The story of how experience allows in 4 years without external funding to build $5M in revenue, 50% EBITDA, 250% y/y growth.

In the fast-paced world of web hosting, success often hinges on a delicate balance between customer satisfaction and business pragmatism. Ben Gabler, the founder and CEO of Rocket.net, embodies this ethos with a fervor that has propelled his company to remarkable heights in a relatively short span of time.

Gabler’s philosophy is simple yet profound: prioritize the customer above all else. In a recent interview, he emphasized this point, stating, “I think as long as we continue to stay focused on the customer and not spreadsheets, I think we’re going to keep winning.” This customer-centric approach, he believes, is the key to sustained success in an ever-evolving industry.

But why, some may ask, should the responsibility for customer satisfaction fall on web hosting providers like Rocket.net rather than on platforms like WordPress? Gabler sees it as an opportunity rather than a burden. He believes that by offering top-notch hosting services tailored specifically for WordPress users, companies like Rocket.net can not only meet the needs of their customers but also help WordPress expand its market share as the preferred content management system.

Rocket.net, launched in 2020, offers lightning-fast managed WordPress hosting—a service that has resonated strongly with users. In less than four years, the company has achieved remarkable growth, boasting a revenue of $5 million with an impressive 50% EBITDA margin. The past year alone saw a staggering 250% increase in growth—a testament to the effectiveness of Gabler’s vision.

Gabler’s journey in the web hosting industry spans over two decades, marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and experience. He began his foray into hosting in the early 2000s, running his own server while juggling a job delivering pizzas. It was during this time that he learned a valuable lesson in entrepreneurship: the importance of understanding every aspect of a business.

His career trajectory led him to positions at industry giants like HostGator and GoDaddy, where he gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of web hosting at scale. At GoDaddy, Gabler spearheaded the relaunch of the hosting product line, overseeing an unprecedented surge in sign-ups—a testament to his strategic acumen and leadership prowess.

Following his tenure at GoDaddy, Gabler ventured into the realm of startups, collaborating with industry luminaries like Brent Oxley, the founder of HostGator. It was during this time that the seeds of Rocket.net were sown—a culmination of Gabler’s vast experience and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

One pivotal moment in Gabler’s journey came during his tenure at Stack Path, where he recognized a glaring gap in the market: the need for a WordPress-friendly hosting solution. Despite initial skepticism from the board, Gabler forged ahead, determined to fill this void. The result? Rocket.net—a thriving enterprise that has disrupted the status quo and redefined the standards of managed WordPress hosting.

As Rocket.net continues to soar to new heights, Gabler remains steadfast in his dedication to delivering unparalleled service to his customers. With a keen eye for innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he is poised to shape the future of web hosting for years to come.

In an industry driven by innovation and relentless competition, Ben Gabler and Rocket.net stand as shining examples of what can be achieved when customer satisfaction takes precedence above all else. As Gabler himself puts it, “It’s not about spreadsheets; it’s about the people we serve.” And in that simple yet profound sentiment lies the secret to Rocket.net’s extraordinary success.