There are many paths to business success, and each of our fastest-growing companies has found its own.
Take Swoogo, the leader in the $250,000 to$5 million category. Company founder Leonora Valvo saw that event-planning software was far behind the times, and based on previous jobs she knew how to fill that niche. A lawsuit by its main competitor – which Valvo had worked for – slowed Swoogo down, but did not stop it from capturing market share, which led to growth of nearly 450% from 2016 to 2018.
NFI Corp. already had a strong presence in high-performance, printed graphics when it opened a New Bedford manufacturing facility. The company has continued to grow, 162.8% from 2016 to 2018 by innovation in product performance and finding new markets.
Case Snow Management Inc. continues to grow – this time 111.7% – by paying attention to its clients’ needs and developing solutions that fit the problems.
Shawmut Design and Construction grows – 64.3% in the defined period – by making sure its employees are engaged, which is made easier because it is entirely employee-owned. And while this aspect of the company certainly boosts interest in its financial performance, perhaps more important to the company culture is that it is “designed to empower our people to do their best,” said local management.
All these winners have lessons for enterprises of any size. You just have to pick the one (or two) that best fit your goals.
One thing we have learned over the years is the support that the region’s business community gives to its peers – and even competitors. This year, again, the support of sponsors makes the Fastest Growing & Innovative Companies program work. This year, once again, CBIZ & MHM is our presenting sponsor, while partner sponsors are Cox Business, Gallo|Thomas Insurance and Partridge Snow and Hahn LLP.
Mark S. Murphy
Editor
