GILBERT, ARIZ. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Earthworks Environmental, an environmental compliance consulting firm, was founded 10 years ago, a journey that began with one client and 15 projects.
Earthworks Environmental has since become an industry leader with a proprietary online management software system, ERX, it launched 7 years ago, with more than 80 employees, and numerous new divisions in the Southern U.S.
Since its inception in 2014, the woman-owned company that provides stormwater pollution prevention, dust control, and construction safety compliances, has grown organically to become an industry leader, operating in 20 states and 36 markets. From its first client – national homebuilder Taylor Morrison – to the present, Earthworks Environmental has forged partnerships with 19 of the top 20 homebuilders in the nation. The firm primarily serves land developers, vertical developers, commercial construction, and land-holding companies.
Earthworks Environmental CEO Cherie Koester
“We are thrilled to mark a significant milestone,” Earthworks Environmental CEO Cherie Koester said. “It started with a single client, Taylor Morrison, which remains one of our most valued partners. This year alone, we have accompanied and resolved 1,389 regulatory inspections nationwide.”
Earthworks Environmental’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of cutting-edge technology, specifically its proprietary online stormwater management software, ERX. ERX is used by homebuilders nationwide and is approved for use by builders by the EPA. It led to the formation of a new company in 2023, ERX Industries.
For the past 7 years, Earthworks Environmental has employed ERX, which puts all aspects of environmental compliance into one program. This includes permits, inspections, and maps. ERX was developed for large-scale national builders based on their feedback of what they wanted and needed, Koester said.
“Our world is quickly becoming technology-based, and to stay in front of that we needed to bring a higher level of software and customer service,” Koester said. “ERX has done exactly that. The management tools and cutting-edge mapping feature are unmatched.”
Earthworks Environmental currently has approximately 2,400 active users nationally in ERX. It is available as a subscription base or license purchased, Koester said.
In recent years Earthworks Environmental opened divisions in Atlanta; Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee; Venice, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Arkansas.
Koester’s commitment to nurturing loyalty and remembering the company’s roots has been a cornerstone of Earthworks Environmental. She is also a firm believer of work-life balance for herself and the team. Koester prides herself as a mother and has guided the management team to embody strong values and principles, striving to enhance the growth and development of every employee.
Earthworks Environmental embraces camaraderie with team-building events. It also celebrates team members with Employee of the Month honors. Koester’s adult children all graduated from Arizona State University with various degrees and hold essential roles at Earthworks Environmental.
Earthworks Environmental believes in the power of community. Through partnerships with industry groups and non-profit organizations, Koester and her team constantly give back to the community. Earthworks Environmental unites each year with industry group Valley Partnership, participating with its Community Project.
As Earthworks Environmental enters its second decade, the company remains committed to its mission of compliance excellence. Since Earthworks still remains a single shareholder entity, the business will continue to focus on providing the best possible customer service and client satisfaction versus concentrating on margins. Future plans include continued growth into new markets and within current markets, Koester said.
“For many years I kept saying I felt like there was so much more for me to do and I wasn’t even halfway to my goals,” Koester said. “Today, I still feel the same way. There are countless things for me to still learn and I’m reminded daily how much I still want to grow. The sky is the limit, and I am driving the rocket.”
To learn more about Earthworks Environmental visit earthworksenv.com.
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