Finalists
Power & Utilities
Call the story of StarTex Power one of Robert and Marcie vs. Goliaths.
Marcie and Robert Zlotnik founded StarTex Power in 2004 with the goal of bringing the highest standards of customer service and competitive pricing to the retail electric industry. As a result, the two have had to create unique systems to tackle the big kids on the electric power block. Since Marcie, who serves as chairman and COO, and Robert, who serves as president and CEO, were unable to find any venture capital firm or angel investor for their start-up, the two initially drew no salary and invested more than $300,000 of their own money to keep the business alive.
Along the way, they created a one-of-a-kind hedging program that locks in customers to the lowest rate and structured an innovative supply agreement that allows the company to hedge without tying up unreasonable amounts of capital resources. Additionally, they utilize a broker model to extend their sales force to a wider audience of residential and business customers. StarTex Power evaluates each customer and it proposes pricing to ensure that it only takes on profitable opportunities.
In order to better serve those customers, StarTex Power provides simple, clear and easy-to-understand invoices that show the electricity rate promised by StarTex Power and the actual usage — something that greatly differs from the industry practice of a nearly incomprehensible charging rate. And when customers do have questions, StarTex Power makes responding its No. 1 priority. In fact, both Zlotniks list their e-mail addresses on the company Web site.
As a result, the company hasn’t just become a customer service example, it has also felled the Goliaths and grown into a success worthy of a story all its own.
How to reach: StarTex Power, (713) 357-2800 or www.startexpower.com
