Kimbel Mechanical Systems Inc.

The secret to Kimbel Mechanical Systems’ success is simplification. Kimbel does plumbing, electrical and HVAC work on residential buildings. Smith said the company concentrates on single-family housing and commercial housing such as apartments, military residences and assisted-living facilities.

Rather than try to do all things for all people, Smith said, Kimbel decided to be excellent at residential work. Since that work is relatively similar whether it’s an apartment in Des Moines, Iowa, or Monroe, Louisiana, Kimbel was able to take those residential jobs when and wherever they popped up. “We figured out what we’re good at,” said Brad Smith, Kimbel’s CEO. “We like to work on buildings people live in. We’ve really become experts at that. We excelled in the smaller market.”

The strategy was in response to the recession of 2007-08, which obviously hit the housing industry like a fist. Smith said those were tough times, but Kimbel has seen revenue grow 31 percent the last year and 22 percent on average for the last four years. “It was very tough to make it through the recession,” Smith said. “It was a collective decision, but it was easier for us to travel and do what we were good at.”

Kimbel has completed jobs in 22 states. The company has about 230 employees but subcontracts out work with another 200-plus workers.

Smith said the focus has helped the company grow. The specialization allows better training of workers, which leads to better retention, and Kimbel can capitalize when a job opportunity in its wheelhouse presents itself. “We worked on our ability to assimilate and train new people,” Smith said. “That allows us to increase the capacity for work. We have a great team. I feel privileged to work with the best group of people.”