Skilled people fuel Energy Supply's growth

From its beginning in 1977, Energy Supply has increased its annual sales from $734,000 to over $27 million in 1983 -- a growth rate of 2719%. The firm now ranks as Indiana's second largest privately held coal producer with an annual output approaching one million tons. While the growth rate has been phenomenal, it is an achievement that 49-year-old Bill Venturi takes calmly and in stride. He attributes the company's growth to its dedicated 186 person workforce, many of whom have been with Energy Supply from its inception. Other factors include shrewd machinery purchases and a computerized maintenance program that keeps more than 150 machines, including 100 major earthmovers, on a regular service schedule. The machinery purchases have been made with an eye on productivity and mobility, says Venturi.