Today we’d like to introduce you to Conan Williams.
Hi Conan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in So Cal and went to college at Michigan State University. After college in 2006, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. My cousin, Curtis, got me my first job at a mortgage company. That didn’t last long—then my brother, Bob, helped me land a job with another mortgage company doing sales; it was a hard racket, but the money was decent for a 23-year-old. During this time, I was also coaching my younger brother Tyler’s football team along with my dad, Robert Williams. My dad had been in the Environmental field for 20 years and in 2002, started his own company: A-Tech Consulting, Inc. While coaching together, my dad kept asking me to come work for him. One day, after talking to my then-girlfriend and now wife of 13 years, Cassie, I finally decided to go to work for A-Tech.
I was excited, yet trepid—because I knew nothing of what my dad actually did. My first day at work, my dad said, “Go clean out the warehouse.” And so it went for my first week. But, as I continued on, I became a certified field technician within six months. I received constant, in-depth training from my dad. He made sure I was going to be a great technician.
As my skill set grew and I continued to learn, he—as most dads do—saw more in me. He began pushing me to do more, be more; and learn the Client Management and Sales side of A-Tech. Before long, he started pushing me in the direction of project management. Once I entered this side of things, my stepmom, Casandra Williams, also became more involved with my training. My two parents were deeply intent on making me the best I could be—seeing potential I surely didn’t at the time. It seemed like over the next ten years, I was constantly learning and growing. I become very proficient in Sales, Client Management, and Operations. Along the way, my parents continued to push me—at times, I didn’t know or see the vision of what I could be—but they did.
In 2013, my brother, Josh, suddenly passed; which caused me to go to a dark place. Over the next few years, I battled with alcohol and depression. In 2016, I had my first of two boys, CJ. When he was born, my wife put her foot down—and I put down alcohol for good. This led to me being a better father to CJ (now 7) and Carter (now 4); as well as a better husband and ultimately a better person.
I went down a road of rediscovery and emotional intelligence training. As a byproduct, I was promoted by my parents to Vice President of A-Tech. In 2020, I took a course called “Leadership 2020” which was moderated by Virginia Knudsen. In that class, I was surrounded by extremely impressive leaders of other companies. During the course, I learned all about the ins and outs of the logistical and financial sides of business; but all that was secondary to leading people. It was there that I really learned the skills to lead the people within our company. My perception of leadership was flipped on its head—in a good way. I even wound up being selected as valedictorian by my peers in the class.
All along the way, our team at A-Tech was growing; and we were making the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America, which culminated with our 5th straight year making the list in 2022. When I started at A-Tech, I was the 5th employee we had at the time. We have grown to have as many as 92 employees throughout four branches (Washington, Nor Cal, So Cal, and San Diego). Without the guidance, support, love, and mentorship of my parents, family, and most importantly, my wife—the man I am today was not possible. I am now working my way towards becoming the CEO of A-Tech and continuing to lead in a way that inspires and motivates our people. I have now been with A-Tech for 17 years this October, and I am more motivated and inspired than ever by the growth potential and what’s next for our company. We are nothing without those around us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up, I was 1 of 10 kids. We didn’t have a lot, and times were tough. My dad had a good job, but having that many kids led to constant financial struggles. We didn’t have many things, but my dad made sure we always had what we needed. My birth mother was never a presence in our lives, which was hard while growing up. My stepmom Lynn passed away when I was 10, but my dad kept grinding and making us not feel without. Casandra came into the picture when I was 11 and assumed the role of mother to the lot of us. Collectively, they both worked tirelessly to make sure we always had a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs. There were many struggles, but we always had each other and the community my dad helped create.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about A-Tech Consulting, Inc.?
A-Tech Consulting, Inc. is a full-service Environmental Health and Safety Company (EHS). We perform all testing of hazardous materials and auditing/training for all regulatory compliance. We service all industries, from hospitals and aerospace to residential clients. The A-Tech difference is our ability to take every situation our clients are experiencing and work with them to provide solutions specific to their needs. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each client gets a unique experience specific to them. We lean on the vast experience our in-house professionals have. Unlike many other companies in our industry, we have a full-service approach with in-house professionals. We do this to be a one-stop shop for our clients. The thing I am most proud of is the team we have built. It is a true team; our culture is second to none, and our clients experience that when they work with A-Tech.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I want to start by saying that a lot of people have taken a risk and put their trust in me. I would have nothing and would not be in the position I am today without them.
Starting at A-Tech was a risk; I did not want to work for my parents. I now feel that it was the best decision I ever made.
We started to grow and expand into new markets and create new branches. I helped head up this venture. This was a big-time financial risk for our company. Going into a market, basically knowing nobody, and growing it into a successful branch is incredibly gratifying. We still have that same mindset toward growth.
In my opinion, you have to take risks to succeed—no risk, no reward. My dad likes to say, “We grow in the hard places.” Nothing good and worth having has ever come easily in my life. We take chances and risks on things; not all of them work out, but we become stronger and better through every experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atechinc.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atechconsulting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atechconsultinginc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-tech-consulting-inc./
