Lunar Loussia: Building Businesses from Big Ideas
- Aug 14, 2025
- 3 min read
Lunar Loussia grew up in San Diego, California, where his father owned grocery and liquor stores. His mother stayed home to raise the family. Loussia remembers those early days as formative. “I loved going to work with my dad,” he says. “Watching him interact with customers taught me the value of consistency and trust.”
Sports also shaped his character. He played everything from baseball to basketball. “Sports gave me discipline,” he explains. “You learn quickly that hard work shows up on the scoreboard.” By the time he graduated from Valhalla High School in 1997, those lessons in teamwork and grit were already guiding his next steps.
Finding a Mentor and First Opportunities
In 1999, Loussia joined Wild Bills Tobacco, a company founded by his cousin Mazin Samona. He worked there until 2002, and it became more than a job. “Mazin was my mentor,” Loussia says. “He showed me how to take risks with courage and also how to run a business the right way.”
Those early years taught him how fast retail could move and how important it was to pay attention to people. “If you don’t understand your employees and your customers, you won’t last long,” he recalls.
Becoming a Franchise Builder
By 2007, Loussia saw a new opportunity. He became an AT&T franchisee and set his sights on growth. Over the next decade, he expanded to 65 stores across three states. “It wasn’t just about selling phones,” he explains. “It was about building teams who believed in what we were doing.”
That focus on people allowed the business to thrive. Eventually, he sold the company in 2017. It was a turning point in his career. “Selling was bittersweet,” he admits. “But it gave me the chance to think bigger about what I wanted to build next.”
Leading Improve Business
Loussia founded Improve Business, a company now serving 1,500 clients and employing 240 people. The work spans business solutions, custom home design, and even manufacturing building materials in China.
“Our goal is always the same,” he says. “Listen, solve problems, and give people tools that actually work.”
For him, leadership is about empowerment. “I love building teams,” Loussia explains. “When employees feel ownership, the whole company grows.”
A Passion for Design and Development
Beyond business services, Loussia developed a passion for real estate and design. Custom homes became a personal interest and professional venture. “I enjoy seeing an idea on paper turn into a place where families live their lives,” he says. “It’s creating something lasting.”
That interest expanded into manufacturing. By working with partners in China, his company produces building materials to support those projects. It reflects his habit of turning curiosity into new opportunities.
Giving Back Through Philanthropy
Loussia’s story isn’t only about business. His family and community are central. He and his wife are raising three children, and he often shares his love of golf with them through junior golf programs. “Golf teaches patience,” he says. “I want my kids to carry that lesson into everything they do.”
Philanthropy also plays a major role in his life. He has been involved in over 20 nonprofits and community organizations, including Friends of Scott, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Church, Sharia’s Closet, RIP Medical Debt, and the Salvation Army. “Helping others keeps you grounded,” he says. “It reminds you why success matters in the first place.”
The Mindset Behind the Success
Looking back, Loussia connects his career growth to simple habits. He credits curiosity, discipline, and humility. “Big ideas are important,” he says, “but you have to put in the work to bring them to life.”
He also stresses the role of faith and community. “When you build something, it’s not just for yourself,” he explains. “It’s for your employees, your clients, your family, and the people who need your help.”
Lessons for the Next Generation
For young entrepreneurs, Loussia offers straightforward advice. “Find a mentor and listen,” he says. “Start small, but think big. And don’t be afraid to fail. Every setback is part of the process.”
He points back to his father’s grocery store as the root of that philosophy. “I learned early that business is about showing up every day and doing the work. That hasn’t changed, no matter how big the idea is.”
