In honor of Metro Consulting Associates’ (MCA) 17th anniversary this month, we sat down with President Damon L. Garrett and asked a few questions about MCA’s growth, what he’s most proud of, and his plans for the future.
As President of MCA, how have you grown since our 15th anniversary?
Since our 15th anniversary, I have become much more focused on long-term planning for the company. With foundational operations in place, framing the five and 10-year business plans has started to take priority, setting the staff and the company up now for MCA’s long-term success.
What advice would you give regarding succession planning and evaluating talent to ensure the next generation of MCA is successful?
I’ve learned that succession planning is not something you wait for. Time flies; you don’t wait until a staff member is close to retirement. Succession planning is a dynamic and ongoing process that should be taking place each and every day.
The key components to succession planning include:
- Identify the critical roles that impact the business continuity.
- Develop and refine training programs.
- Define the competency, including what knowledge and behaviors are required for success.
- Identify successors before they are needed, whether within or outside the organization, to give the organization time to plan.
What are you proud of?
I am proud that we have built a diverse, sustainable organization that has grown revenue year over year since 2009 with a wide range of services. I’ve been working in the industry for almost 30 years, and it’s not often you see a company of our size actively working in both the public and private spaces and offering both municipal and private land development services. This really speaks to our staff’s expertise and ability.
Each market we are working in strategizes and operates to multiply within the department, amplifying growth across the organization. This fuels growth and opportunity for our staff.
Additionally, I’m proud of the relationships that we have built internally and externally. We’ve established strong client relationships throughout the years that continue to prosper. We also continue to offer employee benefits at no cost to our team. It’s important that MCA continues to support our team beyond the job description.
Where do you see MCA in 2029 and beyond?
In 2029, I see MCA as a 165-person firm with a strong, vibrant culture, and two new regional locations.
Beyond that, I see a company that has grown its key leadership and technical staff primarily from within by creating smart, controlled growth opportunities and strategic additions along the way.
About MCA
Since 2009, MCA has built its reputation as an enthusiastic problem-solver. Our team excels in discovering new solutions and perspectives that enable progress. We gravitate towards the road less traveled and seek unique opportunities that push us further, challenge the status quo, and ignite our passion for the betterment of community.
