZeal in the coming decades!
How can our readers further follow you online?
Readers can find me across many different social media platforms; @theboomzealguy on Instagram and @boomzealenterprises on Facebook and Instagram. You can also learn more on our website at BoomZeal.com.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
