Interview with Paul Duncan, president and CEO
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: As far back as I can remember, I had a dream of wanting to be in business. I worked 10 years in the construction business, traveling from Idaho to South Carolina and Georgia and back to Colorado. In 1991, I left one of the largest general contractors in the United States and went into a similar business myself. That first round did not go very well and lasted only 1 ½ years. I was fortunate enough to be hired by a very good friend in 1993, and he introduced me to his engineering business, along with his two brothers. The three of them were instrumental as silent partners in helping the other founding partners get Pie started.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: All along the way, we have always gone up against companies that have been in business much longer than we have. Often it’s about taking market share. And you do that by providing better quality service with a tighter turnaround than the other company. We are accessible and solution-oriented. We were honored this year to be named one of the 2015 Colorado Companies to Watch, which recognizes the top second-tier companies in the state based on growth, leadership and community service.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The variety of projects our company has been able to work on over the years. No day is the same, as new projects bring new challenges.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Like any small business, Pie has faced its fair share of obstacles over the years. The initial start-up funding was the first challenge. No one wanted to lend us money. So the principals had to get creative. With the support of Megabank, we were able to construct a loan using the three partners’ equity in our own homes to start the business. Taking such a personal risk is very motivating. Our biggest obstacles since then have been weathering the ups and downs of the economy and industry changes, especially the economic downturn between 2008 and 2010. We’ve had to be responsive and flexible. We don’t look at obstacles as negatives, but rather as opportunities to improve our services and be innovative in service to our clients.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I believe the most surprising thing people learn about Pie is how expansive our work reach is for a medium-sized company in Arvada. We have been fortunate to work on some high-profile projects not only here in Colorado or the Rockies, but across the United States and internationally.
Profile
Business: Pie Consulting and Engineering
Address: 6275 Joyce Drive, Suite 200, Arvada
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Founded: 1999
Contact: 303-552-0177; ; @PieConsulting
Employees: 50
