Meet Kenneth Zarella | Broker/Owner Revilo Real Estate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenneth Zarella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenneth, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After 24 years in real estate, including 13 as a broker working for large companies, I realized it was time to branch out and start my own business. Over the years, I gained valuable experience managing teams, developing strategies, and driving growth. However, I wanted the freedom to create a business that reflected my own vision and values—where I could leverage my expertise to offer a more personalized, client-focused approach. By starting my own company, I have the opportunity to build something that aligns with my passion for real estate and empowers others to succeed.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Revilo Real Estate, is the culmination of over two decades of experience, growth, and a deep passion for the industry. What sets us apart is our personalized approach—after spending years with two of the largest real estate firms, I wanted to create a boutique brokerage where clients receive tailored, hands-on service. We work closely with sellers, buyers, custom builders, and investors to provide not just expertise but a partnership that drives results.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. When I began my real estate career in 2001, after 17 years in retail management, I was honored to be named Rookie of the Year in my first year. This fueled my drive to excel and led me to become one of Houston’s Top Producing REALTORS. In 2012, I earned my Broker’s license and took on leadership roles, training and coaching over 600 agents as an Executive Director for Keller Williams Metropolitan and growing a new KW office from zero to 150 agents in just two years.

These experiences taught me that success is about people. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is reflected in a quote by Zig Ziglar: “You don’t build a business, you build people, then people build the business.” That mindset drives Revilo Real Estate, where our mission is to empower clients and agents alike to achieve their real estate goals.

Opening my own brokerage wasn’t without challenges, but my dedication to building a strong team and fostering a client-centric culture helped me overcome those obstacles. Today, I’m most proud of the impact we make in the lives of our clients, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, and I’m excited about the future as we continue to grow and evolve.

At the heart of Revilo Real Estate is a commitment to trust, integrity, and excellence. It’s more than just buying or selling homes—it’s about building relationships and leaving a lasting legacy in the real estate community..

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Houston for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best the city has to offer, blending culture, food, and some hidden gems.

Day 1: Start with breakfast at Common Bond, a local favorite for pastries and coffee. Then, we’d head to the Museum District to visit the Museum of Fine Arts and Houston Museum of Natural Science. For lunch, we’d grab Burnaby’s before taking a stroll through Hermann Park and the Japanese Garden. In the evening, dinner at Pappadeaux for some amazing Cajun seafood. Stop by El Bolilo bakery for a sweet treat and extras for snacks!

Day 2: A morning at Buffalo Bayou Park for biking or a leisurely walk would be perfect to take in the views of downtown Houston. Lunch would be at Ruggles Black, a wonderful mix of healthy fare. Later, a visit to The Menil Collection for a mix of art and culture, followed by a stop at Red Dessert for some afternoon coffee . For dinner, we’d go to Teotihuacan
for some great local Mexican food!
Day 3: A drive down to NASA’s Johnson Space Center is a must for anyone visiting Houston, where you can explore the history of space exploration and get an insider’s look at current projects. On the way back, we’d stop in Kemah for lunch at Kemah Boardwalk—a lively waterfront spot. In the evening, a relaxed dinner at Hugo’s in Montrose, with authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas.

Day 4: Shopping and exploring The Galleria and River Oaks District for high-end retail therapy. Lunch at North Italia for great Italian fare, followed by a visit to the Houston Zoo. That night, dinner at Pappas Steakhouse for a fine dining experience, then we’d head to The Rustic for live music and a fun outdoor atmosphere.

Day 5: We’d take a day trip to Galveston for some beach time and sightseeing along the historic Strand District. Breakfast at Sugar and Rye and then Lunch at Gaido’s for fresh seafood, then a visit to Moody Gardens to explore the aquarium and rainforest pyramids. Back in Houston, dinner at Ninfa’s on Navigation for the original Tex-Mex in town.

Day 6: A slower day exploring Heights Mercantile and 19th Street for boutique shopping, and brunch at Dish Society. Later, we’d visit Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the city’s oldest craft brewery, for a beer tasting. Dinner at Brennan’s of Houston for a Creole-inspired meal.

Day 7: For the last day, breakfast at Tiny Boxwoods to enjoy their beautiful garden setting. Then, a visit to The Rothko Chapel for a peaceful and reflective experience, followed by a walk around Rice University’s stunning campus. Lunch at Sweet Paris for crepes in highland village , and in the evening, a final dinner at Xochi in downtown for upscale Oaxacan cuisine.

This week would blend some of Houston’s finest dining, culture, outdoor fun, and unique spots that show why this city is so diverse and exciting! If there were any Astros games we would definitely hit Minute Maid park!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a huge part of my success to the mentors and leaders I’ve had along the way. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry who not only taught me the ropes but instilled in me a passion for real estate and leadership. I also want to give a shoutout to my family—without their unwavering support, encouragement, and understanding during long hours and challenging times, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Lastly, I’ve been deeply influenced by the book Grit by Angela Duckworth which has shaped my passion and perseverance on building a lasting, impactful business.

Website: https://revilorealestate.com

Instagram: @revilorealestate

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethzarella

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennethzarellabusiness