The Fastest Growing Firms, 2015: J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

"Professionals in the areas of transportation, workplace safety, environmental, hazmat, construction, and human resources rely on J.J. Keller to reduce risk and improve compliance," says Murray. With 45 percent growth, J.J. Keller & Associates is ranked at No. 45 on Consulting's list of Fastest Growing Firms.

Consulting caught up with Murray to discuss the firm's performance.

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to you exceptional growth?

Murray: There are a couple of primary factors. One, we made the strategic decision back in 2012 to change our business model to one built around ongoing client programs that enable us to work side-by-side with our clients over many months and even years. This model has been received extremely well by our clients. With over 100 clients supported by our Consulting group on a monthly basis, we are achieving very strong growth rates year-over-year.

Consulting: How is 2015 shaping up for your firm?

Murray: Well, 2015 will be the greatest year in the 62-year history of J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Not only do we have more clients than we've ever had, we are growing significantly in all aspects of our consulting practice including our Transportation, Workplace Safety, Environmental, and Human Resources consulting services.

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2016? Where do you see the most opportunities?

Murray: We are extremely optimistic about our outlook in 2016. We are experiencing a historic increase in regulatory changes by federal and state agencies. As a result we are growing our staff and capabilities to provide even more services to our diverse client base. We continue to see huge growth opportunities in the transportation, safety, environmental and human resources consulting areas of our business.

Consulting: What do you see as the biggest challenges for your firm in 2016?

Murray: Any firm that is seeing significant growth experiences growth pains along the way. One of our biggest challenges will be finding and hiring the best and brightest consultants and industry experts in the U.S. Our diverse client base, coupled with our elevated hiring standards, require that our consultants come with the best qualifications and a significant amount of relevant experience.

Consulting: What does being named one of Consulting's Fastest Growing Firms mean to your firm, your employees and your clients?

Murray: We are thrilled to be recognized as one of the Fastest Growing Firms. This award provides validation to our leadership and staff that the strategic decisions and changes we have made are paying dividends. This award also represents a thank you to each and every one of our clients who has invested their trust in J.J. Keller & Associates to help them improve their safety and regulatory compliance operations.