The 2022 Fastest Growing Firms: J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

Number of Billable Consultants: 150

Client Industries Served: Transportation, Industrial, Construction, Utility, Health Care, and Education

Consulting Service Lines: Fleet, Hazardous Materials, Environmental, Occupational, and Human Resources

Website URL: jjkeller.com

Since it began as a family-owned company in 1953, our purpose at J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has been to protect people and the businesses they run. Organizations of all sizes rely on our expert insights to help create safe work environments and simplify complex government regulations.

Consulting: What were the main factors that contributed to your firm's exceptional growth?

Murray: J. J. Keller continues to innovate and improve on our service deliverables based on evolving client needs. We have invested significantly in our Department of Transportation and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) capabilities, along with supporting growth and new service offerings for our Safe & Smart Driver Training Program for CDL and non-CDL drivers. As an example, we developed a Driver Trainer Certification Program, which allows our clients to invest in developing their own in-house driver trainers. Trainer candidates are instructed in how to train drivers and provided with ongoing support.

They must demonstrate proficiency and meet the established standards in order to become a Certified Trainer, so that they can return to work and increase the safety and knowledge of the drivers operating their fleet. Changes to the regulations, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Mandate, provided additional opportunities for us to support our clients' operations under the new requirements. J. J. Keller is expanding EHS service offerings, including Process Safety Management, Traffic Flow Studies, and Prevention of Significant Deterioration permitting.

Expanded offerings allow us to provide services to more clients who have not had experience with our EHS practice.

Consulting: How would you say you've managed to maintain growth during the unprecedented past three years?

Murray: We've maintained growth because of the value we provide to clients. The past three years have been difficult for so many businesses, and this has made reducing risk even more critical. With J. J. Keller experts at hand, companies have a trusted resource for reducing operational risk. They know J. J. Keller will help keep their employees safe, and they know that we understand the intricacies of complex regulations. In addition to addressing their existing situations, we've also listened to what is next for them. We've built up our programs and our staffing to ensure the highest level of knowledge for new consulting lines, such as EHS and driver training.

Consulting: How is this year shaping up for your firm?

Murray: We have exceeded our forecasts for client engagements for Q1, which sets the stage for growth in future quarters. Our nationwide team of consultants and instructors continues to grow. To further position ourselves for success during the remainder of the year, we will continue to invest in the resources used by our clients and consultants by deploying ongoing innovations to our products, technology and service offerings.

Consulting: How would you describe your firm's outlook for 2023? Where do you see the most opportunities?

Murray: Our outlook for 2023 is optimistic. We know we can help clients who are struggling with staffing changes in the challenging labor market. Our consultants can serve as supplemental labor, assisting companies by bringing in much-needed experience and expertise, without clients needing to spend money to recruit, train and retain employees themselves. By tailoring our efforts to help companies manage what they consider to be their biggest challenges, we can ensure we have the essential resources in place to protect their people and the businesses they run. We put a lot of focus on providing best-in-class services so that we have a high percentage of service renewals and retention, along with acquisition of new clients. Consulting: What would you say are your firm's biggest challenges in 2023? Murray: Companies today, including J. J. Keller, face a myriad detrimental external influences. The constrained labor market and scarcity of material resources are among these shared challenges. We are ready for the challenge of continuing to attract top-tier professionals within all areas of the company to support the anticipated growth of our client base, with a solid foundation in our relationships and corporate reputation. Another challenge is to continue to innovate in our operations to scale to our clients' varied needs. It is essential that all clients regardless of size and history continue to receive the best-in-class attention and dedicated support from our entire organization that has become J. J. Keller's trademark.

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

Murray: We are proud to be acknowledged as one of Consulting magazine's Fastest Growing Firms. The recognition for achieving this prestigious ranking validates the dedication and expertise of the associates who support J. J. Keller Consulting Services. Further, this honor is shared with the entire organization. We have a saying that represents our corporate mindset: We are One J. J. Keller. Associates in all areas of the company contribute to the success of our firm. Receiving this award also provides our clients with validation that they have chosen a worthy partner and their investment will provide dividends.

Consulting: Any additional comments?

Murray: J. J. Keller's Consulting Services have grown at an unprecedented rate over the past 12 months. We attribute this not only to providing best-in- class service to our clients but also to listening intently to their needs and then expanding in areas of highest demand, such as environmental consulting. Ultimately, all of our services lead to safer, more respectful workplaces for employees and reduced risk for employers.