Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowRevenue growth FY 2022 to 2024: 311.41%
2024 revenue: $4.39 million
Getting together: Charlie Wilson, Dave Jones and Gabe Currier, the principals behind the mechanical/engineering/plumbing firm Creative Engineering Solutions Inc., began working together about 14 years ago as employees of a different company. They all eventually left that firm but stayed in touch and, a decade later, went to work for a different firm. Then, in 2021, they decided to go out on their own. “It’s a special mix because we cover all the disciplines,” Jones said. Wilson is the plumbing engineer, Currier the mechanical engineer and Jones the electrical engineer. “So we have everything covered. Plus, Charlie’s been doing this for 38 years, so he knew everyone in the business, and Gabe also has a lot of connections. It made sense for us to break off on our own.”
Their role: After the architect drafts the designs and produces the construction documents—the blueprints for the building itself—Creative comes in and does the design and blueprints for the HVAC systems, plumbing and fire protection systems, electrical power, lighting systems and fire alarm systems.
New old clients: Wilson said that when the friends started the business, they contacted clients they’d worked with previously, whether architects or property owners, to get work. Lancer Associates, VPS Architecture and krM Architecture gave them a chance. So did Franklin Township Schools, which Wilson has worked for often over the years, Indianapolis Public Schools and Indiana University. “They were happy to hire our team because they knew we are all solid engineers.”
Renovations and additions: One of the company’s biggest ongoing projects is the additions and renovations to Franklin Central High School. “When it’s done,” Currier said, “basically the entire high school will be renovated.” The additions include spaces for art, choir and student athletic activities (including four basketball courts and a track). The company also just finished designing an indoor turf field for the school.
Maintaining and growing: Currier said Creative’s growth is largely due to repeat business, which is 90% of its work. “In our business, it can be kind of difficult because we’re client-based and we’re constantly looking for the next project and the next client. Maintaining the clients we have is a huge goal of ours. And if we continue to do that, we will continue to grow.”•
Check out more of IBJ’s ranking of Indy’s fastest-growing companies.
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