Simpson Ranks #12 on BBJ's Fast Track 30 List

Simpson was recently recognized as the 12th fastest growing company in Birmingham by the BBJ’s Fast Track 30 list. The list highlights big growth for businesses in the Magic City and we are honored to be among the impressive class. Read Simpson CEO Richard Riley’s interview below:

Revenue Growth 2013-2014: 108.06%

In basic terms, what does your company do? Simpson is a waterproofing, stucco, plaster and spray-applied fireproofing application company. We don’t build things, but we make them water tight, fire rated and look beautiful.

What was the secret to your company’s growth between 2013 and 2014? Our sector of the market turned around, and we just happened to be in a position to capitalize on that turnaround

If you could go back and give yourself advice about growing your business, what would it be? It is not about how much business we do or about where the business is done; it is ALL about the people with whom we do business.

What is your company’s strategy for growth? We want to focus on a smaller number of clients that are the best at what they do. We make the proper margins with efficient clients that have a corporate cultural view that is in line with Simpson’s.

What is your philosophy or strategy for weathering challenging times? Fill the company with great people and a lot of time in prayer. I would like to think my strategy made a difference, but I believe it was our people and God’s hand that got us through the bad times.

What is a lesson your company has learned from its success? Stay focused on the core business. There is no one better at stucco, waterproofing or plaster than Simpson Plastering, but we have equals outside of our product mix. When we strayed, we paid.

What is a lesson your company has learned from a mistake? The only thing that matters before a job is price. The only thing that matters when there is a problem is the character of the people you deal with. Money problems always brings out a person’s character.

What are the top three ingredients to your company’s success? Our company is built on our people. Not only are they the best craftsmen in the business; they also maintain a high level of integrity and honesty.

Birmingham Business Journal subscribers can read the full article here.