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Crowley Engineering Group
Crowley Engineering Group flourishes from product, service mix
Crown Point, IN – When Greg Crowley planted the seed for his consulting engineering firm, he didn’t envision the way the business would grow. Today, Crowley Engineering Group has branched out from Crowley’s initial idea as he continues to diversify his products and services to cultivate success.
The company has roots in Crowley’s career as a sales representative for a Fortune 500 chemical manufacturing company. Through this position, he was exposed to how drinking water and wastewater plants operated and the struggles that the facilities faced, including loss of established employees through retirement and budget issues.
"I didn’t see a pipeline of potential new candidates coming in to fill in for these guys when they leave and they’re going to have all of this knowledge they’re going to take with them. The replacement workers were going to have an expectation to have more, newer technology in place," Crowley said. "I saw a shift and need for someone to help the transition. So that’s where the brainchild came … there’s an opportunity but how do you do something with it?"
Crowley first focused on products, taking on local territory for the chemical manufacturing company, as there was no representation for the product line in the state. He was able to make a breakthrough by taking on Culver Academy as a client, helping the staff implement a tablet chlorination system.
"What I discovered was I didn’t have the product mix to compete with other entrenched players who had been in this business for awhile. So instead of trying to diversify horizontally, I would try to diversify vertically," Crowley said.
Crowley realized the customers he was pursuing were primarily municipalities or organizations operating drinking water and wastewater facilities – organizations in the public works space. He turned his attention to what other areas those departments focus on including streets, highways and litter refuge collection. This led him to branch out into working with the BigBelly® system.
Crowley Engineering is a full-service distributor of BigBelly®, which is a solar-powered trash compactor and recycling system. The free-standing containers allow for reduced collection frequency. Crowley has worked with the Chicago Parks Department, the city of Fort Wayne and the city of Indianapolis. The team offers service, repair and maintenance of the systems and through www.smashcanrentals.com, the company also offers seasonal and event rental.
On the service side, the Crowley team deals with safety certification and engineering compliance. When new codes, laws or standards start, the group helps clients take action to become compliant. They are currently assisting pool owners and facilities with changes so they are compliant under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which is sometimes challenging as every system is different.
One of Crowley’s goals is focused on the service branch of his business.
"I want to solidify our capabilities on the consulting side. I want us to continue to do what we do and do it well," Crowley said. "I want to be a spark for continuing innovation and development in this community."
Crowley has developed a connection with NWI Small Business Development Center business advisor Jacquie Spearman as she serves as a resource and guide for strategic planning and everyday business challenges.
"I consider her a friend. She’s taken that level of interest in the business and me specifically to try to get to know me and get to know the business. She doesn’t necessarily understand the technical things that we do, but she understands the vibe and flow of the business, which is good," Crowley said. "I have a trust (in her) like she is a trusted advisor. Sometimes you feel like it’s you vs. the world. So (it’s important) whatever kinds of resources or allies you can have to help the process."
For more information: www.crowleyengineering.com.
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