"The secret to our success is being nimble enough to react to the changing conditions without going under," says KTL Group CEO Matthew Harding.
The company provides IT solutions for companies, including what Mr. Harding calls "making more without buying more," such as migrating data centres and consolidating various functions.
But despite its success, the company has remained small and specialized to better suit the needs of its clients, including the City of Ottawa, Public Works, Shared Services Canada and the RCMP.
Since OBJ last caught up with KTL Group, the company has secured contracts in Toronto with the city's municipal government as well as with various provincial ministries, in addition to a five-year contract with the Canada Border Services Agency.
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Even after branching out to different markets, Ottawa companies still make up 50 per cent of KTL Group's client base.
Today's market is not one in which to try to expand, Mr. Harding says, adding that the company will instead focus on pleasing its existing repertoire of 15 to 20 steady clients with the services it's known for.
"So many people try to diversify and do all kinds of crazy things," he says. "At the end of the day, you just have to be really good at one thing."
So many people try to diversify and do all kinds of crazy things. At the end of the day, you just have to be really good at one thing. - CEO Matthew Harding
For now, the company will continue to think long-term, operate based on word-of-mouth referrals, stay on top of the changing market and hopefully end up on the list again next year to make for a five-year run as a fastest-growing company.
"I would be very happy with that," Mr. Harding says.
Year founded: 1997
Local head count: 11
Product/service: IT and management consulting
Revenue growth: 138.7%
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