# Episode 26: Underground Growth: How APS Built a Southeast Powerhouse

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-paper-jacket-podcast-7101821/episode-26-underground-growth-how-aps-built-a-southeast-powerhouse
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-paper-jacket-podcast-7101821/episode-26-underground-growth-how-aps-built-a-southeast-powerhouse.md
Podcast: [The Paper Jacket Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-paper-jacket-podcast-7101821)
Published: 2026-01-06T19:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paper-jacket-podcast/episodes/Episode-26-Underground-Growth-How-APS-Built-a-Southeast-Powerhouse-e3d2la4
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/109ef56f0/podcast/play/113382148/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-0-1%2F87abf7aa-d7d1-af26-dd9f-7d43803b5150.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-paper-jacket-podcast-7101821/episodes/episode-26-underground-growth-how-aps-built-a-southeast-powerhouse
Duration seconds: 1725

## Resource

In this episode of the Paper Jacket Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Allan Cagle , co-founder of Atlantic Pipe Services (APS) —a rapidly growing company that's quietly revolutionizing underground infrastructure in the Southeast. Allan shares how APS went from just two employees to nearly 300 across 7 locations, the lessons he learned scaling a niche business, and why culture , trust , and people matter more than any playbook. We dive into: 🔹 What APS actually does (and why it’s critical infrastructure work) 🔹 How internal innovation helped them outpace the competition 🔹 Why investing in people—not just performance—is the secret to sustainable growth 🔹 The unexpected link between professional bass fishing and entrepreneurship 🔹 How APS recently closed a record-setting private equity deal 🔹 The importance of being humble, hungry, and willing to train the next generation This episode is for builders, operators, entrepreneurs, and anyone thinking about what it takes to scale a business that lasts. 💡 Ideal for Industrial, Commercial, Community, and Government entities. 🛠️ Services: Trenchless cleaning, internal inspection, and rehabilitation services for Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water systems 🌐 Learn more: https://atlanticpipe.us 🎬 Produced by: https://paper-jacket.com 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘀 00:00 – “You Can’t Get Experience Without a Chance” 00:30 – Meet Allan Cagle from Atlantic Pipe Services (APS) 01:00 – What APS Does: Cleaning & Rehabbing Underground Pipes 02:30 – Why Trenchless Rehab Saves Time, Money, and Disruption 04:30 – How Allan Entered the Industry at 21 05:30 – From First Employee to Launching APS in 2017 06:30 – Growing from 2 Employees to 300+ Across Florida 08:00 – Building Culture Without Micromanaging 09:30 – Hiring Young Talent and Training from the Ground Up 11:0…

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