Mr. Zaruba oversees the overall brand strategy, public image, and national marketing efforts for Compass Integrative Recovery and its parent company. He ensures consistent messaging, visual integrity, and mission alignment across all locations and communications platforms.
In addition to his role at Compass, Mr. Zaruba is the founder of Z, Inc., a private equity firm, and WordUp! Marketing, a national marketing and branding agency. Through these companies, he leads brand development, storytelling, and strategic market engagement for innovative and impact-driven organizations. He also serves as a fractional CMO and board member for select national companies across a range of industries, where he provides high-level direction on brand positioning and public engagement.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Zaruba has worked across numerous sectors—including construction, land development, manufacturing, food and beverage, franchising, and professional services—helping organizations clarify their message and scale their impact. This broad experience gives him a unique, holistic perspective that supports Compass IR’s multi-dimensional approach to recovery and community healing.
Mr. Zaruba is deeply passionate about the mission of Compass, shaped in part by personal experiences supporting friends and loved ones through addiction and recovery journeys. He believes in the power of compassion, clarity, and communication in driving transformation at both personal and societal levels.
He resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the proud father of two grown children, and is happily engaged to “Cowgirl Stephanie,” who introduced him to Jack Smith. In his spare time, Darin enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring the Colorado mountains.