Eddy Zakes

About Eddy Zakes

I serve as President & CEO of Earth Development, a multi-state commercial snow and ice and landscaping platform serving sites across 15 states. Over the past four years, we have tripled our geographic footprint through disciplined execution, strong partnerships, and long-term client relationships.I care deeply about building durable organizations. At Earth Development, we have intentionally cultivated a high-trust, high-accountability organization where strong values and operational excellence reinforce one another. Our commitment to people, performance, and consistently doing the right thing has earned recognition as a Best Place to Work in Snow & Ice for four consecutive years.My background bridges operating leadership and capital formation. Prior to Earth Development, I led IESE Business School’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center and directed the International Search Fund Center, working alongside founders, operators, and investors worldwide. Across each chapter of my career, I have focused on disciplined capital allocation, scalable operating systems, and long-term value creation.I believe enduring businesses are built through clarity of strategy, principled leadership, and the deliberate development of people.

Experience

1. President CEO

   Earth Development

   Mar 2021 — Present · Green Bay, WI, US

   Lead a 25+ year multi-state commercial snow and ice management and landscaping platform serving sites across 15 states. Scaled from 5 to 15 states in four years through disciplined execution, strong partnerships, and long-term client relationships. Oversee strategy, operations, and capital allocation.Earth Development has been recognized as a \"Best Place to Work in Snow & Ice\" by the Snow and Ice Management Association for four consecutive years (2022–2025).

Education

• Bob Jones University

  Bachelor of Science, International Business (Minors in Chinese and TESL)

• IESE Business School

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Investing

Skills

• Social Networking
• Public Relations
• Community Outreach
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Social Media
• Annual Giving
• Customer Service
• Volunteer Management
• Public Speaking
• Strategic Planning
• Program Development
• Management
• Leadership Development
• Nonprofits
• Marketing
• Non-Profits
• Fundraising
• Event Planning
• Leadership
• Teaching
• Higher Education
• Customer Relations
• Editing