Company Stats

• Founded: 2001
• Revenue: $180 million
• Employees: 800

Episode Highlights

✅ Growing a business requires shifting from working in the business to working on the business.

✅ Avoid bureaucracy and empower teams to maintain a "small company" feel, even as you scale.

✅ Private equity partnerships and acquisitions can accelerate growth and introduce exceptional talent.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Matt Aston, President of GPRS, shares the journey of transforming a one-person company into a national leader in private utility locating and concrete scanning. Founded in 2001, GPRS has grown into a $180 million enterprise with nearly 800 employees across 54 U.S. cities. Aston attributes this growth to assembling a skilled team, expanding regionally, and keeping a focus on organic and strategic growth through acquisitions.

As GPRS evolved, it attracted private equity interest, ultimately leading to partnerships that further propelled growth. The firm completed its first acquisition in 2018 and has now made 10 acquisitions, building a robust team of professionals that enrich its leadership. Despite its size, GPRS is committed to operating with the agility of a small company by minimizing bureaucracy and encouraging autonomy within teams. Aston's story underscores the importance of scaling while staying true to core values and focusing on sustainable growth.

Notable Questions We Asked

Q: What inspired the transition from a one-person operation to a national business?

A: Realizing that a strong team and geographic expansion were essential, Matt gradually hired skilled employees and opened new markets across the U.S.

Q: How has private equity impacted GPRS's growth strategy?

A: Private equity partners introduced GPRS to the benefits of acquisitions, which helped accelerate growth by acquiring valuable competitors and talent.

Q: How does GPRS maintain a "small company" feel despite its size?

A: Matt prioritizes common-sense policies and minimizes bureaucracy, allowing teams autonomy and ensuring that GPRS remains agile and employee-centered.

Q: What led to your first major business pivot?

A: Reading The E-Myth inspired Matt to shift from working in the business to focusing on scaling, hiring, and developing new markets.

Q: What role does culture play in GPRS's success?

A: A strong culture rooted in autonomy and teamwork has been key, attracting talented employees who are dedicated to GPRS’s vision and values.

Chapters

00:00  Intro

00:19  Company Stats

00:45  The Journey from Zero to 800 Employees

01:47  Expanding Horizons: The GPRS Business Model

04:10  The Private Equity Transition and Acquisitions

07:16  Lessons from Failure: A Personal Story

08:38  Connect with GPRS

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