In the latest episode of Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy, Zack Rosenburg, founder of St. Bernard Project (SBP) and principal at The Colby Group, shares his remarkable journey from trial lawyer to disaster recovery innovator. His work following Hurricane Katrina transformed the traditional approach to rebuilding communities after disasters.
Zack’s story began with a two-week volunteer trip to New Orleans, where the devastation left by Katrina was far greater than he or his wife, Liz, anticipated. They witnessed families living in attics, cars, and garages, surrounded by destroyed homes and unimaginable uncertainty.
“These were people who had achieved that notion of American success—they owned homes—but they were absolutely at their breaking point,” Zack explained.
This stark reality inspired Zack and Liz to stay and take action. What started as a small effort grew into SBP, an organization that has redefined disaster recovery by removing bureaucratic barriers and focusing on getting families home quickly.
One of SBP’s defining moments came when Zack and Liz realized the traditional disaster recovery system operated in rigid phases, often delaying rebuilding efforts. Determined to disrupt the status quo, they established SBP with a simple mission: help families rebuild their homes and their lives as quickly as possible.
Initially operating out of a gutted appliance repair store, SBP relied on grassroots efforts, recruiting volunteers through Craigslist and borrowing tools from Habitat for Humanity. Partnerships were key to SBP’s growth, and Zack credits collaborative relationships for helping the organization scale.
“Habitat’s team gave us the tools we needed to succeed,” Zack said. “It was client-centered collaboration at its best.”
Later, SBP partnered with Toyota to implement the Toyota Production System, cutting construction times nearly in half and increasing the organization’s efficiency. This focus on operational excellence became a hallmark of SBP’s approach.
While rebuilding homes was SBP’s starting point, Zack and his team soon recognized the need for systemic change in disaster recovery. They began addressing root causes, such as improving access to resilient housing, better insurance systems, and humane disaster relief processes.
Zack’s leadership pushed SBP to become a national model for disaster recovery, emphasizing the importance of empowering other organizations. By sharing best practices and funding smaller rebuilding groups, SBP expanded its impact far beyond New Orleans.
Zack’s story highlights the power of action, even when the challenges seem overwhelming. He emphasizes that anyone can contribute to meaningful change, regardless of their background or expertise.
“Outsiders are often the ones who drive change,” Zack noted. “If the insiders could solve the problem, they would have done it already.”
His journey also underscores the importance of focusing on the needs of those being served. SBP’s success was rooted in its unwavering commitment to its clients, prioritizing their needs over organizational comfort.
After 17 years leading SBP, Zack and Liz transitioned to new roles, handing leadership to a dedicated team. Today, they run The Colby Group, working with foundations, corporations, and nonprofits to amplify their impact across various sectors.
SBP continues to thrive, now as a systems-change organization that not only rebuilds homes but also advocates for stronger disaster recovery practices nationwide. Zack remains deeply committed to helping communities and organizations find solutions to pressing challenges.
To learn more about SBP and support their transformative work, visit www.sbpusa.org. Tune in to Coffee, Tea, & Philanthropy for more stories of resilience and impact, and discover how changemakers like Zack Rosenburg are building a brighter future.
Download the transcript here.
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