Our Founding Story

When times are tough, some entrepreneurs refine their business model, but a select few assess the market and seize new opportunities. That’s exactly what happened in 1989 when Mike Hydrick, a young electrical contractor with an established business and a strong reputation in military construction, approached Ricky Pena with an idea: starting an underground utilities construction company.

The Early Days: Vision Amidst Uncertainty

The early 1980s brought a construction boom to Central Texas, but by 1989, the industry faced a downturn, forcing many small companies to scale back. Rueter Construction, owned by Joe Bob Rueter, was among those facing difficult decisions. With young families depending on the business, downsizing was a painful but necessary step. Among those affected were Rueter’s daughter and son-in-law, Ricky & Beverly, parents of two young girls. Bev had a knack for numbers and was eager to pursue a degree in accounting, while Rick, a mechanical genius, kept the equipment running and honed his construction skills.

One day, Mike Hydrick walked into the Rueter shop and proposed a partnership with Ricky. Mike would provide business expertise, and Rick would bring his mechanical knowledge to create new opportunities for growth. If all went well, Mike promised a future partnership. With determination, the new business took off, leveraging military expansion at nearby Fort Hood and existing industry relationships to secure contracts. Over time, the company expanded into municipal projects, adding crews and equipment including some from the original Rueter construction business. Sam Paredes was one such employee who believed in the dream that was being built and dedicated himself to helping as much as he could.

After operating out of a local general contractor’s back office for a few years, Mike saw the need for a dedicated headquarters. He purchased the original Rueter property, complete with four offices and a large shop. True to his promise, five years later, he presented Ricky with partnership documents. For a mere $470, RP became the managing partner, while Mike took on a “sometimes silent” advisory role. As the company grew, they brought Beverly into the business to manage accounting full-time.

Expansion and Evolution in the 1990s

The 1990s were a period of prosperity. Fort Hood’s expansion fueled opportunities, and the company became adept at navigating government contracts. Around this time, another young entrepreneur, Keith James, had also moved to Central Texas and pursued civil construction. His path ran parallel to Mike and Rick’s, and they found themselves working on the same projects at Fort Hood. In early 2003, a chance encounter sparked an idea: What if they merged civil construction (earthwork and concrete) with underground utilities to create a "one-stop shop"? No other company in the area offered such comprehensive services. The concept took root and, once executed, became highly sought after by general contractors and government agencies alike.

In mid-2003, Keith joined the company, bringing civil engineering expertise and a trusted team of employees eager for a fresh start. By 2004, revenue had doubled, and by 2006, it had tripled, proving their strategy was sound. Around this time, Mike, confident in Rick's leadership, stepped away, making Ricky Pena the majority owner. With this transition, the company expanded its headquarters, adding both administrative and operational capacity. Beverly and Ricky credited their success to faith, hard work, and the dedication of their growing team.

Lessons from Rapid Growth: Strategic Planning & Stability

By 2008, revenue had surged 323% in just five years. But with rapid growth came new challenges. The team learned firsthand that expansion must be strategic—growth for growth’s sake can be dangerous. They realized that proper management, structured supervision, and optimized resources were essential for sustainable success. It wasn’t just about hiring more employees or acquiring more equipment; it was about ensuring that leadership, planning, and execution kept pace with expansion.

Building a Stronger Culture: The Commitment to Safety & Core Values

In 2013, the company made a pivotal shift toward prioritizing safety—not just as a policy, but as a cultural cornerstone. The common industry phrases "Safety is #1" and "Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility" became the foundation of a new work environment rooted in Respect, Integrity, Commitment, Honesty, and Quality. These core values weren’t just words on paper; they became guiding principles embraced by every employee. Without them, they realized, they were just another company chasing profits. With them, they built something enduring.

A Legacy of Growth, Strategy, and Family

"Working together to better our lives, the lives of our families, and our customers" became the company’s mission in 2013. Over a decade later, that statement continues to define TTG Utilities, Inc. Annual management retreats foster both financial and safety planning, while five-year strategic goals help maintain controlled growth. With revenue surpassing $45 million and a workforce of over 200 employees, TTG-U has built not just a company, but a family.

Today, multiple generations work side by side—siblings, cousins, parents, and children—creating a legacy of collaboration and longevity. Perhaps one day soon, TTG-U will become a three-generation employer, proving that talent can be nurtured, challenges can be overcome, and success is best when shared.

TTG Utilities, Inc. isn’t just about building infrastructure—it’s about building a future.