By Amanda Kuhnert
If you’ve never heard the term environmental acoustics, you aren’t alone. Eddie Duncan, owner of Paxwood Acoustics in Quechee, Vermont, says one of the most important parts of his job is explaining exactly what he does. In a nutshell, Duncan works to make the world a little quieter for both current and future generations.
Paxwood Acoustics provides professional consulting services in acoustics and noise control engineering, with a focus on environmental permitting and compliance. Duncan’s clients range from public agencies tasked with preserving natural soundscapes to renewable energy companies planning power generation and transmission projects.
Before launching his own firm, Duncan spent 20 years working as an acoustics professional. He decided to strike out on his own so he could better meet his clients’ needs, particularly when it came to communication. “Acousticians are very good at talking about the technical aspects of sound,” he said, “but we’re not very good at conveying what that means to other people.” Duncan wanted to bridge that gap, not just for clients, but also for the public and decision-makers reviewing complex projects.
Starting his own company also allowed him to continue growing professionally. With a background in acoustics as well as environmental law and policy, Duncan saw Paxwood as a way to bring engineering and regulatory expertise together in a more integrated way.
Once he made the decision to start a business, Duncan became a student of entrepreneurship. Instead of rushing to leave his salaried position, he focused on learning the fundamentals of business ownership first. Along with extensive reading, he also reached out for guidance. “I knew I was going to need help with contracts, insurance, finances, strategy, writing a business plan, and entrepreneurial support,” he said.
During his research, the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) was recommended as a free resource for entrepreneurs. Duncan connected with Scott Holson, an advisor for Orange and Windsor Counties, and began working through the many components of starting a business.
“When you first think about starting a business, there are so many elements it can be hard to organize and prioritize,” Duncan said. “Scott helped me think through what to focus on and when. That skill set has carried over into managing the business day to day.”
Eighteen months in, Paxwood Acoustics continues to grow. Duncan recently hired his first full-time employee and plans to expand his team as demand increases. Today, the company serves clients across the country, built around the values that inspired its founding. “Hiring our first team member was a big milestone,” he said. “They came to us because they believed in the same things we do—helping create sustainable environments and prioritizing strong client relationships.”
For more info: paxwoodacoustics.com.
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