Aptitude Named One Of The Fastest-Growing Businesses in St. Louis For Second Year In A Row
2020 has been an unpredictable year for small business owners worldwide—and Aptitude is no exception. But the challenges presented by this unique timeline only make it more humbling that, for the second year in a row, St. Louis Small Business Monthly has chosen to recognize Aptitude with their annual Future50 awards. The awards, which appear in the September issue of the magazine, identify local companies that indicate economic growth and advancement throughout the region. Aptitude finds itself in great company, distinguished among many of the local businesses that have become cornerstones of St. Louis and the surrounding area—a true honor for the entire Aptitude team.
Like the other 49 privately held businesses that SBM recognized as the fastest growing in the region, Aptitude has shown steady growth of 20% each year of its decade-and-a-half lifetime—but even more important than the amount of growth is the way that it has happened. Aptitude Founder and CEO Matt Mierek recognizes that word-of-mouth has been the source of this success, and cites the personable and community-centric nature of his St. Louis clients as the reason why. It’s not uncommon, for instance, for Mierek to find repeat customers coming back year after year, property after property, when they’re ready for a renovation—and equally often, Aptitude is referred to neighbors, family members, and even work colleagues. It’s something that sets Aptitude’s clientele and community apart, and without the loyalty and appreciation of these clients, Aptitude would not be what it is today.
Mierek also credits his world-class staff with the company’s success. The Aptitude team rolled with the punches this year, responding to the ever-evolving needs of clients with flexibility and creativity. With homeowners spending more time at home than ever before, Aptitude expanded its offerings and catered new services to those projects that are top-of-mind with St. Louis area families in the current moment. Earlier this year, Mierek began offering virtual project quotes—based on a video-call “walkthrough” of the property—to accommodate social distancing guidelines. A few months later, another new service was introduced—Aptitude Consulting. With this a la carte-style service, Aptitude has been able to provide architectural drawings, materials lists, and product sources for homeowners who have the DIY savvy to take on smaller renovations themselves. Of course, this willingness to adapt to the “new normal” was shared by Aptitude’s loyal clients, who welcomed these new services and responded with enthusiasm.
Mierek and the entire Aptitude team are grateful to the entire St. Louis region for its support, this year and every year—and with the addition of this award, Mierek is even more proud of the legacy that Aptitude is building. As Small Business Monthly President Ron Ameln wrote in an opening letter for the September issue, “[These small business owners] have risked a lot and worked hard to not only survive, but to build growing business. We’re honoring them this month not only for their success and for their future successes—we’re honoring them for the discipline, focus and perseverance that it took for them to become successful.” This continued success is owed in large part to Aptitude’s repeat customers and ardent supporters—and of course, the specialists and experts that make the Aptitude name synonymous with quality. In 2020 as in previous years, people are the heart of Aptitude, and this award only goes to show how exceptional the community surrounding Aptitude truly is.
