NAME, TITLE: Brian Cranney, president

COMPANY NAME, CITY, STATE: Cranney Companies, Danvers, Mass.

HOW LONG IN BUSINESS: 28 years

BIGGEST CHANGE TO THE BUSINESS: Started out as an electrical contractor and then added HVAC, plumbing.

KEY MARKETS: Industrial, commercial, residential; “the key is offering a one team total solutions approach to facility managers and customers directly,” said Cranney.

ASSOCIATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS: Member of Nexstar® Network, a business-development and best practices organization delivering comprehensive business training, systems, and support to independent home service plumbing, heating and air conditioning professionals.

HOW DO THESE AFFILIATIONS HELP YOU: “Nexstar is the most powerful group I am a member of,” said Cranney. “It allows me to talk to and meet with other owners, and share ideas from personnel to products, marketing, financials, and more.”

BIGGEST CURRENT HURDLE TO OVERCOME: “Well, 2009 was a challenging year for the construction side of the business,” he said. “We have had to downsize this division to meet market conditions. While we have seen improvement in 2010, we will be challenged to win our share of work with tighter margins. The key will be to execute as per our budgets.”

COMPANY STATISTICS (number of employees in field, service, installation, office; number of trucks):
Field employees: 45
Installation: 30
Service: 15
Office personnel: 11
Trucks: 47

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY: Solving a customer’s problem. Meeting the demands of our customers’ projects. Seeing our employees grow within the industry.

SUMMING IT UP: “If it was easy,” said Cranney, “everyone would be doing it. Surround yourself with smart people and build a team that is second to none.”

Publication date: 07/19/2010