Pat Kahanek, co-owner of Gulf Coast Tool & Rental (GCTR), decided to go into business for himself in 2001 and hasn’t looked back since. With more than 35 years of experience within the industry, Kahanek has been leading a company that boasts impressive hypergrowth and values its employees and customers above all else. Developing cutting-edge technological advancements, GCTR is poised to raise the bar within industry, and Kahanek is apt to lead the charge.
Q: What led you to start GCTR?
A: I had been working in the tool and equipment industry since the late ’70s. My father, Patrick Kahanek Sr., had been instrumental in forming several large industrial service and supply companies before starting his own company in the early ’80s. I think watching him build those businesses and seeing the satisfaction it gave him influenced me greatly.
Looking back, starting what is now GCTR, I think I looked at it as more of a challenge to myself. In my spare time, I had been working on a new design for a hydrostatic test system. After completing the prototype, I showed it to several key people in the industry. The response was overwhelming. Shortly after that, I left the company I was working for and started designing and manufacturing pressure test systems. Moving forward, I wanted to develop a company that would have a positive effect on both employees and customers alike. I knew if we could achieve both of those we would be very successful.
Q: What was your biggest start-up hardship?
A: Our biggest hardship early on was our hypergrowth. Growing a business drains capital, and we had to balance both our progression and our resources. We quickly outgrew our original location; we needed more space. We continued leasing additional property for a time, as it proved to be a more economical way to increase our square footage as it related to our growth curve. In 2007, we purchased what is now our present location in Pasadena, Texas.
Q: What is your best management tactic?
A: My being in the office and on the floor every day gives us a significant advantage. It shows both our customers and employees I am fully engaged in the company’s direction. Our environment can become very fluid based on our customers’ needs and deadlines. Being on the floor allows me to recognize obstacles and help orchestrate work flow.
Q: What’s the biggest news at GCTR right now?
A: GCTR is in the production phase of two new technological advancements we expect to be available on the market within the next year. GCTR is developing TrueTorque, a data acquisition bolting program that works in conjunction with most manufacturers’ bolting pumps and related products.
Also in the developmental stage is QR coding software for hoist certifications. Each hoist will carry a QR label, giving users access to the load test certificate at the jobsite by utilizing an app on their phones. We think these innovations will become the new industry standard.
Q: Why is your company successful?
A: Simply put, it’s our employees. There are many other companies in our industry that provide the same services we do, but it is our employees’ dedication and commitment to our customers that is the key to our success. I have always said, “They are the company. I am not.”
For more information, visit www.gctr.com or call (832) 456-4585.
