Powering Recovery: Scott Zielinski Joins Plugged In as COO
Things are heating up at Plugged In, and we’ve got some big news to share. Wade’s been cooking up something exciting behind the scenes, and now it’s official — Scott Zielinski is stepping in as our new COO. And let’s be real, this isn’t just another “new hire” announcement. This is a game-changer.
Scott’s not your average exec. He’s sharp, forward-thinking, and ready to dive headfirst into the chaos that comes with building something as dynamic as Plugged In. Wade’s been hyped about this move for a while now, and for good reason. Scott brings the kind of experience and energy that’s going to push us even further.
Meet Our New COO, Scott Zielinski
In the world of entrepreneurship, few individuals demonstrate the ability to successfully navigate multiple industries while maintaining a commitment to growth and innovation. Scott Zielinski is one such leader, with over 22 years of experience spanning tech startups, real estate development, and investment management. His track record speaks for itself: from founding and scaling successful companies to making a lasting impact in emerging industries, Scott is a force to be reckoned with.
Scott’s entrepreneurial journey took off in 2007 with the founding of SearchSpring, an enterprise-level site search and merchandising platform. His vision was simple yet powerful: help online retailers optimize search relevancy, increase conversions, and automate merchandising tasks. What began in a spare bedroom soon grew into an industry powerhouse, serving top-tier brands such as Skims, Volcom, and Fabletics. Under Scott’s leadership, SearchSpring expanded to a team of over 50 employees and became a dominant force in the e-commerce space. In 2019, after years of growth and success, Scott successfully exited the company following its acquisition.
After his success in tech, Scott turned his focus to the world of luxury real estate. That same year, he launched Koltek Investments, a portfolio specializing in custom spec homes in the prestigious Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona. With a keen eye for design, innovation, and quality craftsmanship, Scott developed Koltek into a brand synonymous with high-end living. His commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology and top-tier materials set Koltek homes apart, redefining luxury in the Phoenix market.
Scott’s entrepreneurial journey continued in 2024 with the founding of RKDA Capital, a firm dedicated to multi-family real estate investments. With RKDA, Scott provides investors with opportunities to generate passive income, build wealth, and maximize tax advantages through strategic real estate investments.
His deep understanding of market trends and investment strategies has positioned RKDA Capital as a key player in the real estate sector.
Beyond tech and real estate, Scott has also dedicated himself to impact-driven ventures. In 2025, he became a partner and COO at Plugged In Recovery, an addiction treatment organization focused on helping individuals reclaim their lives.
Through this role, Scott channels his expertise in scaling businesses toward making a real difference in the recovery space.
Driving Future Success
Scott Zielinski’s career is a testament to his ability to identify opportunities, build successful ventures, and drive innovation. Whether in technology, real estate, or impact-driven business, his leadership and strategic vision continue to create new opportunities for growth and success. As he expands his portfolio and explores new industries, Scott remains committed to staying ahead of market trends, identifying untapped potential, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. His proven ability to adapt and excel in diverse industries ensures that his ventures remain resilient and competitive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Scott’s future endeavors are poised to further his impact across multiple sectors. With an eye on technology advancements, sustainable real estate models, and innovative approaches to addiction recovery, he is positioned to lead new initiatives that align with his mission of creating value and making a difference. His focus on combining business acumen with a desire to improve lives ensures that his ventures will continue to not only succeed but also contribute positively to society. As Scott looks to the horizon, his next chapter promises even greater accomplishments and deeper impact, proving that for him, the journey of innovation and growth is far from over.
Message from our CEO/Founder
Alright, I’ve got to take a minute to share how pumped I am that Scott’s joining the Plugged In team. I’ve known this guy for a while now, and he just gets it. He’s got the kind of mindset that fits perfectly with what we’re building here — someone who’s not afraid to think differently, challenge the norm, and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Plugged In has always been about pushing boundaries and redefining how we connect people and ideas. We’re not interested in playing it safe or sticking to the usual script. And Scott? He’s all in on that vision. He’s got the chops to help us scale this thing in ways we’ve only scratched the surface of so far.
What excites me the most is that Scott isn’t just bringing skills — he’s bringing energy, curiosity, and a drive to keep building something that actually matters. With him on board, I’m more confident than ever that we’re headed toward something big.
The future of Plugged In? Yeah, it’s looking pretty dang exciting.
– Wade Muhlhauser