GPRS
GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Systems) specializes in private utility locating and concrete scanning. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, GPRS has grown to become a national leader in its field, providing crucial services for construction and infrastructure projects across the U.S. Their focus on safety, accuracy, and customer service has made them a trusted name in the industry.
Matt Aston is the President of GPRS and the driving force behind its impressive growth. Starting as a one-man operation in 2001, Matt has successfully scaled GPRS through strategic expansion and acquisitions. Known for his hands-on approach, Matt emphasizes common-sense management, avoiding bureaucracy, and maintaining a "small company" culture even as GPRS continues to grow.
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$180 million
What inspired the transition from a one-person operation to a national business?
Realizing that a strong team and geographic expansion were essential, Matt gradually hired skilled employees and opened new markets across the U.S.
How has private equity impacted GPRS's growth strategy?
Private equity partners introduced GPRS to the benefits of acquisitions, which helped accelerate growth by acquiring valuable competitors and talent.
How does GPRS maintain a "small company" feel despite its size?
Matt prioritizes common-sense policies and minimizes bureaucracy, allowing teams autonomy and ensuring that GPRS remains agile and employee-centered.
What led to your first major business pivot?
Reading The E-Myth inspired Matt to shift from working in the business to focusing on scaling, hiring, and developing new markets.
What role does culture play in GPRS's success?
A strong culture rooted in autonomy and teamwork has been key, attracting talented employees who are dedicated to GPRS’s vision and values.
What inspired the transition from a one-person operation to a national business?
How has private equity impacted GPRS's growth strategy?
How does GPRS maintain a "small company" feel despite its size?
What led to your first major business pivot?
What role does culture play in GPRS's success?
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Company Stats
- Founded: 2001
- Revenue: $180 million
- Employees: 800
Episode Highlights
✅ Growing a business requires shifting from working in the business to working on the business.
✅ Avoid bureaucracy and empower teams to maintain a "small company" feel, even as you scale.
✅ Private equity partnerships and acquisitions can accelerate growth and introduce exceptional talent.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Matt Aston, President of GPRS, shares the journey of transforming a one-person company into a national leader in private utility locating and concrete scanning. Founded in 2001, GPRS has grown into a $180 million enterprise with nearly 800 employees across 54 U.S. cities. Aston attributes this growth to assembling a skilled team, expanding regionally, and keeping a focus on organic and strategic growth through acquisitions.
As GPRS evolved, it attracted private equity interest, ultimately leading to partnerships that further propelled growth. The firm completed its first acquisition in 2018 and has now made 10 acquisitions, building a robust team of professionals that enrich its leadership. Despite its size, GPRS is committed to operating with the agility of a small company by minimizing bureaucracy and encouraging autonomy within teams. Aston's story underscores the importance of scaling while staying true to core values and focusing on sustainable growth.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:19 Company Stats
00:45 The Journey from Zero to 800 Employees
01:47 Expanding Horizons: The GPRS Business Model
04:10 The Private Equity Transition and Acquisitions
07:16 Lessons from Failure: A Personal Story
08:38 Connect with GPRS
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