Front Row, Seated L-R: Mike Dicen, Leslie Weaver-Steinert, Casey Diercks. Back Row, Standing, L-R: Dan Moore, Jim King, Aaron Miller, Andy Hopf
Top Talent and Growth Key to Success
Astbury Environmental Engineering has taken advantage of the economic downturn to beef up its service offerings and staff. The environmental consulting and engineering services company has grown by more than 40% in the past 12 months, adding 12 new employees and acquiring a new stack testing division. Astbury also experienced a notable increase in revenues in 2009.
When Astbury started 16 years ago, it focused on subsurface investigation and remediation of sites contaminated by leaking underground storage tanks, industrial solvents and releases from industrial facilities. That work still comprises 65-70% of their business. Another 20-25% is industrial compliance-related services. The remaining 10% plus and growing is stack testing and air monitoring services.
In October, 2009 Astbury acquired Air Analysis, bringing aboard former owner Mike Dicen as the division’s director. His experience includes working as an environmental manager in the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Air Enforcement and Air Compliance Data Sections. The acquisition also helped the company expand by offering its core services to the Air Analysis division’s customers.
Astbury has extended its reach by establishing a business development office in Evansville. “We’ve signed 12 projects in the Evansville market in the past few months,” says Vice President, Business Development Fred Nichols.
According to Astbury President and CEO Steve Wilcox, the company’s steady growth and a rebranding effort coincided with a business climate that was taking a toll on competitors. The new marketing approach and business development staff led to increased business just as great talent became available.
“We were in a position to hire the talent, and it’s grown from there,” he says. “We’re getting substantial new business, so we’re taking advantage and picking up talented people.”
Astbury’s most recent hire is Jim King, a Ph.D. hydrogeologist who will serve as technical director of the company’s Investigation and Remediation Services group. Wilcox notes, “King is one of the preeminent consultants in Indiana and bolsters Astbury’s experienced staff.”
New business development hires include Casey Diercks, an environmental scientist with consulting and business development experience; Dan Moore, whose background includes working in waste management and environmental consulting, and Leslie Weaver-Steinert, an MBA with experience in hazardous material removal as well as business development.
“We didn’t just hire salespeople,” Wilcox notes. “We hired people with a background and understanding of what it takes to get things done in the environmental industry.”
“We have a really diverse technical staff,” says Vice President, Industrial Services Mack Overton. “We provide a wide range of services for a company of our size and do it well. Our expertise in engineering, geology, chemistry, environmental sciences, industrial hygiene and environmental risk management sets us apart.”
One example is new Senior Project Manager Aaron Miller, a certified industrial hygienist with experience as an OSHA compliance officer and in the private sector.
“Beyond expertise and diverse talent, what really works for us is the personality and level of service we provide,” adds Wilcox. “We develop and build lasting relationships with our clients. Our mantra is craftsmanship, expertise, relationships.”