16. Betting Big On Your People: The Garrett Moss Story

In this raw and revealing episode of "Pressure Tested," host Kelly Roberts sits down with Garrett Moss, the driven leader behind Moss Utilities. Garrett, a fifth-generation utility contractor, shares the deeply personal and intensely challenging journey of building Moss Utilities from the ground up, even as he navigated significant family and financial struggles. The conversation dives into the early days of Moss Utilities, from its humble beginnings in Garrett's upstairs bedroom and a $60,000 loan from his grandparents, to its rapid, yet almost disastrous, growth. Garrett and Kelly pull back the curtain on the harsh realities of entrepreneurship in the construction industry, including battling a severe cash flow crisis, navigating high-interest loans, and making tough decisions like massive layoffs and even maxing out personal credit cards to fund employee Christmas bonuses. Listeners will hear how a combination of personal transformation (including Garrett's impactful journey with 75 Hard and his decision to quit drinking), strategic leadership changes, and the crucial support of a "true entrepreneurial bank" like Texas Security, helped Moss Utilities claw its way out of a deep financial hole. The episode highlights the pivotal role of key individuals like Rich Flexner and Parker, and the power of embracing programs like Traction for organizational clarity and growth. The discussion culminates in the exciting announcement of Moss Utilities' transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a testament to Garrett's unique vision of legacy that prioritizes his people over a traditional private equity exit. He candidly shares his belief that empowering employees through ownership creates a more resilient and impactful business, ensuring its long-term success. Kelly also reflects on Moss Utilities' commendable commitment to fostering women leaders in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing their dedication to providing opportunities and mentorship. This episode is a compelling story of grit, self-awareness, and the unwavering belief in people, proving that even when faced with immense pressure, a strong foundation and clear purpose can lead to extraordinary triumph.