...a reprint from the Boulder County Business Journal 1997
By David Serchuk
LAFAYETTE -- Most people take precise measurements for granted. For example, if a burger is a "quarter pounder," you believe it will always be the same weight. If you drink a can of soda you expect it to be just as full as the last can.
Consider how much more important it is to measure land exactly, since with mineral rights and new development, even small inaccuracies can cost thousands of dollars.
That's where Geosurv Inc. comes in.
Geosurv measures land for commercial and private use, using the newest technology -- including satellites -- to do it. Modern surveying includes measuring and creating surface boundaries and creating topographic and seismographic maps. Seismographic maps are used for oil and gas exploration.
Geosurv collects geographic information through traditional surveys, electronic distance measurers, or pipe and metal locators. Satellites, using a Global Positioning System, also measure geographic information. Using 24 different satellites, the system allows Geosurv to survey large tracts of land accurately despite hills, rivers or other inconveniences that make traditional surveying difficult.
Jim Grabowski, co-owner of Geosurv with David Costner, contrasts Geosurv's high-tech approach with methods used to measure the old West.
"In 1868, they were sometimes measuring by tying a rag around a wagon wheel and counting the revolutions. When they got X numbers of revolutions that's where a mile was ... And drinking whiskey at the same time," he said.
In other words 20 miles on an old map might not really be 20 linear miles. And when new claims arise it's Geosurv's business to measure exactly using the newest technology, whether the job measures acres, square miles or square feet.
Geosurv operates in Wyoming, Utah, Kansas and Colorado. Its clients include counties, cities, private homeowners, energy companies and developers that need to mark subdivisions.
To become a qualified surveyor requires six years of study under a licensed surveyor and passing national and local tests. The eight-hour national test is administered by the National Council for Engineering Examiners and the eight-hour local test is administered by a State Board of Land Surveyors and Engineers.
Grabowski started Geosurv in 1989, and Costner came aboard a year later. The business was launched in Grabowski's basement, with $4,000 in seed money divided between the partners. Geosurv has since grown to earn $741,000 in sales in 1997, and expects an additional $100,000 in sales for 1998.
"Our intention in the beginning was just that Jim and I were going to go out and do the surveys and then we'd come back and draw up a map; and then we realized this wasn't going to work and we needed more help," Costner said.
Today, Geosurv has 15 employees, and a main office in Lafayette, with branches in Granby and Cheyenne Hills. Beyond surveyors Geosurv employs office staff and CAD (Computer Aided Design/Drafting) technicians, who help create maps.
That Geosurv grew differently than expected is little surprise considering that the partners never had a business plan.
"Our plan is to give the best possible service to the clients that we have and that has caused the growth of our business," Costner said. Consequently, 80 percent of Geosurv's business is repeat customers.
Geosurv's approach has been untraditional in other ways as well. For example, it's never advertised or marketed the company. Instead workers rely on word of mouth from customers, as well as repeat business. The company is busy enough, however, that it actually turns down more new business than it accepts.
"If we get some extra time instead of grubbing up work we're going to figure out how to work more efficiently," Costner said.
Mike Dungan, vice president and treasurer of Muller Engineering Co. Inc. in Lakewood, has worked with Geosurv roughly 100 times in the past eight years. Geosurv creates design surveys and right of way investigations (to determine limits of a property) for his company. Dungan appreciates Geosurv's customer service; from availability to its use of the latest technology.
"They do a more complete job than any surveyor I ever worked with. They're good with new technology, the latest equipment, personal service, and they always seem available to talk over jobs. They're very accessible," Dungan said.
Bob Yount is an independent petroleum land man and right-of-way agent who has worked with Geosurv for six months. Yount, too, was impressed with Geosurv's technology and attention to detail.
"They're teaching me new things, so there's not a whole lot that I would think to ask," he said.
While Geosurv is profitable, the partners say very little goes to them. Instead partners continue to re-invest in the company.
"We've put the money in the company. That's why we have all this equipment, and it's paid off, because we're making our clients happy ... That's why these people keep coming back," Costner said.
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