Meet Kim Metcalf of Riverbend Environmental

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Metcalf.

Kim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My degrees are in environmental science and I grew up in the construction industry – my dad was a home-builder. In 2001, stormwater regulations were implemented for the construction/development industry and I began getting calls from family friends in the industry. I had one child and was pregnant with my second child and thought this was an opportunity to fill a niche.

My brother also had an environmental degree, so we teamed up and started Riverbend Environmental Inc. During the economic downturn, I bought my brother’s shares in the company and stayed afloat. Now that the economy has improved, the company has almost tripled in size. In addition, my husband and I had two more kids. I’m now the mother of four!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur has been challenging but rewarding experience. I had great environmental experience, but very little business training. Just learning the basics of managing a business was an initial challenge. The economic downturn was horrible. So many clients were going under and our work slowly dwindled.

We had many people leave the industry owing us and other vendors money. It was a dark and sad time, but full of lessons. I learned that I needed to diversify our services and branch out. I learned how important relationships are in a small industry. As our clients went to new companies and the economy improved, they brought us along with them. I also learned how important it is to save during the good times.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Riverbend Environmental Inc. – what should we know?
Our business is a boutique environmental consulting firm working primarily with the construction industry. We work clients as they evaluate property – visit the site to determine the location of wetlands, state waters and any environmental concerns. We then work with them during the active development of the land and assist with stormwater regulation compliance.

We have branched out and also do environmental training and industrial stormwater permitting. I believe we are known for our customer service. I make sure that each client feels like they are our only client. There are other companies that offer similar services, but I am proud to say that we have never lost a client. We offer prompt, professional service. My staff is amazing and I am fortunate to be surrounded by hard workers.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe that my communication skills are the most important characteristic of my success. It is critical whether negotiating a contract or offering a training class, that I am clear and concise. I am a people person and by making personal connections and communicating properly, I have been able to keep clients for more than 17 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.riverbendenvironmental.com
• Phone: 770-489-7033
• Email: kim@riverbendenvironmental.com
• Facebook: Riverbend Environmental Inc.
• Twitter: @riverbendenv

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