Six years ago, Marvel Sewer and Drain in suburban Minneapolis was a one-man operation, with owner Ben Smith wearing multiple business hats and eyeing future growth.
Things have changed dramatically in the ensuing years. Revenue nearly quadrupled to about $3 million in 2023. And the company now employs 15 people, not one.In addition, Smith has invested roughly $1 million in advanced, productivity-enhancing equipment and technology, replacing almost all of his original fleet of equipment along the way. And the company now operates from a 10,000-square-foot building that Smith owns, instead of working out of his house.But growing came at a cost.
