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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 J U LY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 F O C U S R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G S.W. Cole started focusing on acquisitions in 2013 as part of a strate- gic growth initiative, says Chaput. e goal was to provide new opportunities for employees. "We felt we had really done everything we could to grow in Maine," he says. at year, it opened its White River Junction, Vt., office and purchased a construction materials testing firm in Augusta. Two years later, it bought a similar firm in Burlington, Vt. e purchase of its first drill rig and estab- lishment of a subsidiary, S.W. Cole Explorations LLC, provided in-house capabilities previously subbed out. By 2021, four drilling crews were generat- ing major revenue. e next big step occurred last year, when the company sold its geo- environmental service line to focus on other core services. e various strategies resulted in revenue growth from $8.2 million in 2013 to $14.7 million in 2021. Like other engineering firms, S.W. Cole is still focusing on growth. Says Chaput, "We continue to look for oppor- tunities that fit with our culture." Laurie Schreiber, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at lschreiber @ mainebiz.biz (207) 827-4456 • (800) 648-4202 Bangor • Yarmouth www.sewall.com Consultants in: Engineering | Survey | Energy | Geospatial Solutions | Natural Resources • Solar & Wind Energy Site Design • Pavement Management/Better Roads™ • Environmental Permitting • Stormwater Management • Transportation / Traffic Engineering • Boundary Surveys & Topographic Mapping Robert Lightbody, PE Expert in civil/construction engineering and erosion & sedimentation control A strong and trusted partner. For 140 years, we've known that perseverance, ingenuity, and taking responsibility for doing things well the first time are the keys to lasting success. As industry pioneers, we are ready to help you improve your communities, your inf rastructure, and our environment. WE'RE ALL BUSINESS. YOUR BUSINESS. At Androscoggin Bank, we care about your business just as much as you do. Our dedicated team of business bankers go the extra mile to provide you with value at every step along your journey. And hey, we're not just bankers for business, we're bankers with a purpose. As Maine's B Corp ™ bank, no one understands better than us how much good locally-owned businesses do for our communities. We believe serving you serves the greater good, and that's something we can all get behind. To learn more about how we can help your business boom, call 800-966-9172 or visit androscogginbank.com/ schedule-an-appointment P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F S. W. C O L E E N G I N E E R I N G I N C . S.W. Cole Engineering Inc. President and CEO Robert Chaput Jr. says the Hermon firm has acquired numerous companies throughout New England within the past two decades. We continue to look for opportunities that fit with our culture. — Robert Chaput Jr. S.W. Cole Engineering Inc.

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