In our Growth Studio Spotlight series, CO— aims to connect budding entrepreneurs with business owners who have been there, providing advice that can help bridge the gap between a business idea and successful execution. In this edition, we consult Sirish Samba, president and CEO of Sambatek, Inc., a Minneapolis-based civil engineering firm, to share his entrepreneurial experiences — from finding great employees to successfully marketing a small business. The company has been in business for 53 years and has 105 employees.
Here's how Samba describes his company: Sambatek, Inc. is a Minneapolis-based firm that specializes in providing civil engineering, land surveying, planning, and environmental services.
If you had additional capital, how would you invest it in your business?
In our people and new geographic markets, so that we could create more opportunities for people to advance and invest in the communities we serve.
What is your biggest business challenge?
At this time, it’s finding people to help us expand our business.
What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in the past year?
Simply put, it ties back to our biggest challenge in hiring the right people and placing them in the right seats.
What was your biggest win?
Successfully restructuring our firm from a private equity ownership to a firm that’s owned and operated by its employees.
Compete
Sambatek has found ways to differentiate itself from competition by offering unique collaboration skills and encouraging trust with customers. Here are more tips to rise above competition.
We market directly to our clients with simple, straightforward messaging that aligns with their values and needs.
Sirish Samba, president and CEO of Sambatek
How do you find great employees?
As of late, the good word is spreading and they’re finding us through several channels. It’s gratifying hearing people say so many positive things about how it is to work for Sambatek and how excited they are about our future!
What’s the one thing your business is known for doing better than the competition?
It’s getting more and more difficult to differentiate yourself in this market; however, our clients and partners tell us it’s our ability to collaborate so well at being their trusted advisor and that we’re able to bring added value solutions to their projects.
What is your best source of new customers?
It’s actually from the voice of our current clients when they share their experience with others.
How do you market your business?
We market directly to our clients with simple, straightforward messaging that aligns with their values and needs. In addition to direct marketing, we meet with them in person wherever they are in the market place.
How do you hope to grow your business in the next five years?
Through our employees as they exceed the expectations of our clients. We hope that each great experience our clients have with us will naturally lead them to spread the word to others, in which we hope will bring new clients to follow us into new markets and their desire to do repeat business with us.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
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