Peter Shaper’s introduction to the satellite communications sector occurred while he was a partner in a private equity firm. Research into telecom companies that were “undervalued” led to CapRock Communications. Shaper’s interest was piqued to the point that he became CEO in 2002 when his firm acquired CapRock. His vision reshaped CapRock from primarily a domestic supplier into a global communications powerhouse, and Shaper was rewarded in 2009 when CapRock posted a strong performance in a down year for the global economy.
When Shaper arrived at Houston-based CapRock, the company’s business was to provide communications to remote locations — mainly to energy companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico, Europe and West Africa. While the business was strong and represented 90 percent of CapRock’s revenues, Shaper wanted to set CapRock on a path that would expand its size and scope and provide more stability through the ups and downs of the energy market. “What got me excited was that CapRock was serving the most reputable customers in the energy marketplace, and those customers wanted more of our services in the new regions they were moving into. This was a great opportunity and a good chance to grow in a fragmented industry.”
Our readiness to invest in technology, infrastructure and people provided us with new opportunities that we were able to capitalize on.
Shaper also directed CapRock into a stronger position in the government services market, spurred by the acquisition of Arrowhead Global Solutions, and into the commercial maritime vertical, with the launch of SeaAccess Communications, both in 2007. CapRock tripled its revenue in four years and ranks as one of the globe’s largest satellite communications service providers.
Today, Via Satellite’s 2009 Satellite Executive of the Year guides a company that employs 700 people and operates self-owned and operated teleports in Houston, Scotland, Brazil and Indonesia; 11 regional support centers, four network operations centers and partner networks strategically located around the globe.
Shaper spoke with Via Satellite Editor Jason Bates about guiding CapRock’s business and geographic expansion.
Via Satellite: What was your vision for CapRock in 2002?
Shaper: We quickly identified new opportunities both to expand relationships with our existing energy customers as well as to enter into new vertical markets. The government, maritime, mining, disaster recovery, and engineering and construction markets all showed strong demand for a dependable, worldwide communications provider. This coupled with our readiness to invest in technology, infrastructure and people provided us with new opportunities that we were able to capitalize on.
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