Meet Zuca Palladino | Founder and CEO

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

Hi Zuca, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I began playing footvolley back in 2012 in Brazil when I was recovering from an ACL injury. Footvolley is such a better sport in terms of impacts in your body and a lot more intense as a soccer, that I just fell in love with it as something I could keep on doing for a long time in a high level. When I moved to Houston in 2015, there weren’t any groups in Texas yet, so I bought a couple of balls and a net online and I decided to start it! Now we have 4 branches across Texas and more than 100 players!Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Zuca has 20+ years of professional experience, being 11+ years in executive search. During his executive search experience he has supported a wide range of clients, from traditional listed and blue chips companies to middle market family owned groups and private equity backed companies. Zuca’s executive search career consists of 11 years as an Executive of Page Group and since 2021 he ventured on his own as the Managing Partner of Woke North America. Woke is an Executive Search boutique, formed alongside his friends and former colleagues, combining top biller records with a very consultative and tailored approach to companies and professionals. What makes him different? Zuca’s personal life and career gathers international experience in Latin America and North America. Born and raised in Brazil, Zuca also lived in Monterrey, Mexico during his childhood and later graduated from Notre Dame College in the U.S with honours. Zuca was an All-American Soccer player during his university years, receiving full scholarship during his tenure. Zuca is now a father of 2 and trilingual in english, spanish and portuguese. Passionate for sports and a social entrepreneur, he is an advocate for the growth of Footvolley in the United States and he is directly involved in several youth and social programs across the country.If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are many cool places in Houston. The city has changed a lot in the last 5-7 years! On the top of my list for a first timer are: Food: Tiny Boxwoods, Ucci, Theodore Rex and Nobie’s just to start off. You will need to try Crawfish, so I recommend The Boot, Boil House and Crawfish & Noodles (try the garlic sauce option)! Must have Briskey as well, so shoot for Roegels or Killens BBQ. Bars: plenty of options, but if you like a good beergarden and Kids friendly option, go for: Truck Yard, AxelRad, The Rustic, Pitch 25 and La Grange will give anyone a good welcome to Houston. From them on you will find the other GEMS. For Footvolley and beach vibes, check out Thirdcoast Volleyball and PowderKeg. Other cool sand bars are Crowbar, Sideout and Sportcreek. Go check them out!Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this Shoutout to my father. He was instrumental in shaping my character, values and my professional discipline. Texas Footvolley is about community and forming a bond between people and their families, no matter what gender, ethnicity, age or social level. We value and strive to make a positive impact in everyone’s life to be better. Whether is through exercise that will upgrade your health, or through the relationships you will make. We treat others the way we should be treated. With respect and love for eachother.

Website: www.texasfootvolley.com

Instagram: texasfootvolley

Linkedin: zucapalladino

Twitter: texasfootvolley

Facebook: texasfootvolley

Youtube: texasfootvolley

Image Credits
Zuca Palladino